Protecting your pet against ticks
Protecting your pet against ticks
In the UK, ticks can carry various germs including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, an infection that affects both dogs and humans: symptoms can include a ‘bull’s-eye rash’ in people, but this doesn’t always occur. Other symptoms include lethargy and flu-like symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.
It’s important to know how to check for ticks properly, and what precautions you should take to avoid them being carried into your home.
Wider implications
Wider implications
Ticks are parasites we associate with our pets but they can also affect us and our families as they can carry disease risks.
If you, a member of your family, or your pet has been bitten by a tick and is unwell, speak to a healthcare professional. For more information on this please refer to Public Health England.
In 2012, the requirement to treat dogs entering the UK on the PET travel scheme for ticks was removed. Ticks in other countries can carry diseases that are not found in the UK and there’s a risk that ticks brought into the UK from abroad can expose our pets to these diseases.
In 2016 there was the first outbreak of canine babesiosis, a potentially fatal disease of dogs carried by ticks in Europe, in dogs in the UK that had not travelled abroad.
So it’s still important when at home and travelling, even though there’s no requirement on the PET travel scheme, to protect our pets from ticks.
Finding the right solution
Finding the right solution
Treatments available on prescription from your vet include spot-ons and chews that give 28 days’ protection; chews that give 35 days’ protection; and spot-ons and chews that give up to 12 weeks' protection.
If your pet has ticks they may also have another common parasite fleas. If you have a flea infestation, then to break the flea life cycle you’ll need a minimum of three doses, given on time, of the 28-day and 35-day products; or one dose of the 12-week product.1
Collars are also available that last up to 6-8 months.
How to prevent this issue
How to prevent this issue
Prevention can be an excellent way to manage the parasite risk to your pet so the best way to ensure your pet doesn't have any fleas or ticks is to speak to your vet about products to protect them.
Treatments available on prescription from your vet include spot-on and chews that give 28 days’ protection; chews that give 35 days’ protection; and spot-on and chews that give up to12 weeks’ protection.
Collars are also available that last up to 6-8 months.
Speak to your vet, as they will be able to advise you on the different options available and recommend the best one for your pet based on their specific lifestyle.
Ticks and fleas can easily attach to your pet, and by the time most pet owners notice them, it’s usually when they have been active for a week or more.
These parasites can also carry diseases that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.
By using a vet recommended product, you can be assured that your pet will be protected, and that fleas and ticks will be killed before they can do any real harm.
The following are some signs to be on the look-out for, but keep in mind that your pet might not necessarily display these, so the best way to ensure your pet is protected from ticks is to speak to your vet about an effective treatment protocol. Some signs to look out for are:
- Small bumps on your pets skin especially around the head or neck area
- Skin irritation if your pet has had a reaction to the tick bite
Read about Parasites
Map of tick risk
Map of tick risk
This interactive tick map, created from The Big Tick Project results, helps to show risk in your local area.
Diseases related to ticks
Babesiosis
Read more about Babesiosis; how it's transmitted, how to treat it and how to prevent it.
Lyme disease
Read more about Lyme disease; how it's transmitted and it's common symptoms.
The effect of temperature on ticks
Ticks are temporary parasites with lengthy free-living periods.
They adapt their behaviour based on changes in the environment. The following are some of the ways they adapt:
• their light-sensitive cells and special organs detect light levels, temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity and vibrations indicating the best time to quest for a host
• ticks cannot jump or fly so they ‘quest’ by holding onto blades of grass or foliage with their legs and outstretching their front legs in order to grab hold of a passing host
They require humidity of 80% when off the host. This is possible by:
• litter layer and soil retain humidity for ticks to survive
• their ideal environments are woodland, heathland, moorland, pasture and urban parks
Ticks are very active
The current temperature in your region is the optimal temperature at which ticks seek a host to feed on - remember to inspect your dog and yourself for ticks after long walks near tall grass or in areas with wild deer
Why protect against fleas?
Fleas can cause severe irritation leading to infection of the skin...
Big Flea & Tick Projects
MSD Animal Health has undertaken research into the most common...
Why do we vaccinate pets?
Vaccination plays a pivotal role in keeping your pets healthy and free from infectious disease
References