Vet warns dog owners over hidden risk this autumn – and two breeds are most vulnerable

VETS are warning pet owners about a hidden risk to their dogs this autumn. While the weather may start to cool off next month, ticks are still increasingly active and can latch onto your pooch during walks and time spent outdoors. Dr Linda Simon has warned dog owners about the risk of ticks in September Credit: Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS Tick bites on cockapoos can go undiscovered due to their coats Credit: Getty Often found in grassy, wooded and rural areas, bites from the parasites can cause health complications, including Lyme disease, if not spotted and removed quickly. To help owners protect their pets, Post Office Pet Insurance has teamed up with Dr Linda Simon, resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, to reveal the two breeds most at risk and how to protect them after walks. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! If you regularly exercise your dog through long grass, the countryside or woodland, both you and your pet are more at risk, so it’s important to check yourselves afterwards. Dr Linda says: “Location-wise, ticks are more common in long grass, woodland, or heath-type environments with lots of wildlife, so avid walkers should be particularly vigilant. “Dogs with curly coats also require extra attention, as ticks can become hidden deep within the fur and may go unnoticed.” The longer a tick remains attached, the greater the potential risk to your pet. As a result, owners of curly-haired breeds such as cavapoos and cockapoos should be extra careful. Keeping parasite-prevention treatments up to date and thoroughly checking coats after walks can help reduce the risk of problems associated with tick bites. Most read in Fabulous Regular grooming not only helps keep your dog’s coat healthy, but it also provides an ideal opportunity to check for ticks. Pay particular attention to areas where ticks commonly attach, including the armpits, groin, behind the ears and between the toes. While ticks can carry potentially serious diseases, pets protected with an appropriate parasite-prevention product are unlikely to become infected. Dr Linda reassures owners: “Common tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, typically require a tick to be attached to a pet for one to two days before transmission can occur. “Veterinary-licensed tick prevention products are designed to kill ticks within this timeframe, helping to prevent disease transmission. “So, even if you spot a tick on your pet, an effective prevention product will provide an important layer of protection.” Comment now