What are Ticks?
Ticks are small 6-legged blood sucking insects, which can spread some nasty blood-borne diseases to our pets – and humans too. These include Lymes disease. They can also cause anaemia.
They attach to the skin, usually when out walking in long grass.
How do I know if my pet has a tick – and how do I remove them?
It’s important to check your dog after every walk – and cats too when they come indoors – and remove any ticks you find, using a tool designed for this, to ensure they come out properly.
Female ticks are usually big enough to be visible; they may look like brown or red lumps on your pet’s skin. They are most commonly found on the head, neck, groin, armpits and paws. Male ticks are much smaller and you would have to comb through their fur and examine them quite closely to be able to see them.
Your dog or cat may well scratch at a tick that has latched on, so do check if you notice them doing this.
Ticks can also get into the ears, so if your pet is shaking their head then it is a good idea to take a closer look.
The removal tools, “tick twisters”, are simple plastic tools, available from our reception, as well as all pets shops, at minimal cost.
It’s important to twist the tick remover tool to remove the tick safely. Never pull, squeeze or crush a tick, as this can leave behind parts of the insect and increases the risk of infection.
Please do call us on 01435 864422 if you need advice on how to use a tick removal tool, or if you think you haven’t removed one properly.
Where are my pets most at risk?
Ticks populate wooded areas, overgrown fields and grassy gardens.
They are particularly active between Spring and Autumn, though vigilance throughout the year is recommended.
Dogs travelling abroad are also at greater risk, as many other countries, including continental Europe, have some tick borne illnesses which are not present in the UK. So if you are planning to take your pet abroad, either on holiday or because you are moving there, please do check with us.
What can I do to prevent ticks?
The most important thing you can do as an owner is to stop tick bites before they happen and stay vigilant in recognising when your pet might be at risk.
There are several products available which can kill or repel ticks, including the latest regular parasite treatments.
Others come as spot-on treatments, tablets or collars, which are all easy to use and could save you pet from contracting a tick borne disease – some of which can affect pets for the rest of their lives.
Please do call us on 01435 864422 if you would like to get a suitable treatment for your pet, or need advice on ticks and tick removal.
