Published: 13 March 2025
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood. Both humans and pets can be bitten by ticks. They resemble small spiders due to their eight legs, but unlike spiders, ticks bite and cling to their host for five to ten days.
Ticks do not fly or jump, but they are excellent climbers. When your pet brushes past a blade of grass, a waiting tick can climb onto their skin and burrow in.
One of the scariest illnesses ticks can pass on is Lyme disease (you might also hear it called Borreliosis). This bacterial infection can lead to symptoms like joint pain, fever, tiredness, and in more serious cases, kidney problems. If it’s not treated, it can cause long-term health issues for your furry friend.
Unfortunately, ticks don’t stop there. They can also spread other nasty diseases like Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis, which can harm your pet’s blood cells and immune system.
While a visible tick attached to your pet’s skin is the most obvious indicator, there are other signs that may suggest your pet has been bitten:
If you notice any of these symptoms, carefully inspect your pet for ticks and speak to your veterinarian if you’re concerned. Quick action can help protect your pet’s health.
Ticks are very easy to miss as they can start as small as a seed but grow to the size of a garden pea, looking similar to a skin tag, as they feed on your pet’s blood.
To check your dog for ticks, you can use both your hands and a fine-toothed comb. Start by running your hands gently over your dog’s body to feel for any small bumps. Then use the comb to go through areas where ticks like to hide, such as around the ears, under the collar, between the toes, under the tail, around the eyes, and in the armpits. Combining both methods helps ensure you don’t miss any ticks.
Similar to dogs, check around your cats’ ears, underneath their collar, between the toes, around their tail, and in the armpits.
Ticks aren’t picky – they can affect more than just cats and dogs. Pet rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and even reptiles are also vulnerable to tick bites.
For smaller furry pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as birds, ticks often latch onto areas with thinner skin that are harder for the animal to groom. Common spots include around the ears, under the chin, along the neck, in the armpits, the groin, and near the base of the tail. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly at risk because ticks can be found in straw and hay bedding.
Ticks on reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, are commonly found around their eyes, mouths, and within skin folds. Enclosures featuring natural materials like wood, stone, soil, or plants can create an environment where ticks are likely to thrive.
Your pet might not feel the bite at first, but as the tick feeds, it can get itchy and uncomfortable. You might notice your pet scratching or chewing at the spot, which is a good sign that the tick is bothering them.
Spotting a tick on your furry friend? Don’t panic, removing it properly is key to keeping your pet healthy. Ticks are tough little creatures, and if part of the tick gets left behind in your dog’s skin, it can cause an infection.
The best tool for the job is a tick remover. These handy tools, like the forked variety, are specifically designed to make tick removal simple and safe. Most come in a pack with sizes for both small and large ticks. Simply slide the tool under the tick’s body, twist gently in any direction to remove the tick fully intact!
Tick removers are super affordable and handy to have around. You can grab one for as little as £2.49 at Pets at Home.
Resist the urge to grab those tweezers. While tempting, they often crush the tick, leaving the head embedded and increasing the risk of complications.
Cats can be a bit more sensitive or jumpy than dogs, so removing a tick might take a little extra patience. The key is to keep your cat calm and feeling safe before you start.
Using a tick removal tool is the easiest and safest way to go. It helps you avoid squeezing the tick, which could accidentally pass harmful germs to your cat.
Nope, don’t fall for the old myths like using Vaseline, alcohol, or even burning them off. These methods aren’t safe for your pet and can do more harm than good.
Using Vaseline (or oils or nail polish) might suffocate the tick, but that can cause it to release harmful fluids or germs into your pet’s bloodstream before it detaches.
Sometimes you might remove the tick’s body, but the mouth parts can get left behind. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the area after removal. Also, take a look at the tick itself to make sure it’s intact and nothing was left behind.
If a piece is still stuck, try not to worry. Often, it’ll work its way out on its own in a day or two. But if you want to be sure, you can ask your vet to help remove it. Just keep an eye on the spot, because leaving it for too long can lead to an infection.
Protecting your pet from ticks is simple. Follow a few easy steps to keep them safe all year:
Ticks in the UK are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring through early autumn, when temperatures and humidity are ideal for their survival. However, when the weather is mild, ticks can remain active all year-round.
If you live near or take your pets for walks in long grass, woodlands, or places shared with sheep or deer, you’re more likely to come across ticks. Unfortunately for sheep and deer, they’re a favourite snack for these little pests.
Tick bites are most common in Scotland and southwest England, especially in thick, natural areas.
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