The UK's leading dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, is urging dog owners nationwide to remain vigilant this weekend as warmer weather arrives, creating ideal conditions for ticks.
Why the Alert Now?
With temperatures rising and the bank holiday approaching, the minuscule parasites become more active during milder months. Routine walks now present a greater risk of contact, as ticks thrive in woodland and grassland, especially between spring and autumn.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are tiny, spider-like organisms that feed on blood from the skin of animals. They have eight legs and an egg-shaped body that swells with blood. While they cannot jump, they attach to dogs by climbing, dropping, or through direct contact. Ticks can transmit infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, making swift detection and safe extraction vital for both canine and human health.
How to Know If Your Dog Has a Tick
If your dog has been bitten, you may spot the tick on their skin or notice a swollen, inflamed area. Regular grooming helps with detection. Some dogs may lick or chew a particular body part more than usual if the area is sore.
Prevention Tips
- Avoid high-risk areas such as long grass.
- Check your dog regularly, especially after walks.
- Speak to your vet about parasite prevention and tick repellents.
How to Remove a Tick
- Identify: Ensure it's a tick by looking for legs; contact your vet if unsure.
- Position: Slide a tick-removal tool beneath the tick, as close to the skin as possible.
- Twist: Gently twist the tool two or three times in the same direction without pulling upwards.
- Dispose: Safely dispose of the tick in your bin; do not squash it.
- Clean and monitor: Clean the area with warm, salty water and watch for signs of illness.
Vet Advice
Never pull, crush, squeeze, or burn a tick, as this can push blood back into your dog or cause inflammation. Using a naked flame near your pet could cause harm. Create practice scenarios with positive reinforcement to help your dog stay calm during removal. If you're worried, consult your vet.
Victoria Phillips, veterinary surgeon manager at Dogs Trust, said: "Ticks can be an unpleasant surprise, but they can be handled calmly and safely. The key is to check your dog often, especially after walks in long grass, and to act quickly if you spot one. Using the right removal technique reduces risk, and getting your dog comfortable with handling makes the process less stressful. If unsure, reach out to your vet."
Further guidance is available on the Dogs Trust website.
