Symptoms of a tick bite
- A visible attached tick or bite site.
- Pain or discomfort.
- Red, swollen skin.
- Skin inflammation or infection: a tick that stays attached for longer can cause inflammation at the bite site.
- Restlessness: itching can make it hard for your dog to sleep.
- Feeling generally unwell: in more severe cases the dog loses its appetite and runs a temperature.
If you notice these symptoms or suspect a tick bite, contact your vet. They will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment and preventive measures. They will also advise you on what to do if the bite has caused complications or may be linked to dangerous diseases such as canine babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis or borreliosis (Lyme disease).
How to protect your dog from ticks
- After every walk, especially in the countryside, check your dog's coat and skin carefully. That way you will spot and remove ticks quickly.
- Check your home surroundings, especially the garden. Repellent sprays can be used to control ticks.
- Clean the places where your dog spends time.
- Use tick prevention products: tablets, collars, tags, spot-on drops or sprays.
What to do if a tick has attached to your dog
Stay calm, but act quickly:
- Remove the tick as soon as possible. A purpose-made tick removal tool works best.
- Take your time: grip the tick as close to your dog's skin as you can, then gently and slowly twist and pull it out.
- Clean the bite site with a disinfectant.
- Destroy the removed tick.
- Keep an eye on your dog. If you notice any symptoms or changes in behaviour, contact your vet.
If you cannot remove the tick, or part of it stays in the skin, bring your dog to the clinic and the vet will remove it completely.
