Table of Contents
What are ticks?
How do ticks get on pets?
Can ticks jump?
How to prevent ticks
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Do ticks jump?
- By Hannah
-
- March 4, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
It's not unheard of to think that ticks jump from pet to pet, or even human to human. Keep scrolling to debust this myth and find out how ticks actually bite your and your pet...
What are ticks?
Before we dive into the specifics of tick acrobatics, let's get to know our tiny adversaries. Ticks are arachnids, belonging to the same family as spiders, scorpions, and mites. With their eight legs, these minuscule creatures are expert hitchhikers that thrive on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles.
The tick life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal for nourishment and growth, and it's during these feeding sessions that they can transmit diseases to their hosts.
How do ticks get on pets?
Understanding how ticks find their way onto our pets is crucial for effective prevention. Ticks are patient and opportunistic parasites that employ a few tactics to reach their hosts:
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On a quest: Ticks don't roam aimlessly in search of your pet. Instead, they employ a technique called questing. They climb to the tips of grass, leaves, or other vegetation and extend their front legs, ready to latch onto unsuspecting passing pets. When an animal or human brushes against the vegetation, the tick grasps onto its new host and catches them off guard.
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Detecting your pet: Ticks are equipped with sensory structures that help them detect the presence of a potential host. They can sense changes in temperature, humidity, and even the carbon dioxide exhaled by your pets. This remarkable sensitivity allows ticks to identify and target their hosts effectively.
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Ambush: Some ticks prefer to lurk in the environment frequented by your pets. They wait patiently in areas where animals are likely to pass by, ready to grasp onto fur or clothing.
Can ticks jump?
Contrary to popular belief, ticks can't jump. Instead, they rely on their patient questing behaviour to ambush your pet. Ticks are exceptional climbers, using their hooked and gripping leg structures to latch onto passing pets. Their method is more strategic than a daring jump.
Don't be fooled though, ticks are skilled at finding their way onto pets in any environments. From grassy fields to wooded areas, ticks patiently await the opportunity to hitch a ride on a passing animal or human. This is why checking your pet after outdoor adventures is crucial – ticks may have secured a ride and could be hiding in their fur.
How to prevent ticks
So now you know how ticks latch onto your pet, let's put a stop to them staying there! Here are our vet-recommended tips for preventing ticks on your pet:
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Use tick preventatives - Spot-on preventative treatments like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats (kills ticks and lice too!) are the best and most effective way to keep those ticks at bay!
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Regular grooming - Establish a regular grooming routine for your pet. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat clean and healthy but also allows you to spot any ticks early on. Pay close attention to areas where ticks commonly attach, such as the ears, neck, and between the toes.
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Checks after going outside - After outdoor adventures, perform thorough tick checks on your pet. Run your hands over their entire body, feeling for any unusual bumps. Pay special attention to areas where ticks are commonly found, and promptly remove any ticks you find. Here's our guide on how to remove ticks safely and effectively.
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Cleaning - Regularly clean and hoover your home, especially areas where your pet hangs out the most. Wash bedding, blankets, and any fabric items your pet uses in hot water (60°C or more!) to eliminate tick eggs and larvae.
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Avoid tick-prone areas - If possible, avoid areas known for high tick populations, especially during peak season. Stick to well-maintained paths and trails during walks. Ticks often lurk in tall grasses and wooded areas, so staying on marked trails can reduce the risk.
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Tick-repellents - Tick repellents, such as sprays or even plants can provide additional protection during outdoor activities and at home.
By combining these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of ticks hitching a ride on your pet. Remember, it's not about outsmarting jumping ticks but adopting a proactive approach to keep your furry friend tick-free and healthy.
Protect your pet from fleas, ticks and lice.
Caution can be taken to prevent ticks latching onto your pet, but the most reliable and effective method of avoiding ticks on your pet is preventative treatment. Itch Flea for dogs and cats protects pets from ticks by killing the pest after it gets onto their fur. It gets to work within 48 hours of application and protects your pet, until their next monthly treatment.
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Ticks
Identification
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Ticks are those tiny arachnids that sink their strong jaws into our beloved pets’ skin, and whilst they may be small, their impact can be huge and lead to a range of health issues. Recognising the symptoms of ticks on your pets is crucial for their well-being. This post explores the symptoms of ticks on both dogs and cats, discusses how to spot these symptoms, delves into potential tick-borne diseases, and provides guidance on what to do if you spot ticks on your furry companions. Let's uncover the secrets of identifying tick-related symptoms and keeping your pets fighting fit!
Ticks
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Ticks
Identification
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