Tick Prevention Week: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe

Last week we welcomed the first day of spring and the weather has not disappointed! It’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend. However, with outdoor adventures comes the risk of ticks (tiny pests that can pose serious health risks to your dog.) In recognition of Tick Prevention Week, let's take a deep dive into everything you need to know about tick prevention and how to protect your companion.  

What are Ticks? 

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that latch onto your dog’s skin to feed. They thrive in long grass and countryside environments. While they might seem like a minor issue, ticks are far more dangerous than they look. They can transmit a variety of diseases, including: 

• Lyme Disease: The most common illness from ticks, which can lead to joint pain, kidney issues, and fatigue.
• 
  
• Anaplasmosis: A bacterial infection that can cause symptoms like fever, lameness, and lack of appetite.
• 
  
• Babesiosis: A parasite infection that attacks red blood cells, leading to anaemia and organ failure. 
• 
  

Ticks can be found year-round, but they are most active during warmer months, making Tick Prevention Week the perfect time to assess your dog’s protection. 

How to Protect your Dog  

Prevention is key to keeping your dog safe from ticks. Here are some essential steps to follow during Tick Prevention Week (and beyond): 

1 – Check for Ticks Regularly  

After every outdoor adventure, be sure to check your dog for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like the ears, armpits, between the toes, and under the collar. The sooner you find and remove a tick, the less chance it has of transmitting any diseases. 

2 - Tick Prevention Products 

There are several tick prevention products on the market to help your dog. Some effective options include:  

• 
  
• Tick Collars: These collars release chemicals that repel ticks for several months. 
• 
  
• Topical Treatments: Spot-on treatments that are applied to the back of the neck, offering protection for weeks at a time. 
• 
  
• Tablets: Pills that your dog can take monthly to prevent ticks living in their fur. 
• 
  

Consult with your vet to find the best product for your dog’s size, breed and health issues. 

3 – Create a Tick-Free Zone

Ticks love tall grass and wooded areas, so try to avoid these areas when walking your dog, especially during peak tick season. If you have a garden, keep the grass trimmed and clear of mess for the ticks to live in. Creating a tick-free zone around your home will minimise the chances of ticks finding their way to your dog. 

4 - Vaccination

Although vaccines for some tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease are available, they are not a complete substitute for tick prevention. However, they can provide an added layer of protection. 

What to Do if You Find a Tick? 

• If you find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it properly to prevent any infection: 
• 
  
• Use a tick remover tool or tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, make sure you’ve got the head. 
• 
  
• Pull steadily without twisting to avoid leaving parts of the tick embedded in the skin. 
• 
  
• After removal, clean the bite area with an antiseptic wipe to make sure it’s clean.  
• 
  
• Dispose of the tick by placing it in boiling water or alcohol.  
• 
  
• Make sure to wash your hands after. 
• 
  
• Most importantly, give your dog a treat for being well behaved!  

If you’re unsure whether the tick was fully removed, or if your dog shows signs of illness after a tick bite, contact your vet immediately. 

Tick Prevention Week serves as a reminder that our dogs can pick up something so simple on a walk that could lead to bigger problems. By doing these simple measures like tick checks, using protective products and avoiding tick-prone areas, we can help protect our dogs from the dangers ticks bring. 

Remember, tick prevention isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing effort to keep your dog safe. Make Tick Prevention Week the beginning of a year-round commitment to your dog’s well-being. Keep them tick-free and enjoy all your outdoor adventures with peace of mind!