Tick Advice

Ticks are part of the spider family. They vary in size depending on their age and how recently they have fed. They are commonly found in grassland, woodland and heathland, but can also just be found in your garden (especially if there is lots of wildlife about).

They are often mistaken for warts or a small lump that has suddenly appeared on your pet. They are tend to migrate to areas where there is less hair on your pet, so the head, legs, paws, groin or armpit. They will attach to your pet and feed by sucking their blood. Once they are full they fall off (which can be after several days) ready to attach to the next host.

Ticks also carry and transmit diseases which are very harmful not only to your pet but also to humans. Lyme disease is probably the one most commonly heard about and it is this bacterial infection that can also effect humans. Dogs that travel abroad or to Southern England are more at risk of Babesiosis than dogs not travelling.

If you notice a tick on your pet then it should be removed. To remove a tick you should use a twisting action rather than squeezing or pulling, so not to leave the head in the pet or increase the likelihood of infection. There are various tools now available on the market to remove ticks. If you are unsure how to remove a tick you can book an appointment with one of our nurses who will remove the tick(s) for you free of charge.

There are many treatments available for tick prevention. The best treatment kill them immediately when they feed or repel them. Please speak to our team and we can advise the most appropriate effective preventative treatment for you.

 

Interesting Link about Ticks:

http://www.jungleforpets.co.uk/parasite-guide/ticks/

If you are travelling abroad here is one of our handouts on which treatment we recommend