06/06/2023
Tick Season
When are ticks active? Ticks are commonly more active in open areas in spring and autumn, but they can, in fact, be found in your dog's environment throughout the year.
* Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors.
* Run your fingers through your petās fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps.
* Looks for ticks in the following areas:
* In and around the ears
* Around the eyelids
* Under the collar
* Under the front legs
* Between the back legs
* Between the toes
* Around the tail
How to remove a tick from a dog
Twisting them off your dog is the best removal method, and pet shops sell handy tick-removal devices to make this easier.
You need to be careful not to squeeze the tickās body, or allow its head to get stuck inside your dog. Squeezing a tickās body can cause it to expel blood back into your dog, increasing the risk of infection. Ask your vet for advice if you're worried about doing this.
1. Once you've located the tick, using gloves if you have them, gently part your dog's fur so that you can easily reach the tick
2. Get your tick remover and slowly push it under the tick
3. When you have a firm grasp of the tick, twist it in a clockwise direction several times until the tick comes loose
4. Take a look at your dog's skin and make sure the tick is completely removed
5. Get rid of the tick by putting it in alcohol or popping it in tissue and flushing it down the toilet before washing your hands.
How can I protect my dog from ticks?
The longer a tick is attached to your pet, the greater the risk of your dog catching a disease. Spot on treatments and tablets are available and itās best practice to consult your vet about which is most suitable for your pet.
Read tick treatment instructions very carefully if you have a cat. Some dog treatments can be lethal if used on cats.
Best practice is to get veterinary advice to treat your pet.