Lyme Disease Fears As One Third Of UK Dogs Are Carrying A Tick

Almost a third of dogs in the UK could be carrying a tick, according to the largest ever study of its kind carried out in the country.

The Big Tick Project examined almost 15,000 dogs as part of research carried out by Bristol University.

Five dogs were selected at random for a tick check each week at veterinary practices across the UK.

The study found that 31% of dogs were carrying a tick, which can lead to a range of illnesses including Lyme disease and the potentially fatal canine babesiosis.

Lyme disease is transmitted by tick bites, and if left untreated can develop into meningitis, facial palsy, nerve damage and arthritis.

The signs of Lyme disease included flu-like symptoms as well as muscle and joint pain. Once diagnosed, it can be treated with antibiotics.

The study also found a wide geographical spread of ticks across the UK, with the highest risk areas being the South West, Scotland and East Anglia.

Increased tick numbers are believed to be caused by climate change, an increase in host dogs carrying ticks and changes to environmental management.

The results of the study have been published to coincide with Tick Awareness Month, a campaign which aims to raise awareness of the risk to dogs caused by ticks.

Dog owners are being encouraged to visit their vet for information on tick control for the pets, and to find out how to check for and remove ticks correctly.