
How to spot, remove and prevent ticks on your cats and dogs
If you're a pet parent, you know that ticks are more than just an annoying nuisance; they can pose serious health risks to both your pets and your family. Whether you have a curious cat or an adventurous dog, understanding how to prevent, identify, and remove ticks is essential.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about ticks: what they look like, how to remove them from your dog or cat safely, and how to keep your pets protected year-round.
What Does a Tick Look Like?
Ticks are small, egg-shaped parasites with eight legs, and they can range in size from 1mm to 1cm. Their colour varies from grey to brown, and they become darker and larger after feeding on blood.
You’re most likely to spot a tick:
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Embedded in the fur of your dog around the ears, neck, armpits, groin, or between the toes.
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Nestled in warm, hidden areas on your cat, such as under the collar, between the toes, or near the tail base.
Once latched on, ticks look like small lumps or skin tags until you look closer.
Symptoms of a Tick on Your Pet
Dogs and cats may show subtle signs when they’ve been bitten by a tick. These can include:
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Excessive scratching or licking at one spot
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Head shaking (especially if the tick is in or near the ear)
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Redness or swelling at the bite site
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Lethargy or general discomfort
If you suspect a tick bite but can’t find the culprit, a visit to the vet is a smart move.
Where Do Pets Pick Up Ticks?
Ticks love areas with tall grass, shrubs, or woods. They're commonly found in:
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Woodlands and forests
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Long grassy fields
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Gardens with lots of wildlife
Even indoor cats can get ticks if they live in areas with access to the outdoors or if ticks are brought in on clothes or other pets. Ticks are most active from spring to autumn, but they can be found year-round in some regions.
How do you safely remove ticks?
If you discover a tick on your pet, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. It’s important to remove the tick correctly to avoid leaving mouthparts embedded in the skin or causing the tick to regurgitate potentially harmful bacteria.
❌ Don’t:
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Squeeze the tick
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Burn it off
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Use petroleum jelly or oils to suffocate it
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Pull it straight out
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Panic or prod at it
✅ Do:
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Wash your hands and stay calm.
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Part your pet’s fur gently to see the tick clearly.
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Use a tick-removal tool (available at pet stores and vets).
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Slide the tool under the tick and twist clockwise until it detaches.
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Inspect the site to ensure the entire tick is removed.
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Dispose of the tick by wrapping it in tissue and flushing it or sealing it in a plastic bag.
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Clean the area with a pet-safe antiseptic.
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Watch the area over the next few days for signs of swelling, redness, or infection.
If you're unsure or unable to remove the tick yourself, contact your vet for assistance.
Tick Prevention for Dogs and Cats
The best way to protect your pet is through regular parasite prevention treatments. These are available in various forms:
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Spot-on treatments (applied to the back of the neck)
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Oral tablets (some also cover fleas and worms)
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Collars infused with tick repellents
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Injections (administered by your vet)
Talk to your vet about the best option for your pet’s age, size, and lifestyle. Never use a dog-specific tick treatment on a cat, as some ingredients (like permethrin) can be fatal to felines.
Pro Tip:
After nature walks, always check your dog or outdoor cat for ticks before letting them back in the house.
Lyme Disease in Dogs and Cats
Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, a serious bacterial infection that affects both pets and humans.
Symptoms in pets may include:
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Fever
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Lameness (often intermittent)
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Lethargy
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Joint swelling
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Loss of appetite
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Bullseye-shaped rash (rare but possible)
Cats are less likely to contract Lyme disease, but they can still carry ticks that may pose a risk to you or other pets. If your dog or cat exhibits any of these symptoms after a tick bite, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics can make all the difference.
Tick Safety Is Year-Round Care
Ticks might be tiny, but the risks they carry are serious. Thankfully, with a little diligence and the right preventative care, you can keep both your dogs and cats safe and happy, tick-free!
Remember:
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Check your pets regularly
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Use vet-recommended preventatives
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Remove ticks properly
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Seek help if you’re unsure
Because your furry friends deserve the very best care, even when it comes to tiny intruders like ticks!