TICK FACT SHEET

Ticks are important Pests of Dogs and Cats
Although ticks are less common than fleas in the UK, they are still very important skin skin parasites of both dogs and cats.  As well as causing nasty lumps or infection at the site where they atttach to your pet's skin, they can also transmit serious diseases.

A Season Problem
Although ticks can pose a danger at any time of the year, they are most common during the warmer months when humidity is high.  In upland areas of the UK, peak numbers occur in spring and autumn, whereas in protected woodlands, high numbers may be present throughout the summer months.

Ticks are Found in Rural Areas
Pets are most likely to be exposed to ticks in areas of heathland, moorland or woodland, but may also occasionally pick up ticks in your own garden from infested nests or burrows.

The Tick's Life Cycle
Ticks are not insects, but belong to the spider family.  Most ticks in the UK are 'hard-ticks' which mean they have a hard outer shell protecting their body.  Two types of ticks are commonly found on dogs and cats.

The sheep tick, ixodes ricinus, is also commonly known as the deer tick or castor bean tick and infests not only pets, but also humans and other animals.  Dogs and cats may also pick up hedgehog ticks (Idoxes hexagonus) which live in burrows, nests or kennels.

Ticks are only temporary parasites but rely on their host for a blood meal, essential to their survival and development.  All stages of the life cycle, apart from the egg, will attach to a host and feed for 3-10 days before falling off into the environment to develop into the stage of the life cycle,  The life cycle usually takes 3 years to complete in the UK.

Finding a Host
Ticks have a unique sensory organ on their front legs which helps them to locate a passing host.  They then climb on and move over the animal's skin to a site where the hair coat is thin, such as a face, ears or abdomen.

Once they have located a suitable site, the tick will attach and secrete a cement-like substance anchoring it tightly to your pet's skin.  The cement makes it extremely difficult to remove a tick once it has attached.  Ticks have specially designed mouthparts which allow them to penetrate your pet's skin and suck blood.

Problems Caused by Ticks
Infection or abscessation at the site of attachment
Pets may sometimes develop an allergic reaction where the tick ataches to the skin.  Also if you try to pull a live tick off your pet, its mouthparts may remain embedded in the skin, and can lead to a nasty lump or infection at the site where the tick has been attached.

Transmission of Serious Disease
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes throughout the world in tranmitting infectious diseases to humans and animals.  In the UK, most of the diseases are vary rare in dogs and cats, but due to their serious and potentially life threatening nature, they are very important when they occur.  If you have been in rural areas where ticks are a problem and your dog becomes ill, do not forget to mention to the vet that your dog has recently been exposed to ticks.

Anaemia
Heavy tick infestations, especially in puppies and kittens can lead to serious blood loss.  In extreme cases death can occur.

How Frontline works to Kill Ticks
Frontline is the world's leading veterinary flea and tick treatment and is available in an easy to use non-aerosol spray and a spot on treatment.  It will kill ticks on dogs for up to one month, and is active against all types of tick.

Practical Tips on Using Frontline for Tick Control
Whenever possible, always treat your pets before they are likely to be exposed to ticks.  Frontline spray is particularly recommended when the risk is high or when treating a dog with ticks already attached.  Frontline Spray should be applied thoroughly every month (use the higher dose rate of 6ml/kg) to all areas, especially the face, ears, feet and under-side of your pet.

For routine protection against ticks, Frontline Spot On provides an easy to use monthly treatment and may be used in conjuction with Frontline Spray to give additional protection in predilection areas such as the face or ears.

After visiting a tick area, make sure you examine your pet carefully.  Frontline may not prevent ticks from attaching to your pet, but kills ticks within 24-48 hours.  Once dead, ticks will often fall off your pet or may be easily removed by a gentle pull, preferably using tweezers.  If possible, try and keep your dog away from burrows where ticks are common as these may be sources of heavy infestation.

Frontline is resistant to bathing and shampooing and is not affected by by sunlight so your pet can continue its normal routine even after treatment.  It is suitable for use in all types of dogs and cats and can even be used to treat puppies and kittens.

Please ask a member of staff if you would like further information on ticks or their control with Frontline.