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Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Ticks may be small, but they can cause serious health problems for your pets if left unnoticed or untreated. At Rain Rescue, we see firsthand the importance of regular checks and prevention, especially during peak tick season (spring to autumn in the UK). Whether you’re a dog walker or a cat cuddler, this guide will help you keep your furry family members safe and tick-free.
Ticks are tiny parasitic creatures that feed on the blood of animals (and sometimes humans). They’re often found in grassy, wooded or rural areas — which means countryside strolls, garden explorations, or even lounging in the backyard can all put pets at risk.
While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease or babesiosis, which can affect both dogs and cats. Early detection and prevention are key.
After walks or outdoor playtime, give your pet a thorough once-over — ticks love to hide in warm, sheltered areas. The most common places ticks attach include:
Around the ears and eyes
Under collars or harnesses
Between the toes
In the armpits (under the front legs)
Around the groin area
Under the tail and around the rear
Along the neck and shoulders
Run your fingers through their fur slowly, applying gentle pressure so you can feel any small bumps.
If you find a tick on your pet, don’t panic — and don’t pull it off with your fingers. Doing so could leave parts of the tick embedded, leading to infection.
Here’s the safe way to remove a tick:
Use a tick removal tool – These are inexpensive and available at most vets or pet shops.
Slide the tool under the tick, as close to your pet’s skin as possible.
Gently twist while pulling upward — this should remove the tick in one piece.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a bag before binning it.
Clean the area with a pet-safe antiseptic.
Wash your hands thoroughly after removal.
Keep an eye on the area for a few days. If it becomes red, swollen, or your pet seems unwell, always contact your vet.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of ticks:
✅ Use a vet-recommended tick prevention treatment — these come in the form of spot-on treatments, chewable tablets, or collars.
✅ Regularly groom your pet — it helps you spot ticks and other parasites early.
✅ Keep your garden tidy — trimming back long grass and overgrown bushes makes it less inviting for ticks.
✅ Avoid areas known to be tick hotspots — especially during warmer months.
✅ Check pets thoroughly after walks — especially if they’ve been exploring wooded or grassy areas.
If you notice symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, limping, or unusual behaviour after a tick bite, it’s best to seek veterinary advice. These could be signs of a tick-borne illness and early treatment can make all the difference.
When you buy a gift for a Rain Rescue animal, it will help us to provide the care the cats and dogs in our centre need.
Treat them to a cosy place to sleep, a treat and a toy, or nutritious food to keep them strong. It’s a great way to donate, thank you.
Founded in 2002, our charity has saved the lives of thousands of the cats and dogs most at risk in and around Yorkshire. Our rescue centre provides the space and support needed for these abandoned animals to recover, thrive and find a loving home.
