Treatment for ticks on dogs

Did you know that tick-borne diseases in British dogs are on the rise? They usually like to hitchhike on dogs (or other mammals) during countryside walks. While they can be fairly common and easy to remove, they can also cause skin irritation, inflammation and in worst cases, infections with longer-term side effects. Things like loss of appetite, lethargy or even arthritis.

Frontline Plus reduces the number of ticks that can attach to your dog, and importantly, reduces the chances of any ticks that do attach, from spreading tick-borne diseases. You can use tick control all year round, but it’s even more important during the peak activity times of spring and early summer.

Want to know more about ticks on dogs, including what they look like and how to remove them? Read our FAQs below.

Not forgetting fleas and worms

All dogs are susceptible to parasites – even those living in the cleanest of environments. The only way to keep your dog parasite free is with regular, effective treatments. We offer effective protection against fleas and worms in dogs, too. Click on the links below to learn more about these parasites and the easy treatment options available through our subscription service.

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Ticks on dogs FAQs

In the UK, the most common species of tick likely to affect your dog is the sheep tick or hedgehog tick. Brush up on your knowledge of ticks in our FAQs, and get the information you need to keep your dog tick free.

How to remove a tick

Use a ‘tick remover’ to help you extract the tick. A tick remover is hook-shaped with a slot that slides either side of the tick. This should be gently twisted several times to remove the mouthparts from your dog. Once removed examine the tick before disposal to ensure the tick is intact and there are no mouthparts still present in your dog’s skin. Gently clean the area after removal of the tick. If you are unsure if what you have found is a tick, or how to remove it, your local veterinary practice will be able to help.

What does a tick look like?

Ticks can be tricky to spot amongst your dog’s hair. The most common area to find a tick is on your dog’s head and legs, although they can attach anywhere on an animal’s body. Ticks will appear as grey or brown immobile growths or wart on your pet. As they feed on blood their bodies enlarge and they become easier to identify.

What does a tick bite look like?

The bites of ticks can cause local irritation and inflammation, if they are scratched off and mouthparts are left buried in the skin a small abscess can result. When present in very large numbers they may cause substantial blood loss in young animals causing anaemia. However, the main danger of ticks is in the infections that they can carry.

How to get rid of ticks on dogs?

Use a tick control product, such as Frontline Plus Spot-On, on a regular basis to reduce the number of ticks that can attach to your dog and reduce the chances of any ticks that do attach from spreading tick-borne diseases.
You may use a tick control product all year round, but it is of the greatest importance during the peak activity times of spring and autumn. Protect My Pet will help to ensure you never miss a dose by having your tick preventative arriving in the post, just when it is needed.
Avoid walking your dog in areas known to have a large tick population, particularly at the times of year when ticks are known to be most active.
Humans can also be a food source for ticks, remember to protect yourself when walking in parks and woodlands. Tuck your trousers into socks and check your legs and ankles for ticks when you get home.

Subscribe now for year-round protection from ticks

For ticks on dogs, we use Frontline Plus – the UK’s No. 1 and most trusted brand.* Our in-house team of vets know the optimum times of year to treat your dog for ticks and how much to prescribe to ensure they’re properly protected. When you subscribe, we’ll deliver the right dose at the right time – so you’re fully covered and never forget to protect.

*MAT sales excluding vet channel, market share dashboard July 2020.