Veterinarian offers advice on how to prevent and remove ticks from pets why to NEVER buy parasite-prevention over-the-counter
With ticks most active from April to October, veterinarians are warning UK pet owners to be extra vigilant with parasite prevention.
Ticks are small, parasitic spider-like creatures that feed on mammals’ blood. As they’re active outdoors, primarily in grassy and woodland areas, they pose a particular threat to animals such as cats and dogs. If ticks go unnoticed and pets are untreated, a tick bite could lead to further complications, including Lyme disease.
During tick season, pet owners should know how to treat their pets to ensure they remain healthy. TrustedHousesitters has teamed up with veterinarian Lily Richards to explain five crucial ways owners should tackle ticks – and what not to do.
- Never buy parasite-prevention over-the-counter
While many products online and in shops claim to prevent parasites, you should only trust products available or recommended by your vet, as some unlegislated products can be dangerous.
“Pet owners can protect their pets with parasite-prevention products available from their veterinary clinic”, Lily explains. “Over-the-counter products are available but generally are less reliable and, in some cases, not controlled by medical legislation. Therefore, they do not have the backing of extensive research and testing that veterinary products have, making them potentially unsafe for purpose and ineffective.”
2. Be extra careful with certain breeds
While all mammals – including humans – are susceptible to tick bites, some should take extra caution during tick season. If you regularly walk your dog through grassy, countryside areas, you’re both more at risk, so you should always check yourself and your pet afterwards.
Lily says, “Location-wise, ticks are more common in long grass, woodland, or heath/moorland-type environments with lots of wildlife, so avid walkers should be more aware. Also, long-haired breeds where ticks can bury deep into the coat and potentially go unnoticed should take extra care.”
Ticks can cause more problems the longer they’re left unnoticed, meaning long-haired breeds are in more danger. Owners of Afghan Hounds, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Bearded Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Collies, Tibetan Terriers, and other long-coated breeds should ensure their pet is up to date with parasite prevention and that their coat is checked for ticks after walks.
Regular grooming not only improves the bond between owner and pet, but also provides a great opportunity to spot any ticks that may have hidden away in your dog’s coat. Common areas include armpits and groin, as well as behind ears and between toes!
3. Stay away from at-home remedies for removing ticks
If your pet is treated with parasite-prevention products, it shouldn’t be necessary to physically remove ticks from your pet, Lily says. However, some owners prefer to be extra vigilant and can consider extra precautions, but they should avoid at-home remedies that may not be safe.
“A tick comb can be used to remove any ticks sitting in the fur but not yet attached, particularly after a walk in tick areas”, Lily suggests.
“Tick-removing tools are also a safe way to ensure all parts of the tick, including mouthparts, are removed safely if one is found attached to your pet. Removing the mouthparts in this way prevents reactions, infections, and disease transmission. It is not recommended to use matches or vaseline as ‘at-home’ remedies to remove ticks from pets.”
If you are using a tick-removing tool, ensure you are confident in using it. If you’re unsure, a visit to your vet would be worthwhile.
4. Tailor tick prevention to your pet’s lifestyle
Preventative products are a must for all pet owners, as they’ll mitigate the risk to your pet should they come into contact with ticks. Parasite prevention products come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including collars, topical spot-on solutions, and oral medications, so you can choose the best option for your pet.
“Tick prevention product choice should be based on your pet’s lifestyle”, says Lily. “If your dog enjoys swimming a lot, perhaps a chewable product will be more reliable for them to ensure they stay safe. If it is difficult to give your pet an oral product, and they do not get bathed or fully submerged in water often, perhaps a topical spot-on product suits them more.”
While tick preventions are water resistant, meaning pets can swim or bathe with them, most topical products suggest a dry period of 48 hours after application. Collars can also be left on while swimming or bathing – but regular contact with water can reduce their efficiency, so bear in mind that they may need to be replaced sooner.
5. With the right protection, the risk of Lyme disease is small
While ticks do pose a serious risk, if pets are protected, they shouldn’t contract diseases.
Lily reassures owners, saying, “Common tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease take 1-2 days of tick attachment to the pet to be transmitted, so all veterinary licensed tick prevention products kill ticks in this time window. Even if you see ticks on your pet, the product will ensure they stay safe.”
This highlights just how important it is for owners to seek appropriate parasite protection from their vet, to ensure their pet stays safe through tick season and beyond.
With TrustedHousesitters, your pets can enjoy the same walks and routines while you’re away. Keep your beloved pets happy and healthy at home with a trusted pet sitter, and learn more about the TrustedHousesitters community here: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/
