Ticks, tick bites and Lyme disease – everything you need to know to keep yourselves and your dogs safe
As the weather (hopefully) starts to warm up, and we begin to spend more time in the great outdoors, it’s an ideal time to learn more about tick bites, and find out how to prevent them, treat them and what to look out for when it comes to Lyme disease.
Both dogs and humans can pick up ticks. Ticks latch onto the skin by biting, and begin to feed on the host’s blood. The real problem lies in the infection of the tick with borrelia bacteria, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Did you know?
On average, between 2.5–5.1% of ticks are infected in England and Wales (source).
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection (borrelia bacteria) that is transmitted into the bloodstream through the bite of a tick. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, but they are the only known source of the disease. For humans, Lyme disease normally (but not always) begins with a ‘bull’s-eye’ rash at the bite site, with flu-like symptoms developing shortly after. These may include headaches, fever, chills, joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Lyme disease can usually be treated with antibiotics from your GP, however in some rare cases, patients can live with the symptoms for years and can cause more dangerous side effects.
For dogs, Lyme disease symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, lameness, generalised stiffness, discomfort, or pain and swelling of joints. It is usually treated with antibiotics, with positive results. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal. Ticks can also carry other less common but just as serious serious bacterial diseases affecting dogs, including anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
Lyme disease tends to be diagnosed more during the summer season, due to the increase in outdoor activity in tick-residing areas such as grassland and forests and the higher activity of ticks during this time.
Consult this interactive map to find out about tick threat risks in your area
How do I remove ticks?
Normally, a tick must be ‘attached’ for 36 to 48 hours or more before Lyme disease can be transmitted. If you remove a tick quickly (within 24 hours), you can greatly reduce your and your dog’s chances of contracting Lyme disease.
This makes it incredibly important to regularly check for ticks and know how to safely remove them should you find one. Ticks can be very small, especially if they have recently become attached, so it’s very important to be thorough when checking for them.
The method is the same for both dogs and humans: you can use non-blunt tweezers or ‘tick removers’ at home to remove a tick. Get as close to the skin as possible and pull firm and slow. Do not jerk or yank (or twist if using tweezers) so as not to detach the body from the head and leave any of the tick still attached. Tick removal tools, such as Tick Twisters can also be useful. For a thorough guide on tick removal, read this guidance from Lyme Disease UK. When the tick is safely removed, dispose of it safely, clean the bite and monitor. Should you notice a rash appear, or develop any aforementioned symptoms, contact your GP or vet immediately.
How can I prevent ticks?
The best way to deal with ticks and Lyme disease is to prevent the possibility of tick bites in the first place. Whilst there are many commercial tick prevention treatments available, these tend to involve the use of chemicals (e.g. DEET), which are toxic and not always the healthiest choice for you or your dog.
There are some natural tick prevention options that you can try at home to keep ticks at bay in a safe and healthy way.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Whilst it doesn’t kill them, ticks don’t like the smell and taste of ACV and so it’s a great option for preventing ticks attaching to your dogs. You can make a home solution of ACV and water and spray on to your pet’s coat and bedding.
Cumin
Studies show that cumin has an array of numerous health-supporting properties, including helping against ticks, and reducing the risk of infestation. Adding cumin to your dog’s diet is super easy with our cumin sticks. Simply feed 1-2 a day!
Essential Oils
Essential oils are used in a huge array of natural remedies, and they work a treat for preventing ticks. Ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, eucalyptus, peppermint, cedarwood and lavender are a few great choices. They should be diluted with water or almond oil before applying to the skin. The added bonus is that your dog will smell great as a result!
Always consult your vet before administering any treatments at home.
