Experts note that ticks are common in wooded areas and meadows and, despite being active year-round, are most likely to appear between spring and autumn. They state that ticks are abundant in temperate and tropical climates where wildlife activity is present.
Veterinarian Dr. Burcu Çevreli points out that cats are less likely to get ticks than dogs, and pets that occasionally go outside are at lower risk. She said, “Take precautions when walking your dog and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover your skin.”
Dr. Burcu Çevreli, from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, explained the risks that ticks pose to animal health.
External Parasites Pose Health Risks for Pets
Dr. Burcu Çevreli, explaining that external parasites pose health risks for pets, said, “Among the most important of these are ticks, which are small, spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of other animals. They have eight legs and an egg-shaped body that becomes larger and darker when filled with blood. Unlike fleas, they do not fly or jump. Instead, they climb onto or fall into your pet's fur as it passes by whatever they are sitting on.”
Cats Have a Lower Risk of Getting Ticks Than Dogs
Dr. Burcu Çevreli noted that ticks are common in wooded areas and meadows and, despite being active year-round, are most likely to appear between spring and autumn. She stated, “They are abundant in temperate and tropical climates where wildlife activity is present. Cats are less likely to get ticks than dogs, but it can still happen. However, as a tick searches for a new host, it can attach to any passing mammal, including pets and humans.”
What to Pay Attention to When Removing a Tick?
Dr. Burcu Çevreli stated that tick bites can transmit diseases, making immediate removal important, and continued:
“Depending on the disease, transmission usually takes at least several hours, or even several days, to occur. The longer an infected tick remains attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission. When removing a tick, ensure you do not squeeze the tick's body or leave its head embedded. If you squeeze its body or leave its head embedded, this can push blood back into your pet, which will increase the likelihood of contracting a disease. Tick bites can cause infection, abscesses, anemia, paralysis, and even death. Ticks carry a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease. Dogs, cats, and humans can contract Lyme disease, but it is rare in cats.”
Consult a Veterinarian for the Best Tick Treatment
Dr. Burcu Çevreli recommended using tick treatments that kill ticks or deter them once attached to prevent pets from being bitten. She stated, “There are different types of treatments, such as spot-on treatments and tablets. Consult a veterinarian for the best tick treatment. Be careful! Never use dog tick medication on cats, or vice-versa. Some dog tick treatments contain chemicals that are toxic to cats and can even be fatal for them.”
Ticks Feed on Blood on the Skin Surface and Bite
Dr. Burcu Çevreli stated that tick preventative products such as collars, sprays, drops, or pills are recommended for use on pets during tick season, according to their duration of effectiveness. She said, “Each product has a specific period of use. Ticks feed on blood on the skin surface and bite. They do not burrow under the skin. Attached ticks appear as small dark bumps on the skin and grow as they feed. Their size and color vary depending on the tick species. Tick bites can appear as scabby, inflamed sores on the skin 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 found in areas more difficult for animals to reach, 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.”
Checking for Ticks on Your Pet is Also Very Important
Dr. Burcu Çevreli stated that some tick species are very small and felt rather than seen. She said, “After passing through bushy areas where ticks are common, it is important to check your pet for ticks and remove them as quickly as possible to minimize the possibility of infection with a tick-borne disease.”
Pets That Occasionally Go Outdoors Are at Lower Risk
Dr. Burcu Çevreli noted that some dogs might be at higher risk for ticks due to their personalities and breed characteristics. She concluded, “While herding and hunting dogs may spend most of their days in the field, other dogs are content to stay home and only go out occasionally. Animals that go out occasionally are at lower risk. Take precautions when walking your dog and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover your skin. You can also use insect repellent to deter ticks. Dogs, cats, and their owners are typically exposed to ticks outdoors. Ticks stand on tall grasses and shrubs with their legs extended and attach to a host as it walks by. They do not fall from trees, fly, or jump between hosts.”