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A veterinarian has cautioned dog owners to be vigilant for minor behavior changes that may signal tick-related discomfort. According to the UK Health Security Agency, while ticks can be present all year, they are most prevalent from April to July and sometimes later in the autumn.
Although ticks can inhabit many outdoor settings, they are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, making it crucial to examine yourself and your pets after outdoor activities. Dog owners should also be observant of behavior changes that might be easily ignored.
Jimmy Bratley, a Veterinary Practitioner for Adaptil and Pet Anxiety Month, has encouraged pet owners to notice these subtle signals. He highlighted that many dog owners might not recognize that behavioral changes can be an initial indication of a tick infestation.
Behavioural signs that your dog may have ticks
Increased scratching or biting
“If you notice that your dog is persistently scratching or nibbling in particular areas, this could be due to an embedded tick,” says Jimmy.
Restlessness or increased anxiety
“If your dog is usually calm and settles easily, a sudden change in behavior could indicate they are becoming restless and unable to settle comfortably,” he noted.
Sensitivity to touch
The vet advised: “If your dog reacts negatively to being petted or groomed, it might suggest discomfort from a tick, especially if they typically enjoy human contact.”
Head shaking or ear scratching
“As ticks usually prefer warm, dark areas like the ears, this can lead to excessive shaking or pawing at the head.”
Prolonged periods of whining
Jimmy added: “Persistent whining without an obvious cause could signal irritation from a tick bite.”
What to do if you find a tick on your dog
The vet informed pet owners: “Ticks are present year-round but are more active in open, wooded, and urban areas during spring and autumn. Ticks pose a danger to dogs of any age or breed, so aim to shield your dog from ticks by using spot-on treatments, sprays, or a tick-repellent collar that kills ticks upon their initial attempt to feed on your dog.
“However, if you do spot a tick, you must resist the urge to pull it off. Ticks always need to be removed slowly and carefully, otherwise embedded mouthparts can be left behind. If you are in any doubt, always have your dog checked by the vet.”
The RSPCA also shares guidance. It states: “To avoid squeezing the body or leaving the head in, you’ll need to twist the tick off. This can be done using a tick removal tool, which can be picked up at pet shops or the vets. Your vet will be able to show you the best way to remove a tick by twisting.
“If you’re unsure how to remove a tick, please speak to your vet first. Don’t try to burn them off or use lotion to suffocate them, as this won’t prevent your pet from picking up a disease.”
The RSPCA adds: “Ticks will bite and feed on your dog or cat for up to a few days, and drop off once they’ve had enough. During this time, it’s possible the tick could give your pet a disease.
“Ticks carry a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease. Dogs, cats and humans can all get Lyme disease, although it’s uncommon in cats.”
Symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy, swollen joints, loss of appetite, and depression. If you think your pet could have Lyme disease, speak to your vet.
The NHS shares guidance for humans. It says that if you’ve been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past 3 months where infected ticks could be, and you:
- feel unwell with flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches or aching muscles
- have a round or oval-shaped rash
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 and tell them if you’ve recently been in forests or grassy areas.
