With UK dog owners increasingly worried about ticks as summer reaches its peak, vets are urging owners to check their pets after every walk, warning that the tiny parasites can spread serious diseases including Lyme disease.
Google searches for “how to remove ticks” have surged by 51% in the past month, while searches for “ticks on dog” have rocketed by 581% over the last three months, reflecting growing concern among pet owners as tick season gets into full swing.
The rise in searches is mirrored online, where dog owners have taken to social media seeking advice after discovering ticks on their pets. One Reddit user asked: “Found a big tick on my dog and removed it, now what?” while another queried: “What should we do with this tick?” One recent post showing the number of ticks removed from a single dog attracted more than 9,000 reactions.
Veterinary experts say the increase is no surprise, as warm weather encourages both dogs and their owners to spend more time in the countryside, where ticks thrive in long grass, woodland and undergrowth.
Phil Younger, Veterinary Operations Director at Pharmacy2U Pet Health, said ticks pose a far greater threat than many people realise.
“Dogs are natural explorers; they love to go running in the grass or rummaging in the trees when you’re out for a walk, but these environments are also where ticks are most common,” he said.
“Ticks feed on the blood of animals, not just dogs, but cats and rodents too, and they can carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease.
“This makes it essential to check your dog’s fur regularly and remove the tick as soon as you find it. Ensure you don’t squeeze the tick or leave the head in; instead, using a tick removal tool, gently twist it to part it from your dog’s skin until the tick releases. Then clean the bite to avoid it getting infected.”
He also urged owners not to forget to check the places where ticks often go unnoticed.
“During tick season, it’s worth running your hand over your dog’s body to check for any bumps, and look behind their ears and between their toes. As fleas also like humid and warm conditions, it’s best to ensure your pet is protected against both.”
He added: “If you have any concerns or part of the tick seems to be left behind once removed from your dog, then make sure to contact your vet for further advice, as well as if the bite area becomes red, swollen or painful.”
Five ways to protect your dog from ticks this summer
Veterinary experts have shared five simple ways owners can help reduce the risk.
Check your dog after every walk
Dogs should be thoroughly checked after walks through long grass, woodland or heathland. Running your hands over their coat can help detect small bumps, while paying close attention beneath collars, behind ears and between toes. A comb can also help remove fleas before they become established.
Don’t throw the tick away immediately
One tip many owners may not know is to keep the removed tick rather than crushing it or flushing it away.
Instead, place it in a sealed container for a couple of weeks and note the date it was removed. If your dog later becomes unwell, your vet may wish to identify the species.
Keep your home clean
Although ticks are less likely than fleas to infest homes, regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding and keeping floors clean reduces the risk of parasites lingering indoors.
Know the warning signs
Excessive scratching, biting or chewing at the skin, along with redness, irritation or patchy hair loss, could all indicate that a tick or another parasite has attached itself.
Use preventative treatments
Regular flea and tick treatments remain one of the best ways to protect dogs during the warmer months. While these products can kill attached ticks, owners should still inspect their dogs regularly and remove any visible parasites promptly using a suitable tick-removal tool.
Veterinary experts also remind owners never to use parasite treatments intended for dogs on other animals, and always to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dosage and application.
