Tick Trouble: What Every Pet Owner Should Know This Summer

Tick Trouble: What Every Pet Owner Should Know This Summer

As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, we naturally spend more time outdoors. For our furry friends, this means longer walks, playful garden romps, and fun adventures in nature. But with summer comes a hidden danger that many pet owners overlook: ticks. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites may seem insignificant, but they can pose a serious health risk to both cats and dogs. Understanding how to spot, remove, and prevent ticks is essential to keeping your pet safe and happy all season long.


What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small arachnids, related to spiders and mites, that survive by feeding on the blood of animals and humans. They have a hard outer shell and can vary in size, from as small as a sesame seed to as large as a coffee bean when engorged. Ticks latch onto your pet's skin with their mouthparts and begin feeding, often going unnoticed due to their small size and the anaesthetic properties in their saliva.

Where Are Ticks Found?

Ticks are found in a wide range of environments, but they are especially active in warm and humid climates. In the UK and many parts of Europe, tick season begins in the spring and continues through late autumn. The highest risk months are typically May to September.

Common places ticks inhabit include:

*Tall grasses and meadows
*Leaf piles and wooded trails
*Bushy gardens or overgrown yards
*Coastal parks and countryside fields

Even urban pets aren't exempt, as ticks can latch on during a simple visit to the local park or backyard.

Diseases Ticks Can Carry

Though a tick bite might not hurt your pet immediately, the real danger lies in the diseases these parasites can transmit. Some of the most concerning tick-borne illnesses include:

Lyme Disease: Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, Lyme disease can lead to fever, joint pain, lethargy, and in severe cases, kidney damage.

Ehrlichiosis: This bacterial infection affects white blood cells and can cause symptoms like bleeding, fever, and weight loss.

Anaplasmosis: Similar to Lyme disease, this can cause lethargy, vomiting, and joint pain.

Babesiosis: A protozoal infection that destroys red blood cells, often leading to anemia and weakness.

These diseases can often go undetected for days or even weeks, making early prevention and monitoring crucial.

Symptoms of a Tick Bite or Tick-Borne Disease

In many cases, ticks attach and feed without causing immediate symptoms. However, some signs your pet may have been bitten or infected include:

  • Redness or swelling at the bite site
  • Excessive scratching or grooming
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Limping or difficulty walking

If you spot any of these symptoms, particularly after time outdoors, contact your vet promptly.

What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Pet

Discovering a tick on your pet can be unsettling, but prompt and proper removal is important to minimize risk.

  1. Remain Calm – Your pet will sense your stress. Gently restrain them if needed.
  2. Use the Right Tool – Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid using your fingers.
  3. Grasp and Pull – Hold the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Do not twist.
  4. Clean the Area – Wash the bite site with antiseptic and dispose of the tick by sealing it in a container or flushing it.
  5. Watch for Symptoms – Keep a close eye on your pet for the next few weeks for signs of infection or illness.
  6. Consider Keeping the Tick – Place it in a sealed bag in case your vet wants to test it later.

Never burn a tick off or apply substances like Vaseline or alcohol while it’s attached. These methods can increase the chances of disease transmission.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Prevention is far easier than treatment. Protecting your pet from ticks requires a combination of good habits and effective products:

  • Use Preventative Treatments – Spot-on treatments, tick collars, and oral medications are widely available. Speak to your vet about the best option.
  • Regular Tick Checks – After walks, check your pet’s head, ears, neck, underbelly, and between the toes.
  • Keep Lawns Trimmed – Reduce tick habitats in your garden by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter.
  • Avoid Tick Hotspots – During peak season, try to avoid walking your pet through dense foliage or tall grasses.
  • Groom Frequently – Especially important for long-haired breeds where ticks can hide more easily.
  • Use Protective Accessories – Lightweight collars and harnesses can help make tick checks easier while keeping pets stylish.

Conclusion

Ticks may be small, but their impact can be anything but. As a responsible pet owner, taking preventive steps and knowing what to do if your pet is bitten is key to avoiding tick-related illnesses. With the right care, your cat or dog can enjoy a safe and adventurous summer.

Explore Fluffs Club’s curated Summer Essentials for comfortable collars, cooling gear, and safe accessories designed with both you and your pet in mind.

➡️ Visit fluffsclub.com/collections/summer-essentials

Stay safe, stay fluffed, and enjoy the sunshine!

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