As the weather warms up and walks get longer, there's one tiny creature that every dog owner should know about: ticks. They’re more common than you might think. Most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about, but they can be a bit of a hassle if you’re not sure what to do.
The good news is they’re usually easy enough to deal with. Knowing where they tend to be, how to spot them, and how to remove them properly makes all the difference.
Whether you've found your first tick or you're looking to brush up on what to do, this guide covers everything from where ticks live and when they're most active, to a step-by-step removal method and practical prevention tips.
What are ticks?
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood. They’re related to spiders, not insects, which is why they have eight legs.. In the UK, the type most often found on dogs is Ixodes ricinus, sometimes called the sheep tick or deer tick. In fact, one large-scale UK study found it makes up for around 89% of ticks found on dogs, so it’s by far the most common one you’re likely to come across.
Before they attach, ticks are tiny, often no bigger than a sesame seed, so they’re easy to miss. They have a flat, oval-shaped body and eight legs. Once they’ve latched on, they feed on blood over several days, gradually swelling to the size of a small pea and turning a grey or blue-grey colour. That’s usually when people spot them, often while stroking or grooming their dog.
Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait on grass and low plants, holding their front legs out ready to catch onto a passing animal. This is sometimes called “questing”, but in simple terms, they’re just waiting to be picked up. They detect hosts using sensors on their legs that pick up body heat, movement and even the carbon dioxide we breathe out. Once a dog (or person) makes contact, the tick simply holds on and finds a spot to feed.
Where do ticks live in the UK?
Ticks tend to be found in places with long grass, thick vegetation, and lots of wildlife. In the UK, that usually means woodland, heathland, moorland, rough fields, and even overgrown gardens. Areas with animals like deer, sheep, or hedgehogs tend to have more ticks, as they play a big part in the tick life cycle.
Some parts of the UK have more ticks than others. Data from the UKHSA Tick Surveillance Scheme shows higher levels of tick activity in places like the South West and South East of England (where around 90% of surveyed areas have recorded tick activity since 2013), the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District and Cumbria, North Wales, East Anglia (including Thetford Forest), and the North York Moors.
That said, ticks are becoming more common. Research published between 2017 and 2020 found that most UK regions reported a yearly increase in tick records, with the biggest rise in South and East England. Milder winters and growing deer populations are thought to be part of the reason. It also means that areas that were once considered low risk might not stay that way.
If you regularly walk your dog in these kinds of places, especially near woodland edges or through long grass, it's worth being extra vigilant during peak tick season.
When is tick season?
Ticks can be active year-round in the UK, but there are times where you’re more likely to come across them. Here's a rough month-by-month guide based on UK surveillance data:
March to April: As temperatures rise, ticks become more active. This is when people often spot their first ones of the year, as adults and nymphs begin to appear on grass and plants.
May to June: This is peak tick season. Activity is at its highest, and June typically sees the most tick encounters.
July to August: Ticks are still around, although numbers can dip a bit in very hot, dry conditions. Younger ticks (called larvae) are also active during these months, though they're much harder to spot.
September to October: There’s often a second, smaller rise in activity in early autumn, particularly for adult ticks. Conditions are still mild, and ticks are commonly found in woodland and fallen leaves.
November to February: Things quieten down over winter, but ticks don’t disappear completely. UKHSA data shows ticks have been found on dogs during every month of the year, even in the colder months, especially when winters are mild.
The key takeaway is that while spring and early summer are the highest-risk periods, ticks can turn up at any time. If you're walking in areas where they’re more common, checking your dog after walks is a good habit to keep up all year round.
How do dogs pick up ticks?
When your dog walks through long grass, brushes past low branches, or sniffs around in undergrowth, questing ticks can latch onto their coat. From there, the tick crawls across the skin until it finds a warm, sheltered spot to attach and begin feeding.
Ticks tend to go for areas where the skin is thinner and blood flow is closer to the surface. The most common places to find ticks on dogs include around the ears (and just behind them), the head and neck, under the legs, around the groin and inner thighs, between the toes, and the tummy.
Some dogs are more likely to pick them up than others. If your dog spends a lot of time off-lead in woodland, long grass, or moorland, or has a thicker coat where ticks are harder to spot, the chances are a bit higher. But any dog can pick up a tick, even on a short walk through a local park, if the conditions are right.
How to spot a tick on your dog
The easiest way to catch ticks early is to make a quick body check part of your post-walk routine. It only takes a couple of minutes and becomes second nature once you get into the habit.
Here's a simple method that works well:
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A good place to start is the head. Run your fingers over and behind the ears, around the jaw, and around the top of the head. Ticks love these spots.
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Then work your way down the body. Check along the neck and spine, feeling for any small bumps that shouldn't be there. A tick can feel like a tiny, firm lump under the fur.
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Check the chest and armpits, especially if your dog has a thicker coat
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Then check the belly, groin, and inner thighs. These are warm where ticks often settle.
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Finish with the legs and paws, including in between the toes and pawpads. Ticks can hide unsurprisingly small spaces.
If you do find something, an unfed tick is tiny - roughly the size of a pinhead or sesame seed, and can be dark brown or reddish-brown in colour. Once it’s been feeding, it becomes easier to spot, swelling up to about the size of a small pea and turning greyish in colour. If you're unsure, take a closer look - ticks have small legs near the head.
How to safely remove a tick
If you find a tick on your dog, don't panic, but it’s best to remove it as soon as you can. The sooner it’s gone, the lower the risk of any infection.
The easiest way to do this is with a tick removal tool (sometimes called a tick twister or tick hook). They’re simple to use and easy to pick up from most pet shops or vets.
Here's how to remove a tick safely:
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Part the fur around the tick so you can see it clearly. Slide the forked end of the tool underneath it, as close to the skin as possible.
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Gently twist the tool in one direction (either clockwise or anticlockwise, just be consistent) until the tick loosens and comes away. There is no need to pull - slow and steady twisting does the job.
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Once it’s out, check that the whole tick has been removed, including the head. If you can see all eight legs and the mouthparts, you've got the whole thing.
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Clean the area with a bit of salt water or mild antiseptic and wash your hands afterwards.
To get rid of the tick, place it in a tissue and flush it, or seal it in a container with rubbing alcohol. Don't crush it between your fingers.
What not to do:
Avoid a few common mistakes when removing a tick. Don't try to burn it off or cover it with things like petroleum jelly, oil or nail varnish. It’s also important not to squeeze the body or pull it out with your fingers.
These methods can make things worse, as they may cause the tick to release bacteria while it's still attached, increasing the risk of infection.
If you're not confident removing it yourself, a quick chat with your vet can help put your mind at ease. Most vets are happy to remove ticks and can show you how to do it at home in future.
What diseases can ticks carry?
Most tick bites in the UK won't cause any real problems, aside from a bit of irritation where the tick was attached. However, some ticks can carry diseases that can be passed on during feeding. These are the ones worth knowing about in the UK:
Lyme disease (borreliosis)
This is the most well-known tick-borne disease in the UK. It's caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by a small percentage of UK ticks. One study found that around 2.3% of Ixodes ticks tested in the UK carry the bacteria.
In dogs, symptoms can include tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain or stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes. That said, most dogs won't show any signs at all. It's thought that only around 5 to 10% of infected dogs develop symptoms.
If you notice any of these signs after a tick bite, especially limping or joint stiffness that seems to shift between legs, contact your vet. Lyme disease responds well to antibiotic treatment when caught early.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is already present across the UK. It can cause fever, lethargy, and joint pain, though many dogs won't show any obvious signs. Your vet can test for it if there's a concern.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is uncommon in the UK but has been recorded. Cases of Babesia canis were confirmed in dogs in Essex in 2015/16, linked to the Dermacentor reticulatus tick. The disease attacks red blood cells and can cause anaemia, dark-coloured urine, fever, and weakness. While still rare, it's something vets are keeping an eye on, particularly in Southern England.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis isn't currently found in UK ticks, but it has been diagnosed in dogs brought in from continental Europe. With more dogs being imported from abroad, vets are seeing it more often. Symptoms can include fever, weight loss, bleeding disorders, and lethargy.
It's worth noting that a tick generally needs to be attached for at least 24 to 48 hours before it can transmit most of these infections, which is another good reason to check your dog regularly and remove ticks promptly.
How to prevent ticks on your dog
There's no single method that offers complete protection against ticks, but combining a few steps can make a big difference.
A quick chat with your vet is the best starting point. They can recommend what’s most suitable for your dog based on their lifestyle, where you walk, and any other treatments they're already on.
Common prevention options include spot-on treatments that are applied to the back of the neck and may help repel or kill ticks on contact, oral tablets that work from within to kill ticks after they bite, and tick-repellent collars that release active ingredients over several weeks.
Each option works slightly differently, and what suits one dog may not suit another. Your vet can help you choose the right one.
Alongside tick treatments, a few everyday habits can help::
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Check your dog after every walk, especially if you've been in long grass, woodland, or moorland.
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Keep grass short in your garden if you live near open countryside.
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Stick to clear, well-maintained paths during peak tick months.
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Carry a tick removal tool with you, so you can deal with anything quickly.
Can humans get ticks too?
Yes, can bite people as well as dogs. In the UK, there were around 1,581 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported in 2024, though the real number is likely higher.
If you're out walking in areas where ticks are common, it's worth taking a few simple precautions for yourself and your family, too. Wearing long trousers tucked into socks, using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, sticking to well-worn paths where possible, and checking your own skin after walks (particularly behind the knees, in the groin, armpits, and along the hairline) can all help.
If you do find a tick on yourself, remove it using the same way as you would for your dog, using a gentle twisting motion. Keep an eye on the area afterwards, and if you notice a spreading circular rash (sometimes described as a "bull's-eye"), contact your GP, as this can be an early sign of Lyme disease.
For more detailed advice on tick awareness and Lyme disease prevention, the UKHSA Be Tick Aware campaign is a helpful resource.
