Checking pets for ticks

Few dog owners know to inspect their pets’ mouths after they are outside to look for ticks.

When the summer rolls around, most people flock outdoors. Whether it’s to the local pool, a neighbourhood park, or to the woods for a walk, summer is the perfect time to get into nature.

After spending a lot of time outside, especially in areas with a lot of foliage, most people know they should spend some time checking for ticks.

And anyone who has dogs knows how important it is to regularly check your dog for ticks, as well. Unlike human skin, they’re harder to spot on a dog, so you must feel for them.

Checking your dog’s entire body for ticks isn’t the most fun, particularly when you have to check under their tails and around their “private” areas.

But there’s one area most dog owners don’t think to check: their mouths.

It might surprise you, but since dogs smell and taste things when they’re outside, they can easily get ticks in their mouths.

These little insects can be tricky to spot because they often manage to wriggle into tiny gaps between the teeth and the gums.

If you don’t spot ticks latched obviously onto your dog’s gums or cheeks, this doesn’t mean they don’t have them so be sure to check for anything that looks like food caught in the teeth as in some cases, these dark splotches are well-concealed ticks.

If you locate a tick, grasp it as close to the skin as possible.

Then, pull gently using the tweezers.

Make sure to pull directly upward, away from where the tick was burrowing.

If you or your dog are not comfortable with this, have it done by your vet.

You should never remove a tick using your fingers.

Not only will it not work, it may also squeeze more infectious material into your dog.

Once you’ve removed the tick, wash your hands and clean the site with rubbing alcohol

If you need any help or advice you have access to the Scratch & Patch Careline its open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and provides advice and guidance on how to care for your pet as well as in an emergency.

Dial 0333 332 1926, have your insurance policy number ready its can be found on your schedule of insurance.

A veterinary nurse will answer your questions, by calling this number you could save money on your insurance policy by avoiding a consultation fee. In the event of a claim, you will need to visit your vet.