Tick Season Q and A

What is a ‘Tick’?

A tick is a parasite found in the UK that can transmit infectious disease to you or your pet when it bites. They live off the blood of their host and are second only to mosquitoes for carrying diseases to humans.

Why is finding a tick important?

They can spread diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Bartonella, but the most common is Lyme disease. These diseases can make you or your pet very ill, Be Tick Awareespecially if they are not treated. Be ‘tick aware’ to aid prevention as education is key. Know what to look for, how to protect you and your pets, and how to remove them correctly. You can find my infographic for more tick facts >

Do cats get them as well as dogs?

Yes, but dogs are more likely to get them due to where they walk and how often they go out into fields and grassland areas. Check your pets after they have been out or at the end of the day. Dogs can wear special collars and be given medication to reduce the risk to them from ticks such as spot-on or spray-on treatments, but you should consult your vet first.

How big is a tick?

They are around the size of a poppy seed, about 3mm, however, once they have bitten their host they become engorged with blood and can become the size of a pea.

How do I check for ticks?

  • For pet owners check your body and hairlines, places such as the back of your knees, armpits and waist areas.
  • For pets check hairlines, paws, head, neck and ears. They may feel like a small bump.

How can I be ‘Tick Aware’?

Ticks can’t fly, so they jump and attach themselves when you or your dog brush past vegetation. Wear trousers when out walking, ideally light coloured ones so you can easily spot ticks, and tuck them into boots. Use insect repellent and keep to the middle of paths.
Check both yourself and your pet when you can and remove ticks safely.

Arg, I’ve found one! How can I remove it?

  • Ideally use a special tool as you don’t want to pull it off and leave the head of the tick in the body or expel the blood. Consult your vet or doctor if you are worried about the tick or removing it.
  • Place your tick remover or tweezers under the tick, twist it in a clockwise direction until it becomes loose.
  • Make sure it is completely removed.
  • Wash the area and your hands after handling a tick.

What should I do with the tick?

You can just place it in a tissue and place it in the bin.
However, the government are running a scheme to test them and find out more about them. Use this link to the tick surveillance scheme to find out more.
If you feel unwell or have a rash consult your GP, if your pet is unwell visit your vet. You may wish to give them the tick for testing.

Find out more:

Here are some helpful videos and links about ticks and Lyme disease.