Dos and Donts of Ticks

With recent changes to the Pet Travel Scheme in January 2012, pet owners are no longer required to treat their pet for ticks before entering the UK, meaning more ticks could enter the UK on untreated cats.  

Emma Milne, TV Vet (BVSc MRCVS) says “The pet travel rules may have changed when it comes to ticks but the fact that ticks spread disease and can harm your pet hasn’t! Make sure you’re armed with the facts about ticks and talk to your vet about how to keep your pet safe from parasites at home and abroad.”

Here’s some handy Dos and Don’ts of Ticks!

1. DON’T listen to myths and old wives’ tales
2. DON’T try to just pull ticks off with your fingers or tweezers. You might leave the head and mouth behind, causing an infected lump
3. DON’T try to burn ticks off. You can easily burn your pet and cause much more trouble than you started with!
4. DON’T take any chances with tick-borne diseases, at home or away. They are still around and all pets are at risk if they are not treated
5. DON’T travel abroad without making sure your pet is protected from ticks
6. DO your research. Talk to your vet and make sure you know what ticks look like in all their shapes and sizes and when they are most likely to be a problem
7. DO check your pet thoroughly for ticks after your pet has been outside, especially in places where ticks are common. Large, fully-engorged ticks may be easy to spot but ticks can also be very small and easy to miss
8. DO talk to your vet about which products are most effective to use
9. DO have a couple of tick hooks in your pet first aid kit. These are relatively cheap and available from your vet. They are simple to use and they get the tick, the whole tick and nothing but the tick!
10. DO enjoy your holidays and letting your pet outside! Ticks can be a problem and they can spread disease but if you’re well prepared you can make sure they’re not a problem for you or your pet.

This content was kindly supplied by Emma Milne in association with Merial, the makers of CERTIFECT™, FRONTLINE Combo® and FRONTLINE ®Spot On.