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The tick truth
Why your tick prevention might not be working
How to actually prevent ticks
When to worry
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Why is my tick prevention not working?
- By Dr Zoe Costigan
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- April 14, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
Applying tick treatment and still seeing these pesky buggers? A lot of pet owners can run into issues with their tick treatment, especially during spring and summer when ticks are out in full force. Read more to find out how to NEVER let ticks don’t bother your pet.
The tick truth
First off, ticks are stubborn. These tiny critters are like the SAS of the parasite world: stealthy, persistent, and hard to kill. They can cling to long grasses, bushes, and woodland paths just waiting for a warm-bodied host to pass by. And with climate change nudging temperatures up year-round, ticks are no longer just a summer nuisance — they're stretching their season and their territory. So even if you’re up to date with treatments, your pet (or your walking boots) might still pick one up.
Why your tick prevention might not be working
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The ticks aren't actually dying — just biting less
Most tick treatments don’t repel ticks entirely. Instead, they kill them after they bite. That means you might still find a tick on your pet, but if the product is working, the tick should drop off or die within 24–48 hours. If you’re spotting dead ticks, that’s actually a sign it is working.
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You’re missing doses or not applying correctly
We’ve all been there — life gets busy and suddenly you realise it’s been six weeks since you last treated your dog, not four. Consistency is key. And with spot-on treatments especially, it’s crucial to part the fur properly and apply directly to the skin, not just dribble it over the fluff.
There’s a few steps after you apply tick treatment to your pet that you MUST follow:
- Keep' em dry. Your pet can't get wet for 48 hours (this includes walkies in the rain).
- Don’t touch the treated area. Hands off.
- No licking the treated area (your pet, not you…).
- Don't share your bed with your pet on the night your pet is treated.
- Treat all your pets in your household at the same time, ideally in the evening
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Your tick treatment isn’t right for your area
Ticks vary by region. Some UK hotspots like the New Forest, South Downs, or parts of Scotland have particularly tenacious tick populations. If you live in or near one of these areas — or you’ve recently visited — you might need a stronger or more frequent prevention method. Vets in these areas often recommend combining treatments (like a collar and a spot-on).
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You’re only treating your pet, not the environment
If you’ve got a tick infestation in your garden or home, treating your pet alone won’t do the job. Ticks can hide in long grass, leaf piles, and even carpet fibres. A tick might drop off your dog and lay hundreds of eggs in your home. Invest in tick repellents for your home - here’s what to look for in a good tick spray!
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Ticks are becoming resistant
In rare cases, ticks can become resistant to certain chemicals over time. If you’ve been using the same product for years and it’s suddenly less effective, It might be time for a change, and maybe something more convenient like the Itch Flea Treatment for cats and dogs - A flea, tick and worm treatment subscription which gets delivered every month, for free, exactly when you need it!
How to actually prevent ticks
Tick prevention isn’t foolproof, but these steps can seriously reduce your risk — and your pet’s.
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Check daily — especially after walks
Run your hands over your pet’s fur every evening, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas. Pay close attention to warm, hidden spots like behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and around the groin. For long-haired pets, a fine-tooth comb can help.
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Keep your garden tidy
Ticks love shady, humid places. Keep grass short, rake up leaves, and trim bushes. If you’ve got wildlife wandering through (like foxes), they might be dropping ticks off as they go — fencing off your garden can help reduce this.
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Treat all pets, not just the itchy one
Even if one pet seems fine, treat all the animals in your household. Ticks aren’t picky — they’ll latch onto whoever’s available.
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Invest in a tick remover tool
They’re cheap, cheerful, and way more effective than tweezers. If you do find a tick, use the tool to gently twist it out — no yanking. Click here to know how to remove a tick properly.
When to worry
Most ticks are more of a nuisance than a danger, but they can carry diseases like Lyme disease or babesiosis. If your pet seems lethargic, develops a limp, or has a fever a few days after a tick bite, get them checked out.
For advice on fleas, ticks and worms contact our qualified and friendly Vet Team.
get in touch!
Tick prevention isn’t always a ‘one and done’ situation. Even with the best products, ticks might still latch on briefly. But the goal is to stop them before they cause harm — and that is possible with a good routine and the right products.
Protect your pet from ticks.
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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