Parasites
Ticks and Tick-Borne Disease: Checking, Removing, Preventing
How to find and safely remove ticks, which diseases they carry, and how to choose prevention with your vet.
Why ticks matter
Ticks feed on blood and can pass on infections such as Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The risk rises the longer a tick stays attached, so daily checks help.
Checking your pet
After walks in long grass, woodland or moorland, run your hands over your pet's body.
- Around the head, ears and neck
- Armpits and groin
- Between the toes
- Under the collar
Removing a tick safely
Use a tick-removal hook: slide it under the tick close to the skin, twist gently and lift. Do not squeeze, burn or cover the tick in oils, as this can make it release more saliva. Clean the area and wash your hands.
Prevention
Tick products come as spot-ons, tablets and collars. Choose one with your vet, based on your area and lifestyle. Never use dog products containing permethrin on cats — it can be fatal.
When to see a vet
Lameness, fever, lethargy, pale gums or dark urine in the weeks after a tick bite need veterinary attention.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I catch Lyme disease from my dog?
- Not directly, but your dog can bring ticks into the home, so check yourself and your pet after walks.
- What if the head stays in?
- Small mouthparts usually work out on their own. Watch for swelling or infection and ask your vet if it worsens.
References
- Ticks and tick-borne disease — ESCCAP
- Tick prevention advice — BSAVA