NATURE FIRST · HEALTH
Ticks on Dogs: Removing, Protecting, Recognising
It is not the bite itself that is the problem, but what ticks can transmit. The shorter a tick feeds, the lower the risk.
Ticks are active from roughly February to November, and in mild winters almost all year round. They become dangerous as carriers of disease. The risk of transmission rises with feeding time, which is why a quick, thorough check after every walk is half the battle.
The diseases ticks transmit
Lyme disease
The best-known tick-borne disease. Signs such as fever, lethargy and shifting lameness often appear only weeks later.
Babesiosis
Also called “dog malaria”. The pathogens destroy red blood cells and can become life-threatening without treatment.
Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, TBE
Various pathogens with symptoms ranging from fever and exhaustion to neurological problems. Some occur mainly in certain regions.
Removing a tick correctly
Have the tool ready
Use a tick hook, tick tweezers or a tick card. They grip the tick close to the skin without squeezing the body.
Grip close to the skin
Place the tool as far down at the head as possible, not on the engorged body, so that nothing is left behind.
Pull straight out
Pull out slowly and evenly, or twist it out gently. No oil, no glue, that only irritates the tick.
Watch the spot
Check the bite site and keep an eye on it. Slight redness is normal, a larger reaction is not.
When to see the vet
If your dog shows fever, loss of appetite, lethargy or lameness in the days to weeks after a tick bite, have it checked, as these can be signs of a transmitted disease. A visit also makes sense if the tick’s head stays stuck and the spot becomes inflamed.
Prevention: combine two layers
The most reliable protection comes from combining a preventive product with consistent checking. Which product suits depends on region, age and lifestyle.
How to protect your dog
- Prevention with a spot-on, collar or tablet, chosen to suit the dog
- Check after every walk, especially the head, ears, armpits and between the toes
- Remove any ticks you find quickly, every hour counts
- Avoid tall grass and undergrowth during the peak season where you can
- Clean resting places and blankets regularly
Frequently asked questions
Should I twist or pull the tick?
Both are possible, what matters is even, steady traction without squeezing. With a hook or card this usually works well. The main thing is not to press on the body.
Do home remedies like oil or glue help?
No, quite the opposite. They irritate the tick, which then releases more saliva and possibly pathogens. It is better to remove it mechanically.
Can tick-borne diseases affect people too?
Some pathogens are in principle relevant to people too, transmitted directly through the tick bite, not via the dog. Good prevention protects both sides.