Tick Season

Tick season: how to protect your pets from dangerous parasites

Although ticks are most active in spring, from March to June, you still need to stay alert throughout the summer. As the weather warms up and nature comes back to life, a season begins that gives every pet owner cause for concern – tick season. Active from spring through to autumn, ticks aren't just a nuisance – they pose a serious health risk. These small but dangerous creatures can transmit a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and tick-borne encephalitis, all of which can have serious consequences for our four-legged companions.

• For dogs
• For cats
• For small mammals
• For horses
• Advice: Babesiosis in dogs
• Advice: How to choose antiparasitics for your dog?
• Advice: Protecting dogs against ticks

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What diseases can ticks cause?

The biggest danger is that ticks often transmit infections with a long incubation period, so symptoms may not appear straight away. The most common diseases include:

• Lyme disease – Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease causes joint inflammation, lethargy, fever and loss of appetite.
• Babesiosis – A parasitic disease that attacks red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia, fever, vomiting and lethargy.
• Tick-borne encephalitis – Less common, but a serious viral infection that can affect the nervous system.

Protecting against these diseases is crucial, as treatment tends to be demanding and can lead to long-term health complications.

How to protect your pet during tick season?

The most effective defence is preventive protection combined with regularly checking your pet's coat after every outdoor activity. There's a whole range of protective products on the market:

1. Antiparasitic collars – Collars effectively repel ticks and other parasites for several months at a time. It's important to choose a quality collar that stays safe even with frequent contact with water.

2. Spot-on treatments – Drops applied to the skin at the back of the neck are popular thanks to their simple application and effectiveness. They usually work for 4–8 weeks and are especially recommended for dogs and cats that like to swim.

3. Sprays and foams – Practical products that can be used right before a walk. They provide immediate protection, but may require more frequent application.

4. Antiparasitic tablets – A modern method offering long-term protection that's generally very well tolerated. Your vet can recommend a suitable tablet for your pet's specific needs.

5. Natural antiparasitics – If you prefer a natural solution, there are oils and sprays based on lavender, citronella or eucalyptus. However, their effectiveness is generally lower and they need to be applied more often.

How to remove a tick correctly?

Although preventive protection significantly reduces the risk, it's not possible to rule out ticks entirely. If you do find a tick on your pet, it's important to remove it properly:

1. Use special tick tweezers or a tick remover – Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and twist it out gently.
2. Avoid crushing the tick – Squeezing it can release infectious substances directly into your pet's bloodstream.
3. Disinfect the bite site – After removing the tick, disinfect the site of the bite.

Regularly checking the coat is the best way to prevent tick bites. Pay particular attention to areas such as the ears, armpits, groin and belly, where ticks most often attach themselves.

Which areas should you avoid during tick season?

In the warmer months, ticks are found in thickets, long grass and woodland undergrowth. If possible, avoid these areas or stick to well-trodden paths. When you get back from a walk, spend a few minutes doing a thorough check so ticks don't have time to attach themselves firmly.

Tick season and your pet's health

Protecting against ticks is one of the most important steps in making sure your pet can enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of serious illness. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Your vet can help you choose the best protective product based on your pet's individual needs and lifestyle.