Ticks are common parasites that bite dogs and feed on their blood
Ticks bite dogs, humans and other animals
Ticks can spread several diseases, such as Lymes disease
Ticks live in long grass and undergrowth
You can give regular treatments to ensure that ticks don’t attach onto your dogs.
What are ticks?
Ticks are parasites that bite animals and feed on their blood. They sit on the tips of leaves and climb onto passing animals, where they can feed. When they bite they can pass on diseases – spreading disease from one animal to another. Ticks can also bite humans and spread diseases.
How do dogs get ticks?
Dogs pick up ticks by walking through long grass and bushes in mild, wet weather conditions (which is most of the year in the UK).
Are ticks dangerous for dogs or humans?
Ticks can be dangerous because they spread disease. The bites themselves are not usually a problem and, once the tick is removed, the bites tend to heal very quickly. Bites can be itchy or swollen and may become infected, especially if a tack has been pulled off the dog and some of the tick is left in.
Which diseases are spread by ticks?
Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by ticks in the UK. Ticks can spread other diseases but these usually occur in dogs that have travelled outside the UK.
Tick treatment and prevention
Remove ticks as soon as you see them on you or your dog. Use a special device designed to remove the whole tick. If the wrong tool is used it is easy to leave bits of the tick stuck inside the skin. This can lead to the bite swelling, being sore, or becoming infected.
Ticks need time to pass on disease after biting a dog so if they’re removed within 24 hours, the chance of them passing on disease is less.
There are many products that can reducing the risk of tick bites in dogs, including spot-on treatments (liquids applied to the back of the neck), tablets (some tasty, chewy varieties), or collars. Many effective treatments require a veterinary prescription, so it’s best to speak with one of our vets to decide which treatment is best for your dog.
