Ticks on Dogs: How to Spot, Remove, and Prevent Ticks

Understanding Ticks on Dogs

Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including dogs. These tiny pests can pose significant health risks, as they not only cause discomfort but also transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. Ticks are common in grassy and wooded areas, making dogs who spend time outdoors particularly vulnerable to bites and infestations.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ticks on dogs, from identifying the symptoms and safely removing ticks, to preventing future tick bites. By staying proactive, you can help protect your dog from these harmful parasites.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small arachnids (related to spiders and mites) that attach themselves to animals to feed on their blood. Ticks are typically found in grassy, wooded, or bushy areas, where they can easily latch onto a passing dog. There are several species of ticks, but the most common types that affect dogs in the UK include:

• Sheep Ticks (Ixodes ricinus): Known for transmitting Lyme disease, sheep ticks are commonly found in rural areas and moorlands.
• Brown Dog Ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): These ticks can infest homes and kennels, as well as outdoor environments.
• Deer Ticks (Ixodes scapularis): These ticks are a major carrier of Lyme disease, particularly in areas with high populations of deer.

Ticks vary in size, with some being as small as a pinhead, making them easy to miss if you’re not actively checking your dog. However, once they latch onto the skin and begin feeding, they swell with blood and become easier to spot.

Symptoms of Ticks on Dogs

Ticks are often found by carefully inspecting your dog’s coat, but there are also symptoms to watch for that may indicate your dog has been bitten by a tick. Common signs of ticks on dogs include:

• Visible Ticks on the Skin

• The most obvious sign is finding an attached tick on your dog. They are usually found on the head, ears, neck, paws, or in the folds of skin, but they can attach anywhere on the body.

• Excessive Scratching or Biting

• Ticks can cause irritation, and your dog may scratch or bite at the site of the bite. Look for any areas of redness, swelling, or inflammation, which could indicate a tick bite.

• Lethargy

• In some cases, tick-borne diseases can cause lethargy or a noticeable decrease in your dog’s energy levels. This can occur days or even weeks after the initial tick bite.

• Lameness or Joint Pain

• Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease can lead to joint pain, lameness, and stiffness. If your dog is limping or having difficulty walking, it’s important to consult your vet.

• Fever

• Some tick-borne illnesses can cause a fever in dogs. If your dog seems unusually warm to the touch, or if they are panting more than usual, it could be a sign of an infection from a tick bite.

• Loss of Appetite

• Dogs that have contracted a tick-borne illness may lose their appetite and refuse to eat.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you find a tick on your dog, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent further complications.

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog

Removing a tick as soon as you find it is critical, as the longer a tick remains attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove a tick from your dog:

1. Prepare the Area: Gather your supplies, including a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a specialised tick removal tool, gloves (to avoid direct contact with the tick), and a small container of rubbing alcohol.
2. Locate the Tick: Part your dog’s fur to expose the tick. Ticks can be very small, especially before they’ve started feeding, so inspect carefully.
3. Grasp the Tick: Using the tweezers or tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can cause it to release more saliva and increase the risk of infection.
4. Pull the Tick Out: Pull the tick out with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this could cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in your dog’s skin.
5. Dispose of the Tick: Place the tick in a container with rubbing alcohol to kill it. Never crush a tick with your fingers, as this can release harmful pathogens. You can also save the tick to show your vet, especially if your dog develops symptoms of a tick-borne disease.
6. Clean the Bite Area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area with antiseptic to prevent infection. Keep an eye on the site for any signs of redness, swelling, or infection over the next few days.
7. Wash Your Hands: After removing the tick, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If you’re uncomfortable removing the tick yourself, or if the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded in your dog’s skin, contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Ticks can transmit several diseases to dogs, some of which can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Common tick-borne diseases include:

• Lyme Disease

• Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms include lameness, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen joints. In some cases, it can lead to long-term joint or kidney issues if not treated promptly.

• Babesiosis

• This disease is caused by a parasite that infects the red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and pale gums due to anaemia. Babesiosis can be life-threatening without treatment.

• Anaplasmosis

• This bacterial infection causes symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and lethargy. Anaplasmosis can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms overlap with other tick-borne illnesses.

If your dog develops any symptoms of a tick-borne disease, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can help prevent long-term complications.

Preventing Ticks on Dogs

Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect your dog from tick-borne illnesses. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of ticks:

• Tick Prevention Products

• Use flea and tick preventatives year-round, especially if you live in an area where ticks are common. Options include topical treatments, tick collars, and oral medications. Consult your vet for the best product for your dog.

• Regular Tick Checks

• After walks or outdoor play, check your dog thoroughly for ticks, especially around the head, ears, neck, paws, and between the toes. Ticks can be very small, so be sure to inspect closely.

• Keep Your Yard Tick-Free

• Maintain your yard by keeping grass and bushes trimmed, removing leaf litter, and creating barriers between your yard and wooded areas. Ticks thrive in tall grass and overgrown vegetation.

• Avoid High-Risk Areas

• Try to avoid walking your dog in areas with tall grass, thick brush, or dense woods, especially during peak tick seasons in spring and summer.

• Tick Repellents

• Some natural tick repellents, such as sprays made with essential oils like eucalyptus or cedarwood, can help deter ticks. Always check that any repellent is safe for use on dogs.

• Vaccination for Lyme Disease

• In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, your vet may recommend a Lyme disease vaccine for your dog to help prevent infection.

Can Ticks Affect Humans?

Yes, ticks can bite humans and transmit diseases like Lyme disease, so it’s important to protect both yourself and your dog from tick bites. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and trousers, when walking in tick-prone areas, and perform tick checks on yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. If you find a tick on yourself, remove it carefully using the same method described for dogs.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Dog Tick-Free

Ticks can pose a serious health risk to dogs, but with regular tick checks, preventive measures, and prompt removal of any ticks you find, you can minimise the risk of tick-borne diseases. If your dog does develop symptoms after a tick bite, it’s important to seek veterinary care quickly to ensure the best possible outcome.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can help protect your dog from ticks and the harmful diseases they carry, keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.