Tick Bite Prevention Week

Lyme disease can be a debilitating condition for dogs and horses and research is showing that the number of ticks carrying Lyme disease is growing.  As well as transmitting disease, tick bites can be a source of local skin irritation and soreness.

It is “Tick Bite Prevention Week” from 24th to 30th March, raising awareness of the consequences ticks can have on ours and our pets health.

Although we are currently in an unusual cold snap, it is this time of year that ticks start to become more active. As we venture outside more as the weather starts to warm up we are more at risk from tick bites and the associated conditions. Around 3,000 people a year are infected with Lyme disease as a result of a tick bite. You should protect yourself using a repellent if out walking in likely tick infested areas, such as woodland and other wildlife diverse areas.

Be sure not to bring ticks home by checking your clothing, skin and your pets after visiting at risk locations. For your pets be sure to use a recommended tick treatment as protection against irritation or worse, Lyme disease.  Effipro Spot-on solution is effective at killing ticks for up to 4 weeks after application.

If a tick has attached itself to yours or your pets skin then be sure to use a tick hook for removal O’Tom tick remover. This helps you quickly and painlessly remove ticks whilst preventing parts of the tick being left behind and possibly causing further irritation or infection.

For more information about ticks and the risks they pose visit the dedicated “Tick Bite Prevention Week“