- In Ireland, the majority of ticks found on dogs are sheep ticks (Ixodes ricinus), responsible for approximately 71% of all dog‑infesting ticks. These thrive in grassland, woodland, heath, moorland, and even suburban green spaces.
- Also present are the British dog (or fox) tick and sometimes the hedgehog tick, particularly affecting working or hunting dogs.
- These ticks are potential vectors for illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis in dogs—and possibly in humans as well.
Why ticks are a concern
- Ticks attach to dogs and feed on blood. They can transmit bacterial and protozoal diseases, including Lyme disease, which in dogs may cause lethargy, joint pain, fever, and in severe cases, kidney damage or chronic joint issues if untreated.
- While rare, tick‑induced red meat allergy (alpha‑gal) is potentially possible in dogs, as reported in human cases in Ireland and the UK, and has been hypothesized to affect dogs too.
When to be especially alert
- Tick activity in Ireland peaks in spring (April–May) and then again in late summer to autumn (August–October), while low but persistent activity may continue year‑round.
- Warmer, humid conditions amplify tick populations and extend active periods.
Prevention strategies
1. Environmental management
- Keep lawns mown, shrubs pruned, and remove leaf litter or long vegetation in gardens to reduce tick habitat.
- Avoid letting dogs roam into unmanaged grassy or wooded zones.
2. Tick prevention products (consult your vet)
- Spot‑on treatments (e.g. fipronil, imidacloprid, permethrin formulas) applied monthly kill or repel ticks on contact.
- Oral preventatives such as Bravecto or NexGard protect for months by causing ticks to die upon feeding.
- Insecticidal collars (e.g. Seresto, Scalibor, Bob Martin Clear) offer long-lasting protection (typically 8 to 12 weeks) and are popular in Ireland.
- Always follow product guidelines and avoid permethrin-based treatments on dogs if there are cats in the household—they’re highly toxic to cats.
3. Routine inspection & prompt removal
- After outdoor activity, carefully check your dog, especially ears, neck, tail base, between legs, between toes, collar area, and around eyelids.
- Remove ticks promptly—within 24–36 hours if possible—to reduce disease transmission risk.
- Use fine‑tipped tweezers or a proper tick removal tool (e.g. tick‑twister). Grasp close to the skin and pull straight upward steadily. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick. Clean the bite area afterward with alcohol or soap and water.
Recommended prevention plan
| Measure | What to do |
|---|---|
| Veterinary advice | Plan a prevention regime tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and needs. |
| Product options | Choose between spot‑on (monthly), oral (every 1–3 months), collars (~12 weeks). |
| Garden upkeep | Keep lawn short, tidy vegetation, consult professionals if ticks are persistent. |
| Avoid tick areas | Stay on trails, avoid thick undergrowth or long grass. |
| Daily checks | Inspect key body parts after walks. |
| Tick removal | Use proper tools and disinfect the bite area. Save the tick if illness develops in dog. |
If you find a tick or see signs of illness
- Save the removed tick in alcohol or tape.
- Monitor your dog for symptoms such as fever, reluctance to move, lameness, lack of appetite or unusual behaviour.
- Consult a veterinarian if you find multiple ticks, if signs appear, or if you are in a known Lyme‑risk area.
- Treatment may include appropriate antibiotics like doxycycline if infection is confirmed.
Natural repellents: handle with care
- Some people use home remedies like diluted apple cider vinegar sprays (mixed 50:50 with water) reapplied frequently before walks.
- These may help deter ticks, but don’t rely on them as sole protection and they do not kill ticks already attached.
Summary
Ticks pose a genuine risk to dogs in Ireland—particularly sheep ticks that carry Lyme disease and other conditions. The most effective protection combines:
- Veterinary-recommended tick prevention products
- Environmental management to reduce tick habitats
- Thorough daily checks and prompt, correct removal if ticks are found
Discuss your dog’s specific needs with a vet—including breed, age, health status, and exposure risk—to establish the best prevention plan. Early action and a layered approach protect your pet—and your family—from tick‑borne illness.