Tick Problem.

[cupid04]

Our Tom cat keeps getting ticks even with the treatment given. Our last two cats never got them. Are there more ticks around than usual?

[FredPuli43]

Seems so, my small dogs are all infested. The wolfhounds not at all; perhaps the ticks can't jump that high! More likely is that the wolfhound coat is more taxing or that the wolfs bite them off.

[islasmum]

There seem to have been a lot more around this year- I've had to remove a few from my dog, she's six years old, and this is the first time I've ever found them on her.

[naomi24]

Smother them in a dollop of Vaseline. They suffocate and fall off - head and all.

[Tilly2]

There's a really good film on Youtube which shows you how to get rid of ticks by rubbing them and making them dizzy. They eventually let go and you can dispose of them with a sharp wack!

[cupid04]

We have foxes in the area and our vet actually told us to keep him away
from the same places that the fox inhabits! How the hell do I do that!

Naomi, I will try the vasaline [not me personally, lol!]

[naomi24]

Our vet told us to do that. It works. Just leave a big, thick, dollop over them. Much easier than trying to get them off.

[woofgang]

Using vaseline to remove a tick isn't recommended, especially in areas where Lyme disease is a risk because it takes so long to work.
http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/about-ticks/tick-removal/
I find the O'Tom tick remover best or "unscrewing" the tick by hand. I live in the New Forest and have lots of experience and practice!

For dogs I don't think you can beat a Scalibor collar but i don't think cats can use them.

[cupid04]

I'm not telling Naomi she's wrong. She frightens me!

[woofgang]

Its not Naomi who is wrong, its her vet!

[Prudie]

Well to take the heat off Naomi I use nail polish remover soaked on cotton wool, they let go immediately. Bet that's bad for the pet.

[naomi24]

Perhaps we aren't in an area where Lyme disease is a risk. We have three dogs, and a country vet working in a farming community - but in the light of Woofgang's advice, perhaps you should check it out before trying it, Cupid.

I didn't realise I frighten anyone.

[cupid04]

Naomi, only in R&S, and I said it tongue in cheek!

[naomi24]

In that case, I must try harder. ;o)

[cupid04]

methyl, Effipro.