This week is tick bite prevention week in the UK, a week dedicated to highlighting the diseases that can be transmitted by ticks. Although much of this week focuses around human healthcare, it is important to point out that ticks are a risk to our pets as well.
Table of contents
What are ticks?
Ticks are blood sucking parasitic arachnids, in the same family as spiders, that are found in the environment. They are found worldwide with different species present in different countries. They prefer warm moist environments with greenery and leaf cover such as the edges of woodland and forest, but can be found in all environments as they are carried by animals or people they have bitten.
Ticks have a unique life cycle where they mature off their host. Adult females feed until they are full of blood and then drop off the animal and lay eggs in the environment. Larvae hatch from the eggs and bite a host animal – attaching, then dropping off – and then develop into nymphs and eventually adults and the cycle begins again. They feed on blood which allows them to develop and survive.
Why are ticks a risk to people and pets?
When ticks bite they are feeding on blood. This means they have access to the bloodstream. Ticks can carry a number of harmful diseases and these are injected into the person or pet they bite when they feed on them, leading to a risk of disease developing after a tick bite.
What diseases can ticks transmit to pets?
Ticks can transmit a number of diseases which can cause harm to your pet. These include:
- Lyme disease – this is caused by a bacteria and can affect dogs, cats and people. It can cause severe disease and long term health issues.
- Anaplasmosis – this is caused by a parasite that is transmitted when the tick bites. It can affect dogs, cats and people.
- Babesiosis – this is also caused by a parasite. It leads to destruction of blood cells and a severe anaemia which can be fatal. It can affect many different animals, potentially including dogs, cats and people, although dogs are at highest risk here in the UK.
Read more about these diseases here: Tick Borne Diseases – Zoetis
It is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive and other diseases can also be transmitted. There is also a risk that if pets are bitten by ticks when travelling to other countries they can pick up other diseases not present in the UK.
How can I protect my pet from ticks?
Tick prevention regimes can change depending on the species of your pet. For example the preventative measures you would use in your pet dog will be different to your pet tortoise. It is important to speak to your vet who will be able to prescribe you appropriate medication to prevent tick bites in your pets. Medications can vary from collars available for dogs and cats to spot on treatments and sprays, it is important to discuss this treatment with your vet team first as not all products are suitable for all pets.
What should you do if you find a tick on your pet?
If you find a tick on your pet it is important to remove it as soon as possible. To remove a tick it is important not to squeeze the body and that the tick is fully removed and the mouthparts are not left behind, as these can cause infections if left in place. Specially made tick removing tools are available to buy and have instructions explaining how to use them. Wear gloves when removing ticks as they can cause disease in people too. It is also important to book an appointment at your local vet practice to discuss tick prevention options.
Read more about tick removing here: RSPCA Tick Advice
Summary:
- Ticks can transmit a number of diseases that are harmful to people and pets
- It is important to protect your pet against ticks with appropriate preventative tick treatments prescribed by your vet
- If you find a tick on your pet is important to remove it correctly as soon as possible
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