Tick Fact File
Tick numbers are on the increase!
Ticks hide in the undergrowth of our countryside and parkland and when they sense an animal pass by, they hop on board to feed on its blood. Ticks are not worried if it's your pet or you they latch onto.
Tick saliva contains an anaesthetic so your pet or will not feel them bite and neither will you. Once fed they will fall off into the environment again (this includes your house!).
TICKS ARE A HEALTH RISK! Ticks can spread diseases to humans as well as other animals!
Common tick borne diseases include:
Lyme Disease: In dogs it can cause lameness, fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, swollen joints and sometimes kidney failure.
Babesiosis: A microscopic parasite carried by ticks that invades the red blood cells. In dogs it can cause high temperature, increased breathing rate, muscle tremors, anaemia, jaundice and weight loss.
CHECK YOUR PET FOR TICKS REGULARLY. If you find a tick do not burn, cut or pull the tick off. If you do this it is very easy to leave the ticks mouthparts behind and this will cause problems, leading to expensive vet bills.
If you want to remove the tick yourself use a 'tick hook' (available for purchase from us or your local pet store) and follow the instructions for use carefully. Wear gloves.
If you would prefer us to remove the ticks please call us and ask for an appointment with one of our nurses.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. Ask us about the wide range of tick and flea products available for your pet. If you see one tick there is often more so treat your pet with a veterinary tick product, even if you have safety removed the tick kfrom your pet.
Please Note
These factsheets are provided as guidelines only. If you are at all concerned about the wellbeing of your pet then please call Hope Veterinary Surgery immediately by using our phone number 01782 657788.
