Tick Trouble

An increasing problem in Britain, causing many serious health issues

Ticks have become an increasing problem in Britain, causing many serious health issues. Approximately 15% of cats and dogs have ticks so they are more common than you think. The most common tick in Britain is “Lxodes Ricinus”, also known as the sheep tick.

Ticks can cause

Irritation and discomfort to the skin
Problems leading to an abscess
Infectious diseases including Lyme’s Disease

Ticks can be picked up whenever pets go into grassy areas and are particularly at risk if you go into the hills and glens. As the pet brushes past, the tick attaches themselves by biting the skin and cementing themselves in place.

Infectious diseases are spread by tick bites. Ticks secrete fluid into your pet and this causes the infection to be transmitted along with it. Lyme’s Disease is the most common infection. Signs to look out for include pyrexia (fever), lethargy and arthritis.

Tick should be treated with Frontline Combo or Advantix, both of which we stock at Robson Vets. This treatment should be applied every 4 weeks. It must be applied directly onto the skin, between the shoulder blades. This will make sure the pet doesn’t lick it off. Frontline Combo and Advantix kills ticks and protects against re-infestation for up to 4 weeks

Once dead, the ticks should naturally fall off but in some cases, removal with an “O Tom Tick Removal” is required. Ticks should be removed carefully, making sure the mouthparts are removed properly. If not, this can cause infection and you should seek advice from one of our vets.

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