A veterinary clinic has warned dog owners to be mindful of ticks over the summer months.
Nutgrove Veterinary Hospital in Dublin said they have noticed an increase of dogs being brought in to have ticks removed.
They said: “It’s Tick Season! We have had three separate dogs in this week to get tick removed!”
“Ticks are common parasites that can be found on dogs and cats.
“Summer months are the high-risk months for animals to be infected with ticks.”
After becoming attached to the skin and feeding, ticks will appear big enough to spot and will feel like a small bump on your pet’s skin.
Ticks can not jump or ‘fall from trees’. Instead, they transfer onto hosts when animals walk through long grass/bushes.
Pet owners are advised to run their hands over their pet’s body when they return from walks to check for the parasites.
Most commonly, they will attach themselves to areas around the animal’s head, neck, ears and feet.
The Nutgrove Veterinary Hospital warned people that the parasites could have severe consequences for their pets and highlight that it is important to check for them as they can infect humans too.
They said, “These parasites can be serious and may cause Lyme disease, anaemia and even paralysis.
“Ticks can attach and cause illness to humans also.”
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by Borrelia bacterium, which is spread by ticks.
The most common sign of infection in humans is an expanding red rash that appears at the site of the bite about a week after it occurred.
The veterinary hospital advised pet owners to use parasite control products to avoid ticks attaching themselves to their animal and warned people that if they attempt to remove a parasite, they must do it properly.
They said, “Ticks can be prevented with monthly parasite control products.
“Pulling off a tick can leave body parts (legs) still attached to your dog. Make sure when removing them that the legs are removed.”
If you are unsure how to remove a tick properly from your cat or dog, you are advised to contact your vet and have them remove the tick for you.
