Ticks

An introduction to ticks

Pets generally catch ticks whilst on walks or from other pets. The tick life cycle requires three to four nymph stages before becoming an adult and they require blood (from your pet or yourself!) in order to evolve from one nymphal stage to another. These nymph stages will climb to the top of plants/grasses waiting for an animal to walk by and latch onto. It is thought that changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide levels in the air can be the stimulus for them to be aware of your presence! Many products prevent/treat fleas and ticks combined in one treatment and can also include worm prevention depending on the classification of the medicine used.

• Spot on: Applied as drops on the skin between the pet’s shoulder blades. They usually protect your pet for a period of 4-6 weeks and can be with or without prescription depending on the active ingredient. Most common non-prescription brands would be