Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Tick-Borne Disease Welfare

Tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis cause significant welfare harm in dogs; prevention and early treatment are essential.

Key Facts

Ticks are increasingly common in the UK due to climate change and deer population expansion
Lyme disease causes joint pain, fatigue, and neurological symptoms in infected dogs
Babesia canis was recorded in Essex dogs not recently travelled abroad, indicating local establishment
Monthly preventatives including spot-on and collar products significantly reduce tick attachment
Prompt tick removal within 24 hours reduces disease transmission risk substantially

Welfare Considerations

Tick-borne diseases cause chronic, painful illness in affected dogs; regular tick checks and appropriate preventatives are effective and accessible welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Check your dog for ticks after walks in long grass or woodland
Use a vet-recommended tick preventative appropriate for your region
Remove attached ticks promptly using a tick hook and report any illness signs