Ticks in dogs and cats: disease risks, treatment and prevention
Ticks are a common occurrence in our pets’ daily lives. A simple walk can be enough: in a matter of seconds, a tick can latch onto your dog or cat to feed on its blood. Be careful, as a tick bite can, in some cases, transmit diseases. Don’t panic – here are the steps you should take and all the practical information you need to prevent and treat your four-legged friends.
Key information
➡️ Ticks are parasitic mites that feed on the blood of dogs and cats and can transmit certain diseases.
➡️ The risk of infestation exists all year round, but is highest from April to September.
➡️ A tick must be removed quickly using a tick remover to reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens.
➡️ Suitable anti-parasite treatments (spot-on treatments, collars, tablets) effectively prevent ticks in dogs and cats.
A brief overview of ticks
Ticks are not insects, but parasitic mites that feed on the blood of animals and sometimes humans. They belong to the same family as the microscopic mites found in house dust.
Unlike insects such as fleas or mosquitoes, adult ticks have eight legs, whereas insects have only six. They do not fly or jump: they attach themselves to a host when a dog, cat or other animal passes near an area of infestation (tall grass, scrubland, undergrowth).
The most common ticks found on dogs and cats belong to the genus Rhipicephalus sanguineus, often known as the brown dog tick.
👉 There are nearly 1,000 species of ticks worldwide (source: Anses).
How do ticks feed?
The tick has a specialised mouthpart that allows it to bite the animal’s skin and attach itself firmly for several days.
When it attaches itself:
- it inserts its rostrum into the skin,
- it releases an anaesthetic substance to prevent the animal from feeling the bite,
- it slowly feeds on blood.
This tick bite can last from 2 to 7 days, giving the mite time to complete its blood meal. During this period, the tick gradually swells and becomes more visible on your dog or cat’s skin.
The life cycle of ticks and high-risk periods
The life cycle of ticks consists of four stages:
- Egg: the female lays several thousand eggs in the environment (soil, vegetation).
- Larva: after hatching, the larva has six legs and seeks out its first host to feed on.
- Nymph: after its first blood meal, it develops into a nymph (8 legs) and attaches itself to an animal once more.
- Adult tick: it feeds one last time before reproducing and laying eggs in turn.
👉 This cycle can last several months, or even more than a year, depending on weather conditions.
At what times of year can dogs and cats catch ticks?
Dogs and cats can pick up ticks all year round.
However, the risk is higher:
- from April to September, when temperatures are mild,
- in spring and autumn, which are ideal times for them to be active.
Ticks become active as soon as the temperature rises above around 7–10 °C.
Where do ticks live?
Ticks do not live on animals all the time. They are found in the environment, waiting for a host to pass by.
They are mainly found in:
- tall grass,
- wooded areas,
- wetlands,
- neglected gardens,
- natural areas such as scrubland.
How long does a tick stay attached?
A tick can remain attached to the skin for between 24 hours and 7 days, sometimes a little longer depending on its stage of development and the species.
Average attachment time:
- Larva: a few hours to 2 days
- Nymph: 2 to 4 days
- Adult tick: 3 to 7 days on average
During this time, the tick slowly feeds on blood. The longer it remains attached, the larger it grows and the more visible it becomes to the naked eye.
Dogs and cats: diseases transmitted by ticks
| A disease transmitted by ticks | Possible symptoms in dogs and cats | Risk level |
| Piroplasmose (Babesia canis) | Fever, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, anaemia. This condition can be serious if not treated promptly by a vet. | ⚠️ Significant risk in dogs |
| Lyme disease | Fatigue, joint pain, lameness, fever. It can affect dogs and, more rarely, cats. Without treatment, the condition may become chronic. | ⚠️ Moderate to high risk |
| Ehrlichiose | Fever, fatigue, weight loss, blood disorders. May lead to complications if the infection is not treated. | ⚠️ A serious risk for dogs |
| Risks to cats and dogs | Skin irritation, local infections, and general weakness in the animal. In some cases, damage to the nervous system or a deterioration in the animal’s general condition. | ⚠️ This varies depending on the animal’s state of health |
👉 Ticks can also bite humans and transmit certain diseases, including Lyme disease.
27% of the ticks analysed carry at least one pathogen harmful to humans (Source: ANSES).
How long does it take for a tick to transmit a disease?
Disease transmission by a tick in animals does not occur immediately after the bite. In most cases, the tick must remain attached for several hours before pathogens can enter the dog’s or cat’s body.
Average transmission time
- Lyme disease (Borrelia): transmission generally requires the tick to remain attached for 24 to 48 hours.
- Piroplasmosis (Babesia canis) in dogs: transmission can occur within 12 to 48 hours, depending on the case.
- Ehrlichiosis: transmission often occurs after the tick has been attached for several hours to one day.
👉 The longer the tick remains attached, the greater the risk of transmission.
Where should you look for ticks on your dog or cat?
Ticks on dogs and cats usually attach themselves to warm, hard-to-see areas where the skin is thin. Visually, they look like small brown or greyish lumps attached to the skin.
Here are the parts of the body most commonly affected:
- the ears, particularly the inside and the back
- the neck, under the collar
- the armpits
- between the legs
- the belly, especially in short-haired dogs
- the head, around the jaw or muzzle
- around the eyes
Good to know: ticks are most commonly found on the head.
What does a tick bite look like in dogs and cats?
A tick bite may go unnoticed at first, as the bite is painless. The most tell-tale sign is the presence of the tick itself. It looks like a small greyish, brown or black lump attached to the skin.
At first, it is very small, sometimes difficult to see with the naked eye. After a few hours or days of feeding on blood, it gradually grows and can reach the size of a pea.
Once the tick has been removed, a small reaction may be observed on the skin:
- a small red spot
- a slightly inflamed area
- sometimes a small scab
- localised irritation
- a small sore at the site of the bite
How do you remove a tick from your dog or cat?
👉 The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission.
The safest method is to use a tick remover or tick hook, a small tool available from pharmacies, vets or pet shops.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Position the tick remover as close to your pet’s skin as possible.
- Turn gently without pulling sharply, so as to remove the tick whole.
- Disinfect the area after removal using an antiseptic suitable for animals.
- Monitor the area for a few days to check for any irritation or infection.
Once removed, you can kill the tick by crushing it with a tissue or piece of paper. Avoid doing this with your bare hands.
What not to do
Please note that some methods may make the situation worse or increase the risk of infection.
Do not use:
- alcohol,
- ether,
- chemicals,
- a heat source to burn the tick.
Also, avoid pulling with your fingers, as this may break the tick and leave the head under the skin.
How do you remove a tick without a tick remover?
A pair of fine-tipped tweezers can be used instead of a tick remover.
How to do it:
- Part the fur so you can see the tick clearly.
- Place the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, at the tick’s head.
- Pull gently and steadily, without crushing the abdomen.
- Once the tick has been removed, disinfect the area with an antiseptic suitable for animals.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid pulling sharply, as the tick’s head could remain in the skin.
If you don’t have tweezers, you can use a thin thread or dental floss:
- Make a small loop with the thread.
- Slide the loop around the tick’s head, as close to the skin as possible.
- Gently tighten.
- Pull slowly and steadily until the tick comes away.
- Disinfect the skin.
What should you do after a tick bite?
1. Disinfect the bite area
After removing the tick, clean the skin with an antiseptic suitable for animals. This helps to reduce the risk of skin infection and local irritation.
A slight redness may appear: this is usually normal and temporary.
2. Monitor the progress over the following days
Keep an eye on the bite area for several days.
It is advisable to check:
- that the skin is healing properly
- that there is no significant swelling
- that no abnormal scabs appear
- that your pet is not scratching excessively
3. Monitor your pet’s general condition
Some tick-borne diseases can cause symptoms a few days after the bite.
If your dog or cat seems less well than usual, consult a vet.
When should you consult a vet?
After removing the tick, monitor your pet’s general condition for several days. Consult a vet if you notice:
- significant skin irritation,
- very red or inflamed areas after the ticks have been removed.
- a fever,
- unusual tiredness,
- loss of appetite,
- abnormal behaviour (the animal is less active, listless, or appears to be in pain),
- difficulty moving or pain.
These symptoms may appear several days after the bite and may be linked to a tick-borne disease.
Methods of tick prevention
Tick treatments
The choice depends on the animal’s age, lifestyle and your vet’s recommendations.
Among the most commonly used treatments:
- anti-parasite spot-on treatments: applied directly to the skin, usually at the base of the neck, they release an active ingredient that protects the animal for several weeks;
- anti-tick collars: these gradually release a repellent or acaricide that acts against ticks;
- tablets: administered orally, these kill the parasites after they have bitten;
- anti-parasite sprays: useful as a supplement, particularly before a walk in a high-risk area. Avoid doing this with bare hands.
Maintaining good hygiene at home
A few simple steps:
- wash items that come into contact with your pet regularly,
- clean bedding, cushions and blankets,
- look after rugs and areas where your pet rests,
- vacuum areas frequented by your pets.
FAQ
Are ticks dangerous for animals?
A tick on a dog or cat can also cause local irritation or infection if it is not removed properly.
Are ticks dangerous for cats?
How do you remove a tick from an aggressive or stressed cat?
If your cat is nervous:
– ask someone else to help you gently hold your cat
– wrap your cat in a towel to restrict its movements (the ‘cocoon’ technique)
– avoid sudden movements that could increase its stress
speak softly to reassure it
Ideally, use a tick remover for quick and precise removal. If your cat becomes too aggressive or if the tick is located in a hard-to-reach area (ear, eyelid, mouth), it is best to consult a vet.
Do ticks fall off on their own?
Can a puppy get ticks?
Which animal kills ticks?
What smell repels ticks?
– lavender,
– lemon eucalyptus,
– geranium,
– lemongrass.
These remedies can be used as a supplement, but they are no substitute for a parasite treatment prescribed by a vet.
What kills ticks instantly?
Why shouldn’t you crush ticks?
Contact with the tick’s bodily fluids can facilitate the transmission of bacteria or parasites through the skin or small wounds. It is best to use a tissue or piece of paper to avoid direct contact.
Why shouldn’t you flush ticks down the toilet?
It is better to:
– crush it in a piece of paper,
– place it in alcohol,
– or dispose of it in a sealed container.
