Ticks on Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Ticks on Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
A walk through the countryside, a wander around the garden or an afternoon exploring long grass can be wonderful for our pets. Unfortunately, these places can also be home to an unwelcome visitor — ticks.
Ticks are tiny parasites that attach themselves to animals and feed on blood. They can affect both dogs and cats, and they’re not just something to think about during the summer months. Ticks can be active at different times of year, so it’s worth checking your pets regularly.
In this guide, we’ll look at where ticks live, where you’re most likely to find them on your dog or cat, why they need removing carefully and how to remove them safely.
Where Do Ticks Live?
Ticks are commonly found in areas with vegetation, particularly where there is long grass, dense undergrowth or woodland.
Common tick hotspots include:
- Woodlands and forests
- Long grass and meadows
- Bushes and hedgerows
- Areas of dense undergrowth
- Wildlife trails
- Parks and gardens
- Your own back garden
Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation and attach themselves to a passing animal or person.
So, unfortunately, many of the places our dogs and cats love exploring can also be places where ticks are waiting.
Where Should You Check Your Dog or Cat for Ticks?
Once a tick has attached itself, it may crawl through the fur before finding a suitable place to feed.
On dogs, check carefully around:
- The ears
- The neck and underneath the collar
- The face and muzzle
- Under the legs
- The groin and belly
- Between the toes
- Around the tail
For cats, check around:
- The ears
- The head and neck
- Under the chin
- Around the shoulders
- The belly and groin
- Between the toes
Ticks can be surprisingly easy to miss, particularly on pets with thick or dark coats. Running your hands gently over your pet after walks or outdoor adventures can help you spot unusual lumps or attached ticks.
Why Are Ticks a Problem?
Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans.
Once attached, a tick embeds its mouthparts into the skin and can remain there while feeding. As well as causing local irritation, ticks can carry and transmit diseases.
The risk varies depending on the type of tick and where you live, but tick bites can potentially transmit infections to both animals and people.
For this reason, it is important to check your pets regularly and remove any attached ticks promptly and carefully.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
Removing a tick correctly is important. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick or pulling it away roughly.
A specially designed tick removal tool, such as a Tick Twister, can make removal easier.
A simple tick-removal routine
- Choose the correct size tick remover for the tick.
- Position the tool close to the skin, underneath the body of the tick.
- Follow the instructions supplied with your tick-removal tool to remove the tick carefully.
- Check that the tick has been removed as completely as possible.
- Keep an eye on the area afterwards for signs of irritation or swelling.
If you’re unsure about removing a tick yourself, or if the area becomes sore, swollen or infected, seek advice from your vet.
Keep a Tick Remover Handy
Ticks are much easier to deal with when you have the right tool to hand.
We recommend keeping a tick remover somewhere convenient, such as:
- Your dog walking bag
- The car
- Your pet first-aid kit
- Your holiday or travel bag
- At home
A compact tick-removal tool takes up very little space and can be useful whenever your pet has been exploring outdoors.
Tick Checks: A Simple Part of Pet Care
Making a quick tick check part of your routine can help you spot ticks early.
For dogs, it’s a good habit to check after walks in long grass, woodland or other areas where ticks may be present.
For cats that spend time outdoors, regular checks are equally important — especially during periods when they are likely to be exploring gardens, hedgerows and grassy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ticks
Can cats get ticks?
Yes. Cats can pick up ticks when they spend time outdoors, particularly in gardens, long grass, woodland and other areas with vegetation.
Can dogs get ticks?
Yes. Dogs can pick up ticks while walking or exploring outdoors. Checking your dog regularly can help you find and remove ticks promptly.
Do ticks only appear in summer?
No. Although tick activity can vary throughout the year and may increase during warmer periods, ticks are not simply a summer problem. It’s sensible to check your pets regularly whenever they have been outdoors.
Where do ticks hide on dogs?
Common places include around the ears, neck, belly, groin, legs and between the toes. However, ticks can attach themselves almost anywhere.
Where do ticks hide on cats?
Ticks are often found around the head, ears, neck and shoulders, but it’s worth checking your cat’s whole body.
Should I remove a tick myself?
Many pet owners remove ticks using a purpose-designed tick-removal tool. If you are unsure, uncomfortable doing so, or are concerned about your pet, contact your vet for advice.
Tick Removal Tools for Dogs and Cats
A good tick-removal tool is a useful addition to any pet first-aid kit.
At Bows & Whistles, we stock handy tick removal tools, including Tick Twisters, which are compact and easy to keep in your walking bag, car or at home.
You can browse our Tick Removal Tools to find a practical addition to your pet-care kit.
Watch How to Remove a Tick
We’ve also included a tick-removal tutorial video to help demonstrate how to use the tool correctly.
Remember to follow the instructions provided with your tick-removal tool and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns about your pet.
A Final Thought
Ticks may be tiny, but regular checks can make a big difference. Whether your dog has been racing through the countryside or your cat has been exploring the garden, taking a few moments to check for ticks is a simple part of caring for your pet.
Stay prepared, check regularly and keep the right tick-removal tool close at hand.
