Vet issues alert for pet owners who notice 'increased scratching'

Vet issues alert for pet owners who notice 'increased scratching'

A vet wants dog owners to watch for subtle behavioural shifts that might signal tick-related discomfort. According to the UK Health Security Agency, ticks can be found throughout the year, but they are most active between April and July —and sometimes later in the autumn.

Ticks live in many outdoor environments, but they're most common in grassy and woodland areas. Some ticks in the UK carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and grassy and wooded areas in southern England and the Scottish Highlands are among the high-risk places.

As such, it is important to check yourself and your pets after spending time outside. Dog owners should also watch out for behavioural changes that can be easy to overlook, reports