LIVE24SEVEN // Feature P E T ADV I C E – COR INIUM V E T E R INAR Y SURGE R Y Ticks – The Facts Dr. Bettina Gruninger from Corinium Veterinary Surgery, Cirencester offers advice for your pets this summer


Ticks are a widespread and expanding threat across the UK. In recent years, they have begun to start feeding earlier and longer in the year. They are also carrying potentially new and harmful diseases. All this puts your pets at a greater risk. Travelling pets are at a particular risk and you must speak to your vet about tick prevention before travelling abroad with your pet.


The number of reported cases of Lymes disease, a serious bacterial infection transmitted by ticks to dogs and humans is thought to be on the increase in the UK. Recently, Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease in dogs normally only found in Europe has been found in a cluster of dogs in Essex.


Many of the options available for tick control require a prescription from your veterinary surgeon. Speak to your vets about which product is most appropriate for your pet and how often it should be used.


Even if your pet is protected, you should always check for ticks at least once a day, especially if they’ve been outside in an area with tall grasses or shrubs, where ticks often dwell. It is very important that ticks are removed within 24-48 hours after they start feeding. The risk of infection transmission with the tick’s saliva increases after this time.


The ideal device for tick removal is a specially designed hook with a narrow slot, which needs to be slid under the tick at skin level so as to grip and twist the tick out. You can find these hooks at your vets or local pet shop. Always use gloves to handle ticks. They could re-attach to your pet or even a person and transmit diseases if you don’t destroy and dispose them properly.


Image of an engorged tick removed from a patient


Corinium Veterinary Surgery, Querns Business Centre, Whitworth Rd, Cirencester GL7 1RT. Tel: 01285 652008 www.coriniumvet.co.uk


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