How To Prevent, Remove and Protect Your Dog From Ticks

As the weather warms up and we head out for long walks through the Great British countryside, there is one tiny hitchhiker every dog owner dreads: the ticks.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are parasites that can transmit serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. At COYA, we believe that a happy dog starts with proactive health care—from the inside out.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to prevent your dog from getting ticks, how to spot them, and exactly what to do if you find one burrowed into your pup’s skin.

Why are Ticks a Problem in the UK?

Ticks are active year-round in the UK, but they are most prevalent between March and October. They thrive in long grass, woodland, and moorland—essentially, all the places our dogs love to explore.

When a tick attaches to your dog, it feeds on their blood. During this process, it can pass on bacteria. With the UK seeing a rise in tick-borne diseases, staying vigilant is essential for every pet parent.

How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are the most effective ways to keep those pesky parasites at bay:

1. Use Vet-Approved Treatments

The most reliable way to prevent ticks is through regular parasite treatments. These come in various forms:

• Spot-on treatments: Applied to the back of the neck.
• Tablets: Oral medication usually given monthly or quarterly.
• Tick collars: Designed to repel and kill ticks over several months.
• Tip: Consult your vet to find the best option for your dog's breed and lifestyle.

2. The Post-Walk 'Tick Check'

After every walk—especially if you’ve been in long grass or ferns—perform a thorough check of your dog. Run your hands over their body to feel for any small bumps. Pay close attention to:

• Inside and behind the ears
• Under the armpits and groin
• Between the toes
• Around the muzzle and eyes

3. Maintain Your Garden

Ticks love moisture and shade. Keep your lawn mown short and clear away leaf litter to make your garden a less inviting habitat for them.

4. Support Skin Health with Premium Nutrition

A healthy dog is a resilient dog. Feeding a high-quality diet, like COYA’s freeze-dried raw dog food, ensures your dog has the essential fatty acids and nutrients needed for a healthy skin barrier. A thick, shiny coat makes it much easier to spot a tick before it has a chance to settle in!

What to Do If Your Dog Has a Tick

If you find a tick, don’t panic, but do act quickly. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission.

1. Avoid 'Old Wives' Tales'

Never try to burn a tick off, drown it in Vaseline, or use alcohol. These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate its stomach contents back into your dog, significantly increasing the risk of infection.

2. Use a Tick Removal Tool

Do not use your fingers or standard tweezers, as you risk squeezing the body or leaving the head behind. Use a Tick Twister or a hook-shaped removal tool (available at most pet shops and vets).

• Step 1: Slide the tool under the tick's body, as close to the skin as possible.
• Step 2: Twist the tool in a circular motion (either clockwise or anticlockwise)
• Step 3: Pull firmly and steadily until the tick lets go.

3. Clean the Area

Once the tick is out, clean the bite site with a pet-safe antiseptic or mild soap and water. Dispose of the tick by crushing it in a tissue (don't use your bare hands) or flushing it down the toilet.

When to Call the Vet

Most tick bites heal quickly, but you should monitor your dog for a few weeks. Contact your vet if you notice:

• The tick's head stayed in the skin and the area looks red or angry.
• Lethargy or depression
• Loss of appetite
• Lameness or stiff joints
• A fever

Final Thoughts

Ticks are a natural part of the UK outdoors, but they shouldn’t stop you and your dog from enjoying your adventures. By combining regular preventative treatments with a nutrient-rich diet like COYA, you’re giving your dog the best protection possible.

Keep your dog's immune system in peak condition with our range of Freeze-Dried Raw Food and Treats. Better nutrition, better adventures!