Parasites like ticks and fleas may be small, but the health risks they pose to your pets—and to you—are significant. Even regular checks at home can miss these pests, especially when they’re hidden in long or dark fur. That’s why we encourage pet owners to stay informed and proactive when it comes to parasite protection.
The Trouble with Ticks
Ticks are widespread across the UK and are on the rise due to warmer, wetter weather and increased pet travel. These blood-sucking parasites can carry and transmit dangerous diseases such as:
- Lyme disease – can affect both dogs and humans
- Canine babesiosis – a potentially fatal disease now reported in the UK
One major study, The Big Tick Project, revealed that nearly 1 in 3 dogs across the UK were carrying ticks—most without their owners even knowing. Ticks are often picked up in areas with deer, but they’re also found in urban parks, gardens, and even grassy verges.
Tick Bites: What to Watch For
Tick bites are easy to miss. Before feeding, ticks are tiny and well-hidden in your pet’s coat. Symptoms of tick-borne diseases can include:
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the gums or eyes)
- Lameness or joint pain
If untreated, these diseases can become serious and even life-threatening.
Fleas: A Year-Round Problem
Just like ticks, fleas are more than a nuisance. Left untreated, they can:
- Cause skin allergies and infections
- Spread tapeworms
- Lead to anaemia, especially in young or small pets
- Infest your home—flea eggs fall off pets and hatch in carpets and furnishings
Fleas thrive indoors and can survive year-round, even in clean homes. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, making infestations quick to escalate.
Prevention Is Key
The good news? Flea and tick prevention is simple and effective. There are a range of treatments available, including:
- Spot-on solutions (typically monthly)
- Chewable tablets (lasting up to 12 weeks)
- Collars and sprays
- Prescription-only products tailored to your pet’s size and lifestyle
Not all products are suitable for every pet, so it’s important to get professional advice—some dog-only treatments can be toxic to cats.
What You Can Do
- Check your pet’s coat regularly, especially after walks
- Book annual parasite checks with your vet
- Keep prevention treatments up to date all year round
- Be extra vigilant if you walk in high-risk areas, such as woodlands or places with deer
- Ask your vet about the best treatment plan for your pet’s needs
Travel Alert
Planning to travel with your pet? Ticks from abroad can introduce new diseases to the UK. Always ensure your pet is fully protected before, during, and after any overseas travel.
Schedule a Check-Up Today
Ticks and fleas are tricky to spot—but we can help. Book your pet in for a check-up and let us guide you on the best parasite protection plan. Whether you have a city cat or a woodland-walking dog, we’ll help keep them happy, healthy, and protected year-round.
For more information and to view tick hotspots in the UK, visit: www.bigtickproject.co.uk
