Ticks

Ticks can carry diseases that can be transmitted to animals and humans. In the UK, the main example is Lyme disease (borreliosis). A dog or human might contract Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick that is carrying the bacteria. Tick infestation is usually seasonal, peaking between March and June and again between August and November.

Ticks are usually picked up after walking in locations with high grass and livestock or deer. They can attach anywhere on the body, but prefer non-hairy and thin-skinned sites, such as on the face and ears, between the toes and in the armpits and perianal areas.

Female ticks attach to large animals (including deer, dogs and humans) in order to take a blood meal before laying eggs. When fully engorged with blood, the size of a tick can increase to around 1cm in length and can be seen easily.

Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to avoid the potential transmission of any disease. Purpose-made tools are available for tick removal. These grip the head of the tick without squashing the body, as this could potentially encourage the release of more saliva or stomach contents from the tick. Alternatively, pointed tweezers or a single loop of cotton can be used to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin, and then pull outwards and upwards without twisting.

A product that kills and/or repels ticks is recommended for animals on which a tick has previously been found and for dogs that are taken for walks in areas with tall grass and deer or livestock. The risk of tick attachment and transmission of infection can be reduced by avoiding or limiting access to areas with known high tick density or at times of the year when ticks are most active, and by inspecting animals daily and immediately removing ticks.