Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites

Where Are Ticks Found? Maps Show Where The Disease-carrying Parasites Live

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Dog Owners Issued Lyme Disease And Tick Warning By Vet

With spring finally upon us and summer around the corner, many of us will be looking to get outside and enjoy the countryside after a very wet winter.

And the same is true for our pets, who will be ready to soak up the sunshine and warm weather by our side.

But spending more time among nature means a heightened risk of tick bites, which can, in some cases, result in Lyme disease.

Dr Hannah Godfrey, vet at Petsure, warned: "You can recognise a tick by their oval-shaped bodies, and spider-like legs. They're usually very small, less than one centimetre long, and can vary in colour but are often brown or white.

"Ticks bury their mouthparts deep into the skin of both animals and humans while they feed, then drop off when they're full. When they're done feeding, they become a dark grey/brown colour and are much larger in size.

It's good practice to do a tick check anytime your dog returns from outdoors (Image: Getty/andriano_cz)

"Ticks are common in woodland and grassland and are most active throughout the spring and summer. Sadly, ticks can carry dangerous bacteria and parasites such as babesiosis, which can pass on to your pets. Babesiosis (the condition caused by the Babesia parasite) causes damage to the red blood cells and can lead to severe anaemia and even organ failure.

"One of the more common diseases transmitted by ticks in the UK is Lyme disease, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Early signs of Lyme disease include a lack of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear weeks or months after being bitten, at which point the disease could have spread throughout the body.

"Some tick bites can even cause paralysis in dogs. Symptoms of this usually appear three to nine days after the tick attaches itself. Paralysis typically starts with a loss of back leg coordination, followed by a change in breathing, vomiting or gagging, and a change or loss of bark."

How to protect your dogs from ticks Check pets after walks

It's good practice to do a tick check anytime your dog returns from outdoors. Run your hands over their body, making sure to focus on areas like their head and ears, belly, and armpits. Try to feel for any small bumps on their skin.

Use tick control products

There are plenty of products out there that can help prevent tick bites. Look out for collars, sprays, and spot-on treatments, but be sure to only use products recommended by your vet.

Never use tick control intended for cats on dogs, and vice versa

Tick treatment for dogs include chemicals that can be lethal for cats, and a treatment intended for cats may also be harmful to your dog. Your vet will recommend the right treatment for your specific pet.

Cut back the grass in your garden

While ticks are more common in woodland areas, they can also be found in your garden. Make sure to keep the grass and vegetation in your garden cut short to avoid harbouring ticks.

What are ticks?

Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of animals and humans, and are commonly found in woodland and moorland, particularly in areas with long grass.

They don't jump or fly, but will climb on to you if you brush against something they're on. The tick will then bite and attach to the skin, where they will feed on blood for several days before dropping off.

Ticks are most active between spring and autumn and are widespread across the UK, but the most high-risk areas include grassy and wooded areas in southern England and the Scottish Highlands.

Lyme Disease In Dogs: Symptoms To Look Out For And How To Prevent It

Dog owners all over the UK are being urged to watch out for any symptoms of Lyme Disease, which can make pets chronically unwell if it's not treated in time.

Health experts at the UKHSA have warned that the warmer temperatures of spring are peak conditions for ticks to thrive - the pests that can carry Lyme disease and infect animals.

According to Public Health Scotland, there were approximately 529 cases of Lyme disease in Scotland in 2021, with experts warning that the problem could become worse due to climate change.

To help out owners who are concerned about their pets potentially picking up this illness whilst out for a walk, the veterinary team at Admiral Pet Insurance have issued some advice as the weather warms up.

The insurance company's in-house veterinary nurse, Nicki Fox, has put together a guide for pet owners which highlights exactly what Lyme disease is, what the symptoms are and how it can be prevented.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria found in ticks known as Borrelia, or 'Borreliosis', reports Bristol Live.

When a tick latches on, its saliva enters the bloodstream, allowing the bacteria to spread to various tissues and organs. The infected tick can remain attached for several hours to feed.

Like humans, dogs can contract the disease if bitten by an infected tick, although most dogs exposed to Lyme disease do not become ill. However, it's crucial to watch out for symptoms because if left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to chronic illness.

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs

While Lyme disease can present differently in each dog, some may not show any signs at all. It's also important to note that symptoms typically only appear between 25 months after the bite.

Some common signs to look out for in your dog include:.

Lameness: This results from inflammation of the joints and is one of the most recognised signs of Lyme Disease in dogs. This usually starts in the joints closest to the tick bite.

Fever: Your dog may also develop a fever, which can lead to loss of appetite.

Joint pain: If your dog shows signs of stiffness or joint pain, particularly during movement, it could be a symptom of Lyme Disease.

Swollen lymph nodes: You may notice that your dog's lymph nodes are enlarged, especially around the joints affected.

Depression: Changes in behaviour or signs of depression could indicate that your dog is infected.

Lethargy: An infected dog might become lethargic and sluggish due to the illness, resulting in a noticeable decrease in activity levels.

Reduced appetite: Keep an eye out for a significant reduction in your dog's appetite when they're unwell.

Increased drinking and urination: If your dog is drinking or urinating more than usual, this could be a sign of illness.

Frequently checking your dog for ticks is essential in the summer months -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to prevent ticks

The peak tick season typically falls in spring and summer, so vigilance during these months is key. Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas, forests and grasslands, so it can be beneficial to stick to clear paths during walks in these seasons.

If you have a garden, ensure it's well-maintained by keeping the grass short and removing leaf litter.

It's crucial to prevent tick bites in dogs as it reduces the risk of Lyme disease and other illnesses. You can use tick control products recommended and prescribed by your vet, such as topical treatments, collars or oral products. These can repel and kill ticks on your dogs if used correctly.

You should also regularly check your pet for ticks, especially after being outside. In severe cases, extensive testing and treatment may be required.

If you think your dog may have contracted Lyme disease, it's crucial to seek advice from your vet immediately. They can conduct necessary tests to confirm whether your pet has Lyme disease or another condition, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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