ASK THE VET
Help! My pet has a tick what should I do?
With the tick season in full swing in this warm humid weather, it’s important that you check your pets daily for these nasty little critters. Ticks are wingless bloodsucking insect-like creatures that feed on warm-blooded animals. They can be found anywhere on your pet’s body (usually in areas where there is less fur-most commonly on the face and front part of the body or under the belly) and they appear like a big wart or beauty mark. Your pet is most likely to come into contact with ticks when they venture into woods and fields. The ticks climb up to the tips of grass and wait for a host (like your pet) to pass by so that they can attach themselves and burrow close into the skin. If you find that your pet has a tick don’t panic! You can remove the tick using a tick remover, which you can get from your vet practice. Do not use tweezers as this can result in the tick’s legs being left behind. Slide the tick remover around the tick and remove by turning the tick remover anticlockwise until the tick is no longer attached. The first time you do this it would be wise to contact your veterinary practice for a demonstration. Most practices offer appointments with a veterinary nurse who can show you how it’s done.
Should I be worried?
The main concern when your pet has a tick is that it could be carrying bacteria or viruses that transfer to your pet. In the UK the most common disease spread by ticks is Lyme’s disease and it is important to note that people can also become infected. For a tick to be able to infect your pet it needs to be attached for 36-48 hours (Cdc.gov 2018). The risk to your pet is therefore minimal as long as you remove the tick as soon as you spot it.
How can I prevent my pet from getting ticks?
Ticks can be prevented using various products that you can get from your local veterinary practice. Tablets, spot on preparations or medicated collars can be used to prevent your pet from getting ticks. Contact your local Veterinary Practice for advice on which is most suitable for your pet. If you would like more advice on removing ticks and preventative treatments, speak to your vet practice, or call one of our Bath surgeries (Weston Village 01225 426337, Batheaston 01225 852287 or Haycombe 01225 442280) and ask to speak to one of our Veterinary Nurses who will be happy to help.