Ticks and Dogs | What You Need to Know This Spring

What You Need to Know This Spring

As spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, many of us welcome the warmer weather – but unfortunately, so do ticks. These small, unwelcome parasites are more active in warmer months and can pose a serious health risk to dogs and their owners alike.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are eight-legged, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals – and sometimes humans – feeding until they become engorged and fall off. They carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, and canine anaplasmosis, some of which can also be transmitted to humans and, in rare cases, become life-threatening.

The Kennel Club estimates that thousands of dogs in the UK are infected with tick-borne illnesses every year.

Where Do Ticks Hide?

Ticks are commonly found in long grass, dense vegetation, woodland, and even urban parks. They wait for a passing animal or person to brush by, then latch on. Once on your dog, they often crawl to warm, sheltered areas such as:

• Around the eyes and ears
• Under the armpits
• Between the toes
• Around the groin or tail base

If your dog is scratching, licking, or chewing at a specific spot, it could be a sign a tick is attached.

How to Safely Remove a Tick

If you find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it correctly to prevent infection or the transmission of disease.

Tick Removal Tips:

• Use the right tool: Purchase a proper tick removal tool from your vet or pet shop. If you’re unsure how to use it, ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate.
• Wear disposable gloves to avoid contact with the tick or its bodily fluids.
• Use a gentle twisting motion with the tool to remove the tick, making sure to extract the entire body and head.
• Do not squeeze, burn, or smother the tick with vinegar or alcohol while it’s attached. These common DIY methods can make things worse by increasing the risk of infection or causing harm to your dog.
• Check the tick after removal: Ensure the head is intact. If any part remains embedded, consult your vet.
• Dispose of the tick safely: Place it in a small container of alcohol to kill it.
• Monitor your pet: Watch for symptoms of illness for up to 21 days after a bite. Signs may include lethargy, fever, joint pain, or loss of appetite.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

Preventing ticks is always better than treating tick-borne diseases. Here are some practical tips:

1. Keep Your Garden Tidy

Trim grass regularly and clear overgrown plants or brush where ticks may live.

2. Avoid Hotspots

Stick to well-trodden paths and avoid letting your dog roam in long grass or undergrowth during walks.

3. Check After Every Walk

Brush your dog after walks, especially if they have a longer coat. Pay close attention to hidden areas like ears, toes, and leg creases.

4. Try Natural Repellents

Some natural oils such as lemongrass, rosemary, and peppermint may help repel ticks. Always dilute essential oils properly and consult your vet before applying them to your dog.

5. Use Preventative Products

There are a variety of tick prevention products available including collars, shampoos, and spot-on treatments. Speak to your vet to choose the best one for your pet.

Ticks may be small, but their impact can be big. Regular checks, safe removal, and preventative care can help keep your dog safe and healthy this spring and beyond.

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