Britain is set to bask in scorching heat this Bank Holiday weekend and whilst many of us will be making the most of the sunshine, it’s important to be wary of the impact it has on our pets.
According to the Met Office, nine areas of the UK are set to experience temperatures in excess of 30C over the course of
Friday to Monday (May 22-25). Whilst warnings surrounding leaving your pet in the car or walking them on scalding hot pavements are commonplace, the RSPCA has shared details of another problem that can arise at this time of year.
The charity’s Head Vet, Rebecca took to TikTok with a cautionary message. “Tick season is upon us and I’m going to show you how to deal with them,” she began in a video. “Although you can pick them up any time of the year, tick season usually starts around March and goes through to October.”
But what should you be looking out for? “First of all, ticks are spider-like parasites that are common in woodland, tall grass and areas with lots of wildlife and farm animals,” Rebecca explained.
She continued: “They have eight legs and appear as a reddish-brown, grey or black bump. The size will usually depend on how full of blood they are.”
Rebecca stressed that it’s important not to panic if you discover a tick, however. “The most important thing to do is remove the tick quickly and safely,” she advised. “Ticks can carry and transmit lyme disease, so it’s important to remove them carefully without squeezing the body or leaving the head inside of the pet’s skin.”
Additionally, if you notice your pet appears unwell or has irritated skin after you’ve spotted the tick, you should seek guidance from a vet as soon as possible.
When it comes to the tick’s removal, meanwhile, Rebecca showcased a simple tool – known as a twister – for carrying out the task. “You simply slide the tool as close to your pet’s skin as possible, twist and there you go,” she said. “Try not to pull up by twisting – by twisting in one direction, the tick should loosen and come away.”
To prevent it happening again, meanwhile, Rebecca recommends purchasing tick treatments that repel or kill if they attach themselves. “Just ask your vet for the best one for your pet,” she closed.
With regards to the soaring heat, the RSPCA also advises online that dogs should be provided with constant access to shaded areas inside and out and to make sure there is always clean, cold water available.