To protect yourself from dog ticks, ticks can’t survive for long on humans, but they can still attach and feed from us. Ticks are most common in warm weather and tend to live in woodlands, moorlands, places with long grass, and areas with lots of wildlife and farm animals. Avoid places known for them, in the warmer months, avoid long grass, stick to paths and open spaces instead. Use the tick risk map to check how common ticks are in any new areas you visit. If you live in a high-risk area, or your dog is prone to picking up ticks, you may want to consider using a tick repellent collar during the summer months, to prevent any from attaching in the first place. Tick 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. As well as causing irritation and infection, ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease to humans. Although Lyme disease is rare, if you find a tick on yourself and you have concerns, it is best to contact your local health care services or the NHS for advice.