Weekend 'blood-sucking creatures' alert for Brits with dogs

Dog owners nationwide are being urged to remain vigilant this weekend. They have been alerted to the dangers posed by ticks, with warmer weather arriving this week and continuing through the bank holiday. The minuscule parasites become more active during milder months, meaning routine walks now present a greater risk of contact. Specialists are cautioning that extended time outdoors and warmer seasonal temperatures are creating ideal conditions for ticks to flourish, making routine inspections and prompt intervention more crucial than ever for safeguarding dogs . Veterinary professionals at Dogs Trust, the UK's leading dog welfare charity, are offering practical guidance on how to identify, extract and prevent these common parasites. Ticks are tiny, spider-like organisms that feed on blood from the skin of animals. They possess eight legs and an egg-shaped body that swells with blood and can differ in size. They are present in woodland and grassland throughout the year, but they are more prevalent between spring and autumn. While ticks cannot jump, they attach themselves to dogs' coats by climbing, dropping or through direct contact. Ticks can harbour and transmit infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease, making swift detection and safe extraction particularly vital for protecting dogs and human health. If your dog has been bitten, you'll typically spot the tick on their skin or notice a swollen, inflamed area. Regular grooming is an excellent way to check for ticks. Some dogs may even alter their behaviour following a tick bite — for instance, they might lick or chew a particular part of their body more than usual if the area is sore and inflamed. Treating ticks is crucial, but preventing parasites in the first place is even more beneficial. Ways to help avoid ticks include: Avoiding places where there is a high risk of ticks, such as long grass Checking your dog regularly, especially after a walk Speaking to your vet about parasite prevention and tick repellents Identify - Before you begin, ensure you're dealing with a tick and not something else, such as a lump or nipple. Do this by looking carefully for the tick's legs and contact your vet if you have any concerns. Position the removal tool - Slide a tick-removal tool beneath the tick, as close to the skin as possible. If it doesn't fit snugly under the tick, try a different size. Twist - Without pulling upwards, gently twist the tool two or three times in the same direction. Once you've twisted sufficiently, the tick will release its grip. Dispose - To ensure the tick doesn't reattach itself to someone else, dispose of it safely in your bin. Do not squash the tick as this can release infectious material. Clean and monitor - Clean the affected area with warm, salty water and keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of illness. Never pull, crush, squeeze or burn a tick. Doing this can push blood back into your dog or cause more inflammation, increasing disease risk. And using a naked flame near your pooch could cause them physical harm. Create practice scenarios beforehand with positive reinforcement. Your dog won’t know you’re trying to help them when approaching them with a removal tool. So, it’s helpful to get them confident and relaxed with the situation to minimise any stress. If your dog finds it hard to cope, or if you’re worried about removing a tick yourself, speak to your vet for more advice. Victoria Phillips, veterinary surgeon manager at Dogs Trust, said: "Ticks can be an unpleasant surprise for any dog owner, but they're something we see regularly and they can be handled calmly and safely. The key is to check your dog often, especially after walks in long grass, and to act quickly if you spot one. "Using the right removal technique helps reduce any risk, and taking the time to get your dog comfortable with being handled can make the process much less stressful for both of you. If you're ever unsure or your dog is finding it difficult, don't hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice and support." Further guidance is available on the Dogs Trust website's advice page .