Tick Season: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

Ticks are more than just an unpleasant parasite – they can pose a serious risk to your dog's health. As temperatures rise during spring, summer and early autumn, ticks become much more active, although in some areas they can be found throughout the year.

Whether your dog enjoys woodland walks, parks, fields or even playing in the garden, it's important to know how to protect them from ticks and the diseases they can carry.

Why are ticks a problem?

Ticks thrive in grassy, wooded and rural areas where they wait for a passing animal to brush against the vegetation. They don't jump or fly; instead, they climb onto animals as they pass by and attach themselves to feed on blood.

Any dog that spends time outdoors can pick up ticks, even if they only go for regular walks close to home.

Why are ticks dangerous?

A tick bite may seem harmless, but ticks can carry diseases that are passed to dogs while they feed. These illnesses can affect your dog's blood, immune system and other vital organs. In some cases, they can become serious if left untreated.

Fortunately, most tick-related illnesses can be prevented by using appropriate parasite protection and checking your dog regularly.

Signs your dog may have a tick-borne illness

Some dogs show no immediate symptoms after being bitten, so it's important to watch for signs such as:

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Pale gums

• Lameness or stiffness

• Weight loss

• Bruising or unexplained bleeding

• Changes in behaviour

If your dog develops any of these symptoms, particularly after you've found a tick, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

How to check your dog for ticks

Checking your dog after every walk is one of the simplest ways to protect them.

Pay particular attention to:

• Around the ears

• Under the collar

• Around the neck

• Between the toes

• Under the front and back legs

• Around the groin

• Around the eyes

• Under the tail

Ticks often feel like a small lump attached to the skin before they're easy to see.

Removing a tick safely

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine-pointed tweezers.

Grip the tick as close to your dog's skin as possible and pull upwards with slow, steady pressure. Avoid twisting, crushing or squeezing the tick, as this can increase the risk of disease transmission.

Do not try to remove ticks using petroleum jelly, alcohol, nail varnish or heat.

Once the tick has been removed, clean the area and wash your hands thoroughly.

If you're unsure about removing a tick yourself, your veterinary practice will be happy to help.

Preventing tick bites

The best protection is prevention.

Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate flea and tick treatment for your dog based on their age, health and lifestyle. Preventative treatments may include:

• Spot-on treatments

• Oral tablets

• Tick collars

No treatment offers complete protection, so it's still important to check your dog regularly, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.

Keeping your garden tidy and avoiding long grass where practical can also help reduce the risk.

Rescue dogs need extra care

Many rescue dogs have spent weeks, months or even years living outdoors before they are brought to safety. During that time, they may have been exposed to ticks and other parasites without receiving any preventative treatment.

Providing flea and tick protection is an important part of every rescue dog's healthcare. It helps keep them comfortable, protects them from potentially serious diseases and gives them the best possible start before they find a loving home.

How you can help rescue dogs

Providing parasite prevention for rescue dogs is an ongoing expense for animal rescues. Every donation helps cover the cost of preventative treatments, veterinary care and the day-to-day support dogs need while they wait for their forever families.

Whether you choose to adopt, foster, sponsor a dog or make a donation, you're helping rescue dogs stay healthy, happy and ready for a brighter future.

Together, we can protect dogs from preventable illnesses and give them the care they deserve.

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