Ticks are one of the most common external parasites affecting dogs and can transmit diseases that impact both animals and people. Although they are often associated with summer, the reality is that they remain active whenever temperatures rise above 7°C (44.6°F), meaning prevention should be maintained for much of the year.
Understanding their life cycle and knowing how to prevent them is the best way to protect your pet.
What is the life cycle of a tick?
Ticks have one main objective: to feed on blood in order to develop and reproduce. Their life cycle consists of four stages and, except for the egg stage, they require a host to survive.
- Egg: After feeding, the adult female drops to the ground and lays thousands of eggs among vegetation or in sheltered areas. Under favourable conditions, the eggs hatch within a few weeks.
- Larva: Tick larvae are extremely small and have six legs. They seek out their first host, feed on blood, and once engorged, detach and moult into nymphs.
- Nymph: At this stage, ticks have eight legs. They find another host, feed again, and then moult into adults.
- Adult: Adult ticks feed on blood for several days. Once fully engorged, the female detaches from the host, lays thousands of eggs and begins a new life cycle.
Important fact: A single female tick can lay between 2,000 and 5,000 eggs, which explains how quickly new infestations can develop.
Where do ticks usually bite dogs?
Ticks look for warm, protected areas with thin skin. The most common attachment sites are:
- Neck.
- Under the ears.
- Armpits.
- Abdomen and groin.
- Under the tail.
- Legs and between the toes.
After every walk, it is advisable to inspect these areas to detect any ticks before they remain attached for an extended period.
Where do ticks live and when are they active?
Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation until they detect a passing host through body heat, movement or the carbon dioxide released during breathing.
They are commonly found in areas with abundant vegetation, such as forests, woodland trails, parks, gardens and areas of tall grass or dense undergrowth.
Although tick activity peaks during spring and autumn, cold weather does not eliminate them. They become inactive during colder periods and resume activity when temperatures rise above approximately 7°C.
How can you prevent ticks in dogs?
Prevention is the most effective way to reduce the risk of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases. Follow these three recommendations:
- Avoid high-risk areas. Whenever possible, prevent your dog from entering areas with dense vegetation or tall grass.
- Check your pet after every walk. Take a few minutes to inspect your dog's neck, ears, legs, abdomen and tail. It is also advisable to check your own clothing before entering your home.
- Use appropriate parasite control products. External antiparasitic treatments help repel or eliminate ticks before they can remain attached for long periods. Your veterinarian can recommend the most suitable solution based on your dog's age, weight, lifestyle and level of exposure.
Calier's antiparasitic solutions
To help protect dogs against ticks and other external parasites, Calier offers a range of solutions tailored to the needs of every pet:
- Merlin is a long-lasting antiparasitic collar that helps protect against ticks, fleas and sand flies, providing continuous protection for several months.
- Dynacan is a topical pipette treatment designed to control fleas and ticks. It is easy to apply and available in different presentations according to the dog's weight.
- Effinol is an antiparasitic spray that can be used as a complement to regular parasite control, particularly before outdoor activities or during periods of increased parasite activity.
Always consult your veterinarian to choose the most appropriate option for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do ticks only appear during summer? No. They remain active whenever temperatures exceed 7°C (44.6°F), meaning they can be found during much of the year.
- Can ticks transmit diseases? Yes. They can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and Lyme disease, among others.
- How should I remove a tick? Use a pair of fine-tipped or tick removal tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it out with a steady, continuous motion without crushing it. Afterwards, disinfect the area and monitor your pet over the following days.
- Is checking my dog after every walk enough? Regular inspections are essential, but the most effective protection combines routine checks with veterinarian-recommended antiparasitic treatments.
21 Jun 2023
