Experts note that ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and grassy fields, and although they remain active throughout the year, they are most likely to appear between spring and autumn. They emphasize that ticks are abundant in temperate and tropical climates where wildlife activity is present.
Veterinarian Dr. Burcu Çevreli pointed out that cats are less likely to pick up ticks compared to dogs, and that pets who only go outdoors occasionally are at lower risk. “When walking your dog, take precautions and wear long-sleeved tops and pants to cover your skin,” she advised.
Dr. Burcu Çevreli, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Üsküdar University, explained the risks that ticks pose to animal health.
External parasites pose a health risk to pets
Dr. Çevreli explained that external parasites are among the major health risks for pets. “Ticks, one of the most significant of these parasites, are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of other animals. They have eight legs and a body shaped like an egg that becomes larger and darker when engorged with blood. Unlike fleas, ticks do not fly or jump. Instead, they climb onto or fall onto your pet’s fur when it brushes past the surface they are on.”
Ticks are more common in dogs, but cats are not immune
“Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas. While they are active all year round, they are most likely to be seen between spring and autumn. They are abundant in temperate and tropical climates with active wildlife,” said Dr. Çevreli. “Although cats have a lower chance of getting ticks than dogs, they can still be affected. When searching for a new host, a tick can attach to any passing mammal, including pets and humans.”
What should you be careful about when removing a tick?
Dr. Çevreli stressed the importance of removing ticks immediately, as tick bites can transmit diseases. She continued: “Depending on the disease, transmission usually takes at least a few hours or even a few days. The longer an infected tick remains attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission. When removing a tick, make sure not to squeeze its body or leave its head embedded. Doing so can push infected blood back into your pet, increasing the risk of illness. Tick bites can lead to infections, abscesses, anemia, paralysis, or even death. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection. Dogs, cats, and humans can contract Lyme disease, though it is rare in cats.”
Consult your veterinarian for the best tick treatment
Dr. Çevreli recommended using tick treatments that kill or repel ticks to prevent bites on pets. “There are different types of treatments such as spot-on solutions and tablets. Consult your veterinarian for the most suitable tick treatment. Be careful! Never use dog tick medication on cats or vice versa. Some dog products contain chemicals that are toxic, even fatal, to cats,” she warned.
Ticks feed on surface blood and bite the skin
She explained that tick-prevention products such as collars, sprays, spot-ons, or tablets should be used on pets during tick season according to their duration of effect. “Ticks feed on the blood at the surface of the skin and bite into it. They do not burrow under the skin. Attached ticks appear as small dark bumps on the skin and enlarge as they feed. Their size and color vary by species. Tick bites may appear as crusty, inflamed sores and may take several weeks to heal completely, even if the tick has been properly removed. Ticks can be found anywhere on the body but are usually located in hard-to-reach areas, such as inside and around the ears, around the eyelids, under collars, between the toes, between the front legs, at the base of the tail, and around the anus.”
Tick checks are essential for pet health
Dr. Çevreli noted that some types of ticks are so small they are felt rather than seen. “After passing through tick-infested brushy areas, it's essential to check your pet for ticks and remove them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of tick-borne diseases,” she said.
Pets that go outside occasionally are at lower risk
Dr. Çevreli added that some dogs are at higher risk due to their breed or personality. “Herding and hunting dogs may spend most of their time in the field, while others are happy to stay indoors and only go outside occasionally. Pets that go out only occasionally are at lower risk. When walking your dog, take precautions, for example; such as wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin. You can also use insect repellent to deter ticks. Dogs, cats, and their owners are usually exposed to ticks outdoors. Ticks perch on tall grasses and bushes with their legs outstretched and grab onto a passing host. They do not fall from trees, fly, or jump between hosts,” she concluded.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)