Vet warns dog owners ear scratching could be 'early warning sign'

A vet has warned dog owners to look out for subtle behaviour changes that could indicate tick-related discomfort. The UK Health Security Agency says ticks can be found throughout the year, but they are most active between April and July -and sometimes later in the autumn.

While ticks live in many outdoor environments, they're common in grassy and woodland areas, meaning it is important to check yourself and your pets after spending time outside. Dog owners should also watch out for behavioural changes that can be easy to overlook.

Jimmy Bratley, a Veterinary Practitioner for Adaptil and Pet Anxiety Month, has urged pet owners to be aware of subtle cues. The expert explained that many dog lovers may not realise behavioural changes can be an early warning sign of a tick infestation.

Behavioural signs that your dog may have ticks Increased scratching or biting

"If you notice that your dog is persistently scratching or nibbling in particular areas, this could be due to an embedded tick," says Jimmy.

Restlessness or increased anxiety

"If your dog is normally calm and settles easily, this sudden behaviour change could be a sign that they are becoming agitated and are unable to settle comfortably."

Sensitivity to touch

The vet said: "If your dog reacts negatively to being petted or groomed, this may indicate discomfort from a tick, particularly if they usually enjoy human contact."

Head shaking or ear scratching

"As ticks usually prefer warm, dark areas like the ears, this can lead to excessive shaking or pawing at the head."

Prolonged periods of whining

Jimmy added: "Persistent whining without an obvious cause could signal irritation from a tick bite."

What to do if you find a tick on your dog

The vet told owners: "Ticks can be found throughout the year, but are commonly more active in open (as well as woodland and urban) areas in spring and autumn. Ticks can be dangerous for any age or breed of dog, so try to protect your dog from ticks by using spot-ons and sprays, or a collar that is coated with substances that will kill ticks when they first attempt to feed off your dog.

"However, if you do spot a tick, you must resist the urge to pull it off. Ticks always need to be removed slowly and carefully, otherwise embedded mouthparts can be left behind. If you are in any doubt, always have your dog checked by the vet."

The RSPCA also shares guidance. It states: "To avoid squeezing the body or leaving the head in, you'll need to twist the tick off. This can be done using a tick removal tool, which can be picked up at pet shops or the vets. Your vet will be able to show you the best way to remove a tick by twisting.

"If you're unsure how to remove a tick, please speak to your vet first. Don't try to burn them off or use lotion to suffocate them, as this won't prevent your pet from picking up a disease."

The RSPCA adds: "Ticks will bite and feed on your dog or cat for up to a few days, and drop off once they've had enough. During this time, it's possible the tick could give your pet a disease.

"Ticks carry a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease. Dogs, cats and humans can all get Lyme disease, although it's uncommon in cats."

Symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy, swollen joints, loss of appetite, and depression. If you think your pet could have Lyme disease, speak to your vet.

The NHSshares guidance for humans. It says that if you've been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past 3 months where infected ticks could be, and you:

• feel unwell with flu-like symptoms - such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches or aching muscles
• have a round or oval-shaped rash

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 and tell them if you've recently been in forests or grassy areas.