How to protect yourself from dog ticks?

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.

Stop ticks from biting your pet by using a tick treatment that either kills or repels them if they attach themselves. There are different types of treatments, such as spot-on treatments and tablets. Ask your vet for the best tick treatment. Be careful, never use dog tick medicine on cats or vice versa. Take precautions when walking your dog and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover your skin. You can also use insect repellent to stop ticks. If you're taking your dog on holiday with you, ask your vet about preventative treatments needed to protect your pet from ticks.