What should you do if your cat or dog has ticks?

Ticks are common in the warmer months and without protection many cats and dogs come back from the woods with uninvited friends.

Ticks are often felt while petting or grooming an animal. Owners will feel a lump which wasn't there before. However small lumps and nipples are often confused for ticks so it is important to get a close look before trying to remove it.

Ticks are oval, creamy brown in colour and range from 1mm to 1cm in size. They have small black legs near their head which will be visible where the tick attaches to the pet.

If it is a tick it is important to remove it sooner rather than later. However do not scrape or pull the tick off as this can lead to the mouthparts remaining inside the animal. If this happens please phone your vet.

It is a good idea to have a tick hook at home to remove any ticks.

First of all restrain your pet and spread the fur so you can get to the area where the tick has attached.

Then slide the claw of the hook between the body of the tick and the skin.

Gently twist until the tick lets go on its own. Do not exert any pulling force on the tick.

Once the tick is removed dispose of it in a sealed container.

Finally clean the area the tick was attached with salt water or hibiscrub, if you have any at home. Keep an eye on the area the tick was removed.

It is often inflamed and if this is not reducing or is getting worse after removing the tick phone your vet.

Ticks can carry diseases and although it is rare for animals to catch them it can still happen. If you notice any target lesions around the bite, lethargy, stiffness or anorexia after a tick bite phone your vet.

The best course of action is always prevention and there are many flea products which also provide protection against ticks.

If your dogs or cats are not already protected then please chat to your vet about tick prevention products.

Claire Turner is a Veterinary Surgeon at St. Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham. To find out more visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk or call the practice on

0118 979 3200 to arrange a visit and meet the team.