Tick Season is Here! A Vet’s Guide to Choosing the Best Flea Collars and Safe Removal Kits

Lately, we've seen so many worried pet owners in our clinic. They're confused, saying they haven't even been near bushland, yet they've found several strange new 'lumpy moles' on their dog at home. On closer look, they see legs! That's right, as the weather heats up, we're entering peak season for ticks. Don't underestimate these tiny eight-legged critters; their danger goes far beyond just a blood meal. There have even been recent cases reported in the South Island of people falling ill after a bite with what's known as 'severe febrile rash disease', and it's got everyone on edge.

It's Not Just About the Dog: Protecting People from Tick-Borne Diseases

Our grandparents always said a tick bite would give you a fever, and they weren't wrong. Besides the more well-known Lyme disease, cases of 'severe febrile rash disease' transmitted by ticks have been on the rise in recent years. This illness is spread through tick bites, and a few days after being bitten, you might suddenly come down with a high fever, headache, and a body covered in a red rash. We just heard about a case in the North Island where someone initially thought they had the flu, but it was only when the rash appeared that they realised something more serious was going on. So, when you take your furry family member for a hike or a run in the park, a full-body brush and check isn't just for them. Make sure you also have a good shower afterwards and check your own body for any unwanted hitchhikers, especially in warm, thin-skinned areas like armpits and groin.

Operation Tick-Proof Pet: How to Choose the Most Effective Collar

When it comes to protecting your dog from pests, one of the easiest methods is using a flea and tick collar. The market is full of so many different dog flea and tick collars now, and owners often ask me which one is best. The key to choosing isn't about fancy features, but about 'longevity' and 'safety'.

If you own a high-energy large breed like a Labrador or a Golden Retriever, I'd definitely recommend considering a long-lasting option like the Seresto flea and tick collar for large dogs with 8 month protection. The beauty of it is that you put it on once and don't have to worry about it for the next eight months. It works by slowly releasing the active ingredients into the natural oils of your dog's skin, not directly into their bloodstream, making it a relatively safe choice for larger dogs. You can even leave it on during baths, which is a huge time-saver. Of course, if you have a smaller dog, be sure to choose a collar specifically designed for their size and adjust it to the right fit—you should be able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and their neck.

Three Key Things to Remember When Buying a Flea Collar:

• Check for Registration: Whether you're shopping online or at a pet store, always look for an official ACVM (Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines) registration number on the packaging. Collars from unverified sources could be toxic for your dog.
• Ensure a Proper Fit: Trim any excess length from the collar to stop your dog from chewing on it or accidentally swallowing it while playing. Securely wrap the offcut in tape before throwing it away to prevent the chemicals from transferring to other surfaces in your home.
• Monitor Initially: For the first day or two, keep an eye on your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction, like excessive scratching or skin irritation. If you notice anything, remove the collar immediately and consult your vet.

What If You Find One? Your SOP for Safe Tick Removal

Even with the best preparations, these eight-legged pests can sometimes still get through. If they do, whatever you do, don't just try to pull them off with your fingers! If you accidentally leave the tick's mouthparts embedded in the skin, it can actually lead to a worse infection. Your home first-aid kit should definitely include a professional tick removal tool, ideally something like a 'tick twister' or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

The correct removal process isn't hard, but you need to be precise:

• Step 1: First, spray the tick with some alcohol to stun or kill it, which encourages it to loosen its grip.
• Step 2: Use your removal tool to get as close to your pet's skin as possible, sliding it in from the side to grip the tick by its head (right where it meets the skin). Whatever you do, don't squeeze its bloated body, as that can push bacteria and infected fluids back into the wound.
• Step 3: Apply steady, vertical pressure to pull it out slowly, like you're drawing out a splinter. Don't twist or yank it, or the head is likely to break off.
• Step 4: Once it's out, wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, and then disinfect with alcohol or iodine. Securely wrap the dead tick in tape before binning it, or flush it down the toilet—just make sure it can't cause any more trouble.

Temperatures are only going to climb over the coming months, and tick activity will skyrocket right along with them. For the sake of our pets and our whole family's health, tick prevention is something we can't afford to put off. Starting today, choose a good collar for your dog and add a quick tick check to your post-walk routine. That's how we can truly relax and enjoy every sunny day out.