Terrible ticks

Ticks are on the increase in the UK, and we need to be more vigilant than ever in order to protect our own health and that of our dogs.

Historically found mainly in moorland and moorland areas, ticks are now being seen in coastal areas and even in our gardens, thanks to climate change and more people traveling with their pets to Europe, where infection rates are high.  We therefore need to be prepared for the warmer months, when ticks are active, and know what to do when we see one or see symptoms of a possible tick-borne disease.

What are ticks and what do they do?

Ticks are parasites, related to spiders, which attach themselves to animals and humans, and feed on their blood. They can live for up to 2 years. They can’t jump or fly and so they will climb onto a plant or piece of vegetation and wait for a host to pass by. They will then move around until they find a suitable place on the host to feed.

Initially small, they increase in size as they fill up with blood – this is when they are most easily spotted and are usually grey in colour at this point.

While the actual tick bite can be uncomfortable, especially if the tick is not removed properly, it is the diseases transmitted by ticks that pose the biggest threat to us and our dogs.

Diseases and symptoms

Lyme disease (Borreliosis)

The main risk to dogs from tick bites in the UK, it can be treated with antibiotics if picked up early, if left however, it can lead to kidney disease and heart failure. If you see any of the following symptoms, see your vet straight away so that tests can be done and treatment started if applicable.

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Lameness

• Swollen glands

• Loss of appetite

Similarly, if you start to experience flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pain, headache, extreme fatigue or see a bullseye like rash, seek medical advice immediately.

Babesia Canis 

This has only recently been introduced to the UK and was previously only seen in dogs that had been in Europe. The disease attacks and destroys red blood cells. Thankfully still rare, it is wise to be aware of the symptoms.

• Fever

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Increased respiratory rate

• Anaemia – pale gums or yellow gums

• Blood in urine

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is tick-borne disease that affects the white blood cells. It is rare in the UK, but is common in Europe, the USA and Africa, so dogs that have travelled are at risk. If treated quickly with antibiotics, treatment can be successful however in some cases, symptoms can persist for 6 months. Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Anorexia and weight loss

• Stiffness, not wanting to walk

• Prolonged bleeding

  
  

In dogs, the signs of ehrlichiosis can include fever, anorexia, weight loss, stiffness and prolonged bleeding. Dogs can appear to improve but may harbour a chronic form of the infection without treatment.

How to spot a tick on a dog

Give your dog a close examination, looking for any obvious signs of a tick moving in their fur and feeling for any unusual lumps. Around the head, neck and ears are common areas for ticks, but they can attach anywhere on the body, so a full examination is key. 

If you do find a tick, don’t be tempted to just pull it off. Tick mouthpieces are buried in the skin and pulling off a tick can leave these parts embedded in the skin surface, which can lead to infections.

Tick removal

Do not pull the tick off with your fingers or tweezers or attempt to squeeze or burn it.  The best way to remove a tick is with a tick remover tool. These have been designed to remove all parts of the tick.

• Place the tool between the body of the tick and your dog’s skin, making sure all fur is out of the way. This will trap the tick.  

• Gently rotate the tool several times until the tick comes loose.  

• Removed ticks should be disposed of safely in household waste.  

Prevention

There are lots of tick prevention treatments on the market, from monthly tablets to repellent collars. Your vet can advise on the best form of treatment for your area and particularly if you intend on travelling with your pet to another country, it is worth seeking their advice before you travel.

Local online forums can be informative for areas of high tick numbers and can be avoided, if necessary, at certain times of the year.

Don’t forget to look after yourself as well as your dog. Check yourself after walks too and consider wearing long trousers and boots when walking in areas with long grass, tall undergrowth or damp, cool environments.

We recommend keeping a tick remover tool in your travel first aid kit as well as at home, so that you can act swiftly if you do see a tick on your dog when you are away from home. You can find them in our Travel & First Aid collection.