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Ticks
How to treat ticks
What to expect after applying tick treatment on your pet?
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Why is my dog still scratching after tick treatment?
- By Hannah
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- October 29, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
When your pet is bitten by a tick, all sorts of alarm bells can be ringing and sometimes you can find yourself still worrying even after applying tick treatment. Let’s dive into tick bites, how to treat them and what to expect after treatment.
Ticks
Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, usually our pets or us. They tend to hang out in dense woodland areas, on tall grass or in damp shrubbery. Despite what most people think, ticks can’t jump so they technically don’t hop onto your pet. In fact, as your pet brushes past tick infested grass or leaves, the pesky bloodsuckers climb onto your pet’s fur and then, latch on. Ticks can bite your pet anywhere on their skin, but they usually go for their ears, between their toes and under their elbows.
How to treat ticks
If you find a tick on your pet, first things first, don’t panic. To remove a tick from your pet, carefully walk yourself through this guide (we’ve added pictures to help!).
To treat ticks on your pet, on-going protection is key. Here are our recommendations to prevent them from affecting your pet:
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Tick treatment
Spot-on treatments like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats, which kills ticks and fleas, are vet approved and scientifically proven to kill these bloodsuckers within 48 hours of application.
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Grooming your pet
It’s important to regularly wash your pet and groom them with a fine-toothed comb. This can help detect ticks early on and remove them before they attach.
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Protect your garden from ticks
Stay on top of your gardening! Ticks love to congregate in leaves and bushy areas, so make sure to trim your plants and grass. If you find your garden is particularly loved by ticks, try using pet-safe repellents that ward off ticks and other insects.
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Check your pet for ticks
After your pet has been for walkies, spent time in the garden or gone out for an adventure (especially in areas like wet woodlands where ticks thrive!), check your pet for ticks. Make sure to check your pet’s ears, armpits and between their toes.
What to expect after applying tick treatment on your pet?
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Your pet might continue to scratch or lick the treated area - Some pets might initially scratch or lick the area where the treatment was applied, in the first 24 hours. This is most common with spot-on treatment, like the Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats. Don’t worry, it’s just the fleas and ticks reacting to the treatment and becoming hyperactive before they die. Try to prevent your pet from excessively licking to ensure the treatment works properly. For ulti-mutt protection follow our Itch house rules when applying Itch Flea Treatment.
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You might see a dead tick on your pet - Depending on the treatment you use on your pet, ticks may become paralysed, slow down or die after being in contact with your pet's skin. Dead ticks might fall off or remain attached to your pet for a while and you may have to remove them - Read our guide on how to remove a dead tick.
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Your pet’s behaviour might change - Some pets might be tired or act lethargic after applying tick treatment. This is usually temporary, but if you have any concerns or your pet has prolonged tiredness, contact your vet immediately.
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After applying tick treatment, there might be mild redness or irritation - There might be a small amount of redness at the back of your pet’s neck, this should subside within a day or two.
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Check for side effects & ticks - Though rare, watch for any serious reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If you notice these signs, consult your vet immediately. Remember, even after applying the treatment, it's wise to regularly check your pet for ticks, especially during tick season.
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Keep on top of tick treatment - The treatment may take a few hours to a day to start working, depending on what you use on your pet. Routinely treat your pet for ticks to reduce any tick infestation and further issues - we recommend using Itch Flea Treatment once a month.
In general, after applying tick treatment your pet might experience mild symptoms, like scratching or irritation around the treated area. Your pet should be back to its usual self after 1-2 days, but if this isn’t the case and you have concerns, please contact your vet.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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