Protecting Your Dog From Ticks

There are around 900 tick species worldwide, but the majority of ticks that affect our dogs here in the UK come from two species. Between them these make up 98% of the ticks found on dogs in Great Britain:

• The sheep tick, or castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). Accounts for 71% of the ticks affecting dogs in the UK. These ticks can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis to our dogs. 
  
  
• The hedgehog tick (Ixodes hexagonus). The second most common tick affecting dogs in the UK (approximately 27%), and the most common tick found on cats as it can be found in urban environments.  These ticks can transmit Lyme disease.  

The remaining 2% of ticks are mostly from four other species:

• The dog tick (Ixodes canisuga). These are widespread throughout Europe. Although they do not transmit specific diseases to dogs, bites can cause itchiness and hair loss. 
  
  
• The red sheep tick (Haemaphysalis puncta). Widespread across Europe this tick has only been identified in a small pocket of the south east coastal England and in west coast Wales. The red sheep tick can transmit tick-borne paralysis and encephalitis to dogs, both of which are very rare.
  
  
• The marsh tick, or ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus). This tick species has only been documented in the south of England and Wales. Historically a coastal tick in the UK, the meadow tick has been documented in urban greenspace in Essex, and led to a breakout of canine babesiosis in this area.
  
  
• The brown dog tick, or kennel tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Usually a fan of warmer climates than ours, the first instances of the brown dog tick surviving a UK winter have now been documented. Brown dog ticks can also live their entire lives indoors, unlike other tick species. These ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. 

As international pet travel increases, and the weather warms on average, it is likely we will see tick populations continue to rise, and perhaps start seeing these more exotic tick species more frequently. All ticks pose risk to your dog, and should always be removed safely.

The ticks themselves can cause allergic reactions or can cause infections at the site of the bite if they are removed improperly. Lots of ticks can also lead to anaemia. 

The major risk of ticks, however, is in the transmission of infectious diseases. These include:

Lyme disease (Borreliosis)

This is the main risk from the tick bites in the UK, for dogs as well as for humans – in a study 2.4% of ticks found on UK dogs were carrying Lyme disease. The clinical signs include recurrent lameness, lethargy and fever, but not the classic ‘bullseye’ skin lesion seen in people. If left untreated Lyme disease can also lead to more serious conditions such as kidney disease and heart failure. Rapid removal of attached ticks will help limit the spread – most ticks have to attach for more than 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease.

Babesia Canis (Babesiosis)

Usually seen in dogs returning from Europe, Babesia has now been diagnosed in some UK dogs that have not travelled. Babesiosis is caused by a tiny parasite (known as a protozoa) which lives inside red blood cells. Lethargy and anaemia are common signs, and affected dogs may die. These clinical signs are also associated with many other conditions, so as babesiosis is rare it may be difficult to diagnose quickly. Rapid removal of attached ticks will help limit the risk of babesiosis – most ticks have to attach for more than 24 hours to transmit the disease. 

Anaplasma (Anaplasmosis)

Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacterium called Anaplasma phagocyophilum. The disease also affects cattle, sheep and horses, but in dogs, anaplasmosis leads to fever, anorexia, joint pain and swelling. Occasionally, neurological signs may be seen. 

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection that affects the white blood cells. It is rare in the UK, but is common in Europe, the USA and Africa, so travelling dogs are especially at risk. 

In dogs, the signs of ehrlichiosis can include fever, anorexia, weight loss, stiffness and prolonged bleeding. Dogs can appear to improve, but may harbour a chronic form of the infection without treatment.

Ticks can be found anywhere, but are typically located in long grass, rough upland and woodland areas – especially those which are damp and have high humidity. However, the spread of ticks means that they are now seen in urban areas, coastal environments and in most areas of the UK. 

The south of England, being warmer, has a higher tick population than the cooler north, but the long grasses and increasing average temperature of places like the Lake District and Scotland mean that tick populations are also growing there too. Sadly, there is no ‘safe’ area from ticks in the UK. 

How to stop ticks: Even if you live in a low-risk area, such as a northern, urban environment, it is important to consider ticks if your pet is likely to travel.  Dogs frequently travel around the UK, and if you are travelling to a higher risk area for ticks it is important to speak to your vet about tick protection. 

Tick-bourne diseases, such as Lyme disease, may affect people too. However, they are only transmitted by tick bites and cannot be caught directly from your dog. 

Finding ticks on your dog, however, means you may have also been exposed to the risk of tick bites so it is important to check yourself thoroughly for any ticks – don’t forget they may be as small as 2-3mm when they first attach! 

If you do see a tick, speak to your healthcare provider. Only remove the tick if you feel comfortable doing so, but make sure to have it removed within 24 hours of being bitten to reduce the risk of disease transmission. 

Any new lumps and bumps should always be checked by your doctor. A ‘bulls-eye’ red ring on the skin is also a potential symptom of Lyme disease in people and should always be reported to your local doctors’ surgery.