Ticks are a real risk to dogs, cats and rabbits across the UK. Whether you've found one on your pet after a walk or you want to stay ahead of the risk, Medivet is here to help. We can advise on safe removal, the right tick prevention for your pet, and what to do if your pet seems unwell after a bite.
Ticks can pose a serious risk to your dog. Find out how spot and remove ticks from your dog.
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Ticks can pose a serious risk to your cat. Find out how to spot and remove ticks from your cat.
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Ticks can pose a serious risk to your rabbit. Find out how to spot and remove ticks from your rabbit to protect them from tick-transmitted diseases.
Find out moreTicks are small, eight-legged parasites that feed on blood. They don't jump or fly. They attach to your pet as they brush past long grass, woodland undergrowth, or heathland. In the UK, tick numbers are highest between March and October, but ticks can turn up all year round. Dogs are most commonly affected, though cats and rabbits can pick them up too.
The main concern with ticks is disease. They can carry and pass on bacterial infections to your pet. The best known is Lyme disease, which can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, and people. Other tick-borne infections, such as babesiosis, while very rare, have been recorded in parts of England.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important. If your pet seems unwell after a tick bite, contact your vet straight away.
Removing a tick is only part of the picture. Veterinary tick care offers a more complete approach:
Many over-the-counter products offer useful protection. But for the right fit for your pet, it's worth having a chat with your vet or nurse.
After every walk in woodland, long grass, or heathland, do a quick tick check. Before they feed, ticks can be as small as a poppy seed. As they feed, they swell into a small grey, reddish-brown, or black bump.
Run your fingers slowly through your pet's coat. Check these spots:
Not all tick bites are obvious straight away. Look out for:
Contact your vet if your pet becomes lethargic, goes off their food, starts limping, or has swollen lymph nodes after a tick bite. These could be signs of a tick-borne illness.
Prevention is far better than treatment. (And a lot easier on your pet.) A good prevention routine means your pet is less likely to pick up a tick in the first place.
Medivet takes a tailored approach to parasite prevention. Your vet or nurse will consider your pet's individual needs before recommending anything.
Types of tick prevention, treamtments and repellants:
Spot-on treatments Applied to the back of the neck. They spread through the skin's natural oils. Most spot-on products protect for around four weeks.
Oral chewable tablets Flavoured tablets that work after a tick bites. Protection lasts from one to three months, depending on the product. Good for pets that don't tolerate spot-on treatments well.
Tick collars Slowly release active ingredients over several months. Some products protect for up to seven or eight months.
The best tick treatment for your pet depends on:
Your vet will talk through the options and help you find the right fit.
Please read this before applying any tick product to your pet:
Pet owners should also be aware that some tick and flea treatments can harm waterways. Follow disposal guidance on the packaging and avoid letting your pet swim straight after treatment. (GOV.UK, 2024)
Whether your pet needs routine preventative healthcare such as tick treatments or specific veterinary care, our team is committed to providing excellent service.
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Ticks are often big enough to see and they feel like a small bump on your pet’s skin. It’s a good idea to run your hands over your pet after they’ve been outdoors to check for lumps and bumps which may be a tick. Regular grooming sessions also provide a great opportunity to do this. Ticks tend to attach around the head, neck, ears and feet so be sure to pay attention to these areas.
Ticks are a year-round risk across the UK, but the right prevention plan makes a real difference to your pet's health. Check your pet regularly after outdoor walks, know how to remove a tick safely, and speak to your vet about the best tick treatment for your pet's age, species, and lifestyle. Your local Medivet team is here for you, from safe tick removal to tailored parasite prevention that fits your pet's routine.
Parasite treatment is included as part of the Medivet Healthcare Plan. A cost-effective way to ensure your pet is protected from ticks all-year round.
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Lyme disease in pets is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. Learn how you can protect yourself and your pets from infection.
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It’s always good to keep a check on your pet’s health. Follow our simple guide on pet care to keep them healthy and happy.
Read articleReturn to our Parasite Treatment hub or visit our Services Hub.
Tick bites are usually painless. Many pets do not react at all, which is why you might not notice one until you check. Some irritation or swelling at the site can develop after attachment, especially if the tick has been feeding for a while. If the area looks sore or your pet is bothered by it, speak to your vet.
Ticks live in vegetation. They wait on grass blades, shrubs, and leaf litter, then attach when an animal brushes past. Woodland, heathland, moorland, and parks with long grass are common spots. Ticks do not jump or fly. Your pet simply walked through the right patch at the wrong time.
Ticks use small hook-like mouthparts to anchor into the skin. They also produce a cement-like substance that holds them in place. This is why they need to be twisted to release rather than pulled straight off. Pulling straight out risks leaving the head behind in the skin.
Yes. Ticks can attach to people too, especially after walking in the same outdoor areas as your pet. Always check yourself and children after walks in tick-prone spots. If you find a tick on yourself, remove it carefully and speak to your GP if you feel unwell in the weeks that follow.
The best treatment depends on your pet's species, age, weight, lifestyle, and health. A Medivet vet can recommend the most appropriate option, including prescription treatments that may not be available over the counter. There is no single right answer for every pet.
Ask your vet about the right approach for each pet individually, as the products used will vary by species. Never assume a dog product is suitable for a cat or rabbit.
This depends on the product. Spot-on treatments often need reapplying every four weeks. Oral tablets can last one to three months. Some collars protect for several months at a time. Your vet will advise on the right schedule based on your pet's lifestyle and local tick risk.
