Tick season is upon us! I know this all to well as I picked one up myself while gardening at the weekend!  

Ticks pose a real risk to our pets from spring through to early autumn. As temperatures rise, ticks become more active in parks, woodlands, hedgerows, and our gardens, increasing the chance of bites, infection, and (possibly) unexpected vet bills.

When is tick season in the UK and where can they be found?

Tick season in the UK typically runs from March to October, with peak activity during warm, humid weather. However, milder winters mean ticks can remain active all year in some parts of the country.

Ticks are commonly found in:

• Long grass and hedgerows.
• Woodland and heathland.
• Urban parks and gardens.

All farm and wild animals can have and spread ticks, so our pets can easily pick them up when they walk through vegetation. The tick attaches to the skin and feeds on blood, which can expose pets to disease.

Why are ticks dangerous for pets?

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can carry diseases that affect both pets and people, making prevention important.

The main tick-related health risks in the UK include:

• Lyme disease, which can cause lethargy, joint pain, and long-term complications.
• Babesiosis, a rarer but serious disease that affects red blood cells.

These diseases are fairly rare but are more common in certain areas of the country. Counties in the south east for example, with high populations of wild deer, and in the Scottish Highlands are areas where Lyme's disease is more common.

Symptoms of both diseases may not appear straight away, so pet owners often do not realise there is a problem until their pet becomes unwell.

How can ticks be treated and removed?

Ticks can often be avoided with vet-approved flea and tick prevention medicines. These treatments usually come as spot-on liquids, tablets, or collars. Depending on the product, they may repel ticks, kill them quickly, or stop them from feeding long enough to cause harm. Your vet can advise you on the best treatment option for your pet and prevention is always better than cure.   

If you pet does get a tick and their medication is up to date it should drop off pretty quickly. If not, remove it as soon as possible using special fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull it out carefully without squeezing the body. After removal, clean the area and watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, lameness, or reduced appetite.

What could tick-related illness treatment cost?

If your pet is unlucky enough to contract a tick-borne illness, it could lead to costly vet treatment. Common expenses may include:

• Vet consultations
• Diagnostic tests 
• Antibiotics or longer-term treatment

Depending on the severity of the illness, the costs could mount up. This is why a good routine of prevention, prompt treatment, and careful tick removal can reduce risk and protect your pet’s health. In addition, the right pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of treatment if tick-related illness does occur, but always check the policy wording and the policy exclusions carefully before buying.