Ticks
These guys are little CRAWLING, CREEPING, BLOOD-SUCKING mini beasts that can cause a lot
of problems for us and for our pets.
Most ticks have a life cycle with three stages which is completed over 1-3 years (see image below). Each stage will attach onto a host (a wild animal, your pet, or you!) and feed for several days before dropping off and developing into the next life stage. Apart from just being generally disgusting, ticks can cause PAIN and INFECTION where they bite, as well as transmit more serious DISEASE such as Lyme disease.
Tick-borne disease is on the rise in UK pets so prevention is more important than ever.
Ticks are present throughout the UK, although they are more prevalent in some areas than others. Most tick activity is seen in the SPRING and in the AUTUMN, but they can be found throughout the Summer as well, albeit at lower levels, so tick prevention is important almost YEAR-ROUND.
No product can stop a tick from biting and attaching to your pet. However, the key is to ensure that the tick will DIE and drop off before it has the chance to TRANSMIT DISEASE. Tick prevention for your pets can be given as a spot-on treatment or a tablet and most products will treat ticks as well as fleas. The best product to use will depend on your pets ’lifestyle so have a chat with your vet or vet nurse to see what may work the best for you.
If you find a tick on your pet it is important to remove it… CAREFULLY!
When a tick attaches for a feed it buries it’s mouthparts into the skin. If these are left behind when we remove the tick then it can cause pain, infection, and swelling.
The safest way to remove a tick is to use a tick hook to gently twist and release the tick. Then dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or sink. Tick hooks are available from pet shops, online, or in your veterinary practice.
We have a fantastic how to video available on our Youtube channel to help you:
NEVER try and burn a tick or use alcohol to remove it from your pet. This can cause injury and make things worse.
If you have found a tick on your pet, or if your pet is unwell after having a tick bite then contact your vet practice for help.
IN A NUTSHELL: Ticks can pass some pretty serious infections on to our pets, and tick-borne disease is increasing in the UK, so using a good quality tick treatment regularly is an important part of protecting your pet’s health.
