Companion Animal Tick Prevention Welfare

Ticks transmit serious diseases to companion animals including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Effective tick prevention protects both animal welfare and human health through zoonotic disease reduction.

Key Facts

Ticks are most active in spring and autumn but can be found year-round in mild UK winters
Ixodes ricinus, the sheep tick, is the primary tick species affecting dogs and cats in the UK
Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) causes joint pain, neurological symptoms, and systemic illness in dogs and humans
Babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, has become established in some UK areas through the movement of infected dogs
Effective tick prevention includes licensed spot-on products, collars, and oral medications
Removal within 24-48 hours significantly reduces disease transmission risk - prompt daily checks are important
Tick-removing tools that twist the tick avoid squeezing its body, reducing disease transmission risk
Areas of high tick risk include moorland, heathland, woodland, and parkland with deer populations

Welfare Considerations

Tick-borne diseases cause significant suffering in affected companion animals. Lyme disease in dogs causes painful joints, lethargy, and potential kidney and neurological complications. Prevention through licensed products and prompt removal is far preferable to treating established disease. Owner awareness of tick habitat and the importance of daily checks after walks in tick-prone environments is the most important preventive welfare measure alongside using licensed preventive treatments recommended by veterinary surgeons.

What You Can Do

Apply veterinary-recommended tick prevention products appropriate to your pet and lifestyle
Check your dog and cat for ticks daily after walks in tick-prone environments
Use a proper tick removal tool that twists the tick out rather than squeezing it
Consult your vet immediately if your pet shows signs of illness after tick exposure