How to remove ticks from dogs

Woodland and countryside walks can be picturesque, but they are also where your dog is most likely to pick up ticks. Ticks can spread diseases to dogs and people, so it is worth knowing how to find them, remove them safely and prevent bites.

What ticks look like

Ticks are small, spider-like parasites with an egg-shaped body. They feed on the blood of animals and people. Unfed ticks are usually dark red-brown or black. Once they have fed, they swell up and look grey or cream. They range from about 1mm to 1cm long, depending on their stage and how much they have fed.

Finding a tick on your dog

A tick can be hard to spot in a long or thick coat, but you can usually feel one. Run your hands slowly over your dog's body after a walk. A tick often feels like a small lump on the skin.

Ticks often attach around the head, neck, ears and paws, so check these areas carefully. Brushing your dog after a long walk can also help you find ticks that haven't yet attached.

Where ticks are found

Ticks are most common in grassland, heath and woodland, especially where there are sheep or deer. You may also find them in gardens if you live near lots of wildlife.

Ticks are most active in spring and autumn, but they can be found all year round. They can't fly or jump. Instead, they climb onto your dog as they brush past vegetation.

How to remove a tick safely

Use a tick hook or tick remover. Slide it under the tick close to the skin and twist gently until it comes free. Don't squeeze, burn or put chemicals on the tick, as this can make it release infected fluids into the bite.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• don't pull a tick straight off with your fingers
• don't squeeze or crush the tick's body
• don't burn it, or cover it with Vaseline, alcohol or other chemicals

Tick removers are sold by pet shops and vet practices. Remove ticks as soon as you find them, as prompt removal lowers the risk of infection. If you can't remove a tick, or you think part of it is left in the skin and the area looks sore, ask your vet.

Preventing tick bites

Talk to your vet about regular flea, worm and tick treatments. Some tick treatments repel ticks or kill them soon after they attach. Your vet can advise which product suits your dog and how often to use it.

Even with treatment, check your dog after every walk in areas where ticks are likely.

Diseases ticks can spread

Ticks can pass infections from one animal to another as they feed. A tick may stay attached for several days before dropping off.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease can affect dogs and people. In dogs, signs can include lameness, painful or swollen joints, fever, swollen glands, tiredness and loss of appetite. If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your vet.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis damages red blood cells and can be life-threatening. It is now found in parts of the UK. Signs can include weakness, pale gums, fever and dark urine. Contact your vet straight away if your dog shows these signs.

Ticks and people

Ticks can also bite people. If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, see your GP. Check yourself and your children after countryside walks too.