Do I need to take my dog to the vet after a tick?
Devin Donnelly
2025-08-04 03:44:50
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There is no need to contact your vet if you have successfully removed a tick from your dog and are confident that none was left behind. However, if you’re concerned some of the tick is left in your dog, you notice redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your vet for advice. It’s also important to contact your vet for advice if your dog seems unwell after having a tick. Some ticks in the UK carry and transmit Lyme disease, so it’s best to speak to your vet if you think your dog has become unwell after having one removed. Ticks can also carry other diseases that didn’t used to be present in the UK, but are emerging because of the increasing numbers of pets travelling and being imported from other countries. If you live in a high-risk area, or your dog is prone to getting ticks, it’s sensible to use a tick-repellent during the summer months. Use repellents often also provide protection against other parasites such as fleas so it’s best to speak to your vet to find the right treatment for you and your dog.
Cynthia Gerhold
2025-08-04 02:49:37
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Usually, there’s no need for a vet visit after a tick bite, but closely monitor your dog for Lyme disease signs like fever, lethargy, lameness, or swollen lymph nodes over several weeks or months. If symptoms occur, contact your vet. They can test for Borrelia bacteria causing Lyme disease, and retest in 4 weeks if needed. If you find the tick and remove it right away, your dog is likely to avoid getting Lyme disease. It takes at least 12 hours for the tick to start transmitting the disease and it must remain attached for 48 hours before it can fully transmit the disease. If you notice any signs of infection or irritation, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your vet immediately. In case of positive test results, further tests and kidney function assessments may be done. Treatment with antibiotics might follow only if the dog is symptomatic.
Mikayla Streich
2025-08-04 01:32:31
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If you're unsure how to remove a tick, please speak to your vet first. Your vet will be able to show you the best way to remove a tick by twisting. If you think your dog or cat has Lyme disease, contact your vet, who will run tests and start treatment. Ask your vet for the best tick treatment. If signs of illness appear, talk to your vet and let them know your dog has been abroad. If you're taking your dog on holiday with you, ask your vet about preventative treatments needed to protect your pet from ticks, sandflies, heartworms and tapeworms. Treatments may be different depending on where you're going, so it's best to talk to your vet well before going on holiday.
Marcelino Corwin
2025-08-04 01:02:07
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: 6
You should always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about a tick. If your dog has a tick, the best thing to do is to remove it safely. If you’re worried your dog has Lyme disease, speak to your vet. If a tick’s head is left in your dog’s skin, it can lead to infection, speak to your vet if you face this issue when trying to remove a tick. 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. When caught early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Ticks usually feed on a dog’s skin for a few days, and then drop off, this is enough time to spread disease.
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