tick bite

[MIN]

Found today a tick on the inside of gemma's ear.  near the lobe. the tick had disengaged itself just as i went to get it off. it has left a large red, sore looking lump.  Anything I can put on it or should I get vet advice.  gemma is not bothered by it

dont you just hate finding these things when darling dog has spent a rare night with us in bed as a treat

[Mari]

How large are we talking? It's not uncommon to see a swelling at the site, like a bad pimple. It ususally scabs over and dissappears in a few days. You can treat it like you would a regular wound. I would typically clean it with some chlorhexidine. Keep an eye on the area for the bullseye pattern and if you feel unsure it's better to ask a vet to have a look at it

Ticks are the worst! I've had a few of them snack on me too, they are like spiders, but worse 

[MIN]

How large are we talking? It's not uncommon to see a swelling at the site, like a bad pimple. It ususally scabs over and dissappears in a few days. You can treat it like you would a regular wound. I would typically clean it with some clorhexidine. Keep an eye on the area for the bullseye pattern and if you feel unsure it's better to ask a vet to have a look at it

Ticks are the worst! I've had a few of them snack on me too, they are like spiders, but worse 

as peas go it is more large marrowfat rather than garden 

[Mari]

Ouch! Allthough I've noticed tick bites on the ears have more noticeable swellings than other places, maybe because there is so little tissue to expand into there. Could just be a small infection after the bite, and you would treat that like any other infection/wound. At least where I am there are so few tick borne diseases that unless the bullseye appears we don't go to the vet for a local infection post tick bite. But I can't say for sure if the recommendations are the same in your area, maybe someone else knows

[MIN]

another question to be answered please.
 As we are now in " sheep roam free" zones what are the best tick collars etc

[bizzylizzy]

another question to be answered please.
 As we are now in " sheep roam free" zones what are the best tick collars etc

Always a discussion for debate this as there are lots of options but all have pro's and cons so there's never an easy answer. We had a scalibor collar last year which seemed to work ok but I've decided to try coconut oil now as a healthier alternative however its early days yet, so can't draw any conclusions as to its effectiveness. I found a couple of dead ticks still hanging on last year, which although its good to know the collar works, the fact that the body's containing enough poison to actually kill them as soon as they bite, does make me a bit uneasy. On the other hand, the risk of disease can't be ignored either. They're a pain in the bum and although I know that theoretically ever creature has its role in natures big cycle, I've never yet figures out where ticks come in!! 
Hope Gemma's ok - I'd agree with Mari, - clean, disinfect and just keep a close eye out! X

[Mari]

There are many good ones, like seresto, advantix etc. I personally have seen the best effect with exspot (spot on) or scalibor (collar). Of course if you have cats that are friendly with the dog I would look at other options that are more cat friendly Whatever you choose, make sure they are the ones vets would recommend. There have been som scary side effects with some of the remedies pet shops sell.

[lescef]

I used dilute hibiscrub last year when we had loads in Scotland.
Bramble had one drop off her recently -it was large! And I thought I'd checked her over. I feel like a bad Mum.
I'm very wary about using any chemicals on them. As we don't get many ticks I'd rather just remove them -if I find them! Not sure what I'd do in a highly populated area.
I can't see their purpose in the life cycle either!

[Mari]

the fact that the body's containing enough poison to actually kill them as soon as they bite, does make me a bit uneasy.

The idea of it makes me uneasy too so I only use it when necessary. But with the spot ons and collars (the ones vets approve of) the poison stays in the skin, only tiny amounts will potentially be absorbed and will be hydrolysed and become harmless quickly. In other words, the body doesn't actually contain poison So as long as you follow instructions for use (and use safe products) there is nothing to worry about

[Jaysmumagain]

Our last vet was all for Bravecto which I think is digested and when the tick feed it dies, he was reluctant to issue anything else, but I stuck with Advantix which I am using again this year.  Both need a prescription.

[Joules]

If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days 

[MIN]

just found another 

[Joules]

just found another 

Yes, it is tick season

I have been taking them off my cats most days for the last month! 

[bizzylizzy]

If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days 

Not quite sure Joules, even if the tick has fallen off, if it was infected, it could still cause problems, - the bull's eye pattern that Mari mentioned, is a sign if Borreliose - quite common here although I don't know how it is in UK. I use Tea Trea Oil for lots of things but OH can't tolerate it on his skin if I use it undiluted, brings him out in a nasty rash,  so its a good idea to thin it down!!

[Joules]

If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days 

I use Tea Trea Oil for lots of things but OH can't tolerate it on his skin if I use it undiluted, brings him out in a nasty rash,  so its a good idea to thin it down!!

Does your OH get a lot of ticks?    I use it neat, directly on the spot - never had a problem.