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Veterinary Emergency services at Home throughout London and Greater London and Manchester and Greater Manchester
Veterinary Emergency services at Home
throughout London and Greater London and Manchester and Greater Manchester

MY DOG HAS TICKS

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ticks

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are parasitic mites that feed on blood and can bite both humans and animals. They are found in many environments, including forests, meadows, bushes, parks, gardens, and kennels. This is why dogs can pick up ticks during walks or time spent outdoors. Some dogs, such as hunting dogs or those that live mostly outside, are at higher risk.

The Risks of Ticks for Dogs

Ticks can transmit serious diseases, such as piroplasmosis (babesiosis). Removing a tick is a relative veterinary emergency. The sooner the tick is removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission. While the tick remains attached, it can still transmit infections. A large, engorged tick indicates that it has been feeding for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.

How to Locate Ticks on Your Dog?

Ticks can attach anywhere on your dog’s body, but they are most commonly found on:
  • The head
  • The ears (inside and outside)
  • The neck
  • The chest
  • The legs and between the toes
    • It’s important to carefully inspect your dog, paying attention to areas with thin skin, such as the base of the legs, between the paw pads, and around the vulva.

    When Are Ticks Most Active?

    Due to climate change, ticks can be active all year round, even in winter. However, the risk is highest from April to October.

    How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog?

    To remove a tick safely, use a tick removal hook, available from your veterinarian or a pharmacy. Tick removal hooks usually come in two sizes: a large one for bigger ticks, a small one for tiny ticks.

    Steps to Remove a Tick Properly

  • Select the appropriate hook size.
  • Position the hook against the skin, approaching the tick from the side at its head.
  • Rotate the hook while gently lifting until the tick detaches.
  • Disinfect the bite area once the tick is removed.
    • If left alone, ticks typically fall off after 2 to 3 days, but this increases the risk of disease transmission. After removal, inspect your dog’s entire body to check for other ticks.

    Mistakes to Avoid When Removing a Tick

  • Do not press the tick between your fingers – this can cause it to inject more saliva, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Do not pull the tick out with tweezers – this can break the tick, leaving the head embedded in the skin, leading to inflammation, infection, or an abscess.
  • Do not apply alcohol or ether – this does not ensure complete removal.
  • Do not try to burn the tick with a lighter – this can harm your dog and is ineffective.

    • Diseases Transmitted by Ticks

    Some ticks carry infectious agents, which can cause:

  • Piroplasmosis (babesiosis)
  • Rickettsiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Borreliosis (Lyme disease)

    • Piroplasmosis: The Most Common and Dangerous Disease

    This disease has a short incubation period and can progress rapidly. Ticks can transmit piroplasmosis within just a few hours. It causes high fever and destruction of red blood cells, which can be fatal if untreated.

    Symptoms of piroplasmosis:

  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • High fever
  • Dark-colored urine
    • If your dog shows any of these signs—even days after a tick bite—contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment is started, the better the prognosis.

    How to Prevent Tick Bites?

  • Tick prevention treatments are available from veterinarians and pharmacies to repel and kill ticks.
  • Vaccines exist for some tick-borne diseases.
  • Daily inspections of your dog’s coat after outdoor activities remain the best protection.

    • If You Suspect Tick Poisoning

    Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. The faster the intervention, the better the chances of recovery!

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