In the UK 1 in 3 dogs were found to have ticks which can produce Lyme Disease.

Every year 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of Lyme Disease are reported in people.

How a simple low cost tool can save you and your pet. Fast action is necessary so find out what to do.

What is going on?

Ticks are a small insect which is rather flat and inhabits all kinds of uncultivated open spaces. They are a parasites which just love to attach themselves to our beloved dogs as they brush through the grass.

They may even attach directly to you.

There are maps available showing the worst affected areas of Britain but, as nowhere is safe, the exact density of these blighters is not much help.

They are literally everywhere.

Fortunately the one on the right has been considerably enlarged

Ticks are Spreading throughout the UK

A Project in 2016 called “The Big Tick Project” compiled results from 1094 Vets in the UK. They reported that just under 1 in 3 dogs were found to have ticks.

If you find a tick on your dog you should get it to the vet or remove the tick as soon as possible which is where you come in. we’ll com to that in a moment.

Should you have Lyme Disease you must be treated with antibiotics, urgently. In severe cases there is no cure.

You may have seen the fashion designer Fine Rees on your tv working to increase knowledge about this disease.

What to do if your Dog has a Tick

If you can get to a Vet then do so. If it will be some time before you can do this, don’t panic however you will have to remove it yourself.

Time is important because infection is more likely the longer the tick is on your dog. You have to stop the little bugger beggar from releasing additional saliva or regurgitating it’s stomach contents into the bite wound.

Sorry if your eating.

Do Not Squeeze it or Squash it or use chemicals on it.

This is where I would recommend that you do what I’ve done, if you haven’t already and get a tick remover.

As you are not in this situation right now there is plenty of time to ensure that you get the little tick removing gadget.

It costs less than a burger.

In fact I’ve bought two. One for my Bumbag which I take on all outings with my lurcher, Johnson,  and one in the car first aid box.

Here’s the Gadget you need

This is the one that I use O’tom Tick Twister, Pack of 2  or you can get a similar one from your local pet store

Using the tool best suited to the size of the tick you:

• Make sure it is cleaned
• Hook the gadget round the tick ( this remover comes with diagrams)
• gently apply pressure and pull upwards
• take care not to crush it
• Save the tick in a container

Once removed treat the site of the wound with an antiseptic. Then when you can take your pooch to the vet along with the tick that you removed.

This saving of the tick applies to those removed to people. There are several different types of tick and your Vet or Doctor will be able to identify it and treat accordingly.

Conclusion

As the proud owner of a lurcher you will know as well as I do that they will get into anywhere. In woods and long grass they just plough on regardless which, unfortunately, makes a lurcher easy prey for nasty little Ticks.

So all I can say is be prepared.

I hope I never have to deal with one, but if I do it’s going to get it in the neck.

It’s not infecting any dog of mine and I’m sure that you feel the same.

It’s war on ticks and Lyme Disease. I know I can count on you.