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Ticks attach to the skin and
feed on the blood of their
‘host’ such as a wild mammal,
bird, livestock, cat, dog or
human. They are typically
found in grassland, shrubs and
low branches of trees waiting
for their host to brush against
them. The most common ticks
in the UK are the sheep tick
(Ixodes ricinus) and the
hedgehog tick (Ixodes
hexagonus). Whilst they are
found year round, their
numbers tend to increase
between March and November.
Experts agree that ticks are on
the rise in the UK, as are serious
tick-borne diseases such as
Lyme Disease and Babesiosis.
Owners travelling abroad
with their pets should take
particular care to ensure good
tick control due to the
increased prevalence of
disease-transmitting ticks in
warmer climates. If you suspect
your pet has a tick do not
attempt to burn, cut or pull the
tick directly off - if you do so it
is likely that the mouthparts
of the tick will be left behind.
Ticks are best removed using
a specially designed tool - your
local practice will be able to
assist with this.
Fleas and ticks can be
prevented by a variety of
treatments including sprays,
collars, tablets and spot-on
treatments. There are many
products available and
choosing the right one to suit
your pet’s needs and lifestyle
can be confusing. It is
important to consider whether
a product kills or repels ticks,
which flea life stages are
treated, and whether the
efficacy is affected by activities
such as bathing or swimming.
Your vet practice can advise
you of the most effective
products for your pet, along
with showing you how to apply
them and advising you on
dose frequency. An effective
preventative approach will
protect you and your pets from
these unpleasant parasites
and associated diseases.
By
Rachael Baker BVMS
CertAVP (VetGP) MRCVS
Bishopton Veterinary Group