Spring Tick Alert: Protect Your Pets This Season!
As warmer days arrive, pets and their owners are heading outdoors — but beware! Ticks are back, lurking in woodlands and grassy spots, ready to latch on and cause serious health risks for both animals and humans.
Expert Warns: Ticks Are Dangerous Little Parasites
Dr Hannah Godfrey, vet at Petsure, explains, “Ticks bury their mouthparts deep into the skin when feeding, then drop off when full. They swell up, turn dark grey or brown and look much bigger.” Spring and summer are peak tick seasons, with these pests carrying nasty diseases like babesiosis and Lyme disease.
“Babesiosis attacks red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia or even organ failure. Lyme disease is another danger, often leading to kidney failure in dogs,” Dr Godfrey warns.
Know The Signs: Catch Tick-Borne Illness Early
Keep an eye out for symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or paralysis. “Check your pet thoroughly after every outdoor trip,” Dr Godfrey urges. “If you spot anything unusual, get to the vet immediately.”
Top Tips To Keep Ticks Off Your Pets
- Check your pet after walks: Run your hands over their body, focusing on ears, head, belly, and armpits for ticks.
- Use vet-approved tick control: Try collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments recommended by your vet.
- Stick to species-specific products: Tick treatments for cats can be harmful to dogs and vice versa—never mix.
- Tidy your garden: Keep grass and bushes trimmed to reduce tick hiding spots.
Though tiny, ticks pack a big punch. Stay alert and protect your furry friends from these deadly parasites this spring and summer.
