Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention

Tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and babesiosis cause significant dog welfare problems. Prevention through tick control and prompt tick removal is highly effective.

Key Facts

Lyme disease causes lameness, kidney disease, and systemic illness in dogs
Babesiosis from Dermacentor ticks causes haemolytic anaemia and can be fatal
Regular tick checks and prompt removal within 24-48 hours reduce disease transmission
Licensed acaricide products including spot-ons and collars significantly reduce tick burden
Travel to risk areas including southern Europe increases exposure to more dangerous tick species

Welfare Considerations

Tick-borne diseases cause significant preventable suffering. Routine tick prevention, regular tick checks, and prompt removal dramatically reduce the welfare burden of tick-borne disease in dogs.

What You Can Do

Use licensed tick prevention products year-round, especially in tick habitats
Check your dog for ticks after every walk in tick habitat
Remove ticks promptly using a tick hook or card device
Learn about tick species and disease risk in your area and travel destinations