Protecting Your Dog

Tick awareness matters for dogs and households because ticks can affect animal health and can also be carried into shared environments. Some ticks transmit infections, including Lyme disease in relevant regions and species. Risk varies, and most encounters do not establish illness. Use veterinary advice for the individual animal and human health guidance for people; never diagnose from a tick photograph or course result.

Ticks are arachnids, not insects. Larvae have six legs; nymphs and adults have eight. Species, stage, sex and feeding state change appearance. Ticks can be extremely small, and a photograph cannot show whether one carries infection.

Ticks do not fly or jump. Contact can occur when a person or animal brushes vegetation or when a tick crawls from a host. Habitat creates opportunity, not certainty; route, activity, duration, season and host presence affect exposure.

A proportionate plan combines actions before, during and after exposure: understand the setting, select suitable clothing and routes, use approved products according to current instructions where appropriate, observe during activity and check afterward. No single action guarantees protection.

After possible exposure, check clothing and skin systematically, including less-visible areas. An attached tick should be removed promptly using current official guidance and suitable equipment; avoid burning, smothering or squeezing its body. Clean afterward, check for others and seek appropriate advice for concerning symptoms. Most bites do not result in illness.

Dogs can encounter ticks through vegetation, wildlife environments and travel. Ticks may be difficult to see in fur and appearance varies with stage and feeding. A tick image cannot determine infection or the dog’s health.

A veterinary professional can advise on suitable licensed preventive products based on species, age, weight, health, lifestyle and region. Never assume a dog product is safe for another animal, particularly cats. Follow the product label and professional advice.

Check after relevant exposure and as advised for the pet’s lifestyle. Use calm handling and inspect the head, ears, neck, collar area, legs, feet and body, while respecting the animal’s comfort. Seek help if handling is unsafe.

Use current veterinary guidance and suitable equipment for removal, or ask a veterinary professional. Avoid burning, smothering or squeezing. Note relevant exposure and seek veterinary advice for illness, unusual behaviour, persistent local reaction, uncertainty or removal difficulty.