Ticks on Dogs and Cats – How to Spot, Remove and Prevent Them

Spring has arrived and with it one of the most significant threats to your pet's health — ticks. These small parasites are active from early spring through late autumn and in warmer regions they can be present virtually year-round. They are not merely unpleasant — ticks transmit serious diseases that can threaten the lives of both your pet and yourself. The good news is that with the right knowledge and consistent prevention you can effectively protect your dog or cat.Where Ticks Hide and How They Reach Your PetTicks do not jump or fly — they wait at the tips of grass blades, shrubs, and low vegetation in what is called a questing position, front legs outstretched and ready to grab onto any passing warm-blooded host. Forests, parks, lawns, meadows, and rural gardens are high-risk areas particularly during morning and evening hours. Your dog or cat that goes outdoors is exposed to ticks almost daily during the warm season. Even indoor cats can be exposed if you bring a tick inside on your clothing or shoes.How to Check Your Pet for TicksRegular inspection of your pet after time spent outdoors is essential. Ticks favour warm and moist areas of the body and are most commonly found between the toes, inside and around the ears, around the neck and under the collar, in the groin area and armpits, around the tail, and around the anal area. A tick that has just attached is roughly the size of a poppy seed and is extremely difficult to spot. As it feeds on blood it grows and can reach the size of a small grape. Use your fingers to carefully work through your pet's coat feeling the skin directly. If you feel something and cannot immediately see it, part the fur and examine carefully.How to Remove a Tick CorrectlyWhen you find a tick the most important thing is to remove it properly and quickly because the longer it remains attached the greater the risk of disease transmission. For Lyme disease the tick must be attached for at least 24 to 48 hours before the bacteria can spread, which means prompt removal dramatically reduces the risk. Use a dedicated tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible — grip the head, not the body. Pull straight upward with steady even pressure without twisting or jerking because this can cause the head to break off and remain in the skin. Never squeeze the body of a tick with bare hands and never apply oil, petrol, alcohol, or a flame to the tick because this can cause it to regurgitate toxins and infectious material directly into the wound. After removal disinfect the bite site with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. Place the tick in a sealed container and keep it for several weeks — if your pet develops symptoms of illness the veterinarian may be able to identify the tick species which assists in diagnosis.Diseases Ticks Can TransmitLyme disease is the most well-known tick-borne illness and is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In dogs it manifests as fever, lameness that can shift from leg to leg, swollen and painful joints, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis requires a blood test and antibiotic treatment typically lasts several weeks. Ehrlichiosis is a serious disease caused by tick-transmitted bacteria that attacks white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, nosebleeds, and limb swelling. Babesiosis attacks red blood cells and can cause anaemia, jaundice, and general weakness. Anaplasmosis is another bacterial infection with similar symptoms that can be mistaken for a flu-like illness. In cats ticks can transmit cytauxzoonosis which is an extremely serious condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately.Prevention — The Only Reliable ApproachRegular preventive protection is the only reliable defence against ticks. Several forms of protection can be combined for maximum effectiveness. Oral treatments such as NexGard, Bravecto, and Simparica are tablets or chewable treats that the dog takes once per month or once every three months. They are absorbed into the bloodstream and kill ticks that bite the dog quickly and effectively. Their advantage is that water does not wash them away making them ideal for dogs that love to swim. Topical treatments such as Frontline Plus and Advantage are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades once per month and kill ticks through contact. It is important to know that many dog products contain permethrin which is highly toxic to cats and must never be used on a cat under any circumstances. Collars such as the Seresto collar provide protection for up to eight months and are an excellent long-lasting option particularly for dogs that resist taking tablets. Post-walk inspection and combing are essential regardless of which prevention product you use — mechanical prevention is always the first line of defence.Special Warnings for CatsProtecting cats from ticks requires special care due to the toxicity of certain ingredients to this species. Permethrin found in the majority of dog tick products is absolutely prohibited for cats and can cause severe neurological symptoms and death. Always use products specifically formulated for cats and never use dog products on a cat even in small amounts. Safe products formulated for cats include Frontline Plus for Cats and Revolution for Cats which provide effective protection without the risk.When to Visit Your VeterinarianIf you notice your pet developing symptoms in the weeks following the discovery of a tick — high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, lameness, swollen joints, or bleeding — visit your veterinarian immediately and inform them that you found a tick and when. Early treatment of tick-borne bacterial diseases is usually highly effective but delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent organ damage.Share your experiences with tick protection, ask seasoned pet owners for advice, and find verified breeders on PetFriendsForever — the community where pet lovers always have the answers. 🐾