Ticks and your pets: Identification, risks, and removal guide

Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood. Both humans and pets can be bitten by ticks. They resemble small spiders due to their eight legs, but unlike spiders, ticks bite and cling to their host for five to ten days.

Ticks do not fly or jump, but they are excellent climbers. When your pet brushes past long grass or bushland, a waiting tick can climb onto their skin and burrow in.

Jump to:

• How to check your pet for ticks: a step-by-step guide
• Safely removing ticks from your pet: tips and tools
• How to protect your pets from ticks all year round
• When are ticks most active in Australia?
• Where are ticks found in Australia?

How to check your pet for ticks: a step-by-step guide

Signs your pet may have a tick bite

While a visible tick attached to your pet’s skin is the most obvious indicator, there are other signs that may suggest your pet has been bitten:

• A small, red bump at the bite site
• Excessive licking or scratching
• Lethargy, fever, vomiting, or a reduced appetite (potential signs of tick poisoning or illness)

If you notice any of these symptoms, carefully inspect your pet for ticks and speak to your veterinarian immediately.

What do ticks look like on a dog or cat?

Ticks are very easy to miss as they can start as small as a seed but grow to the size of a pea as they feed on your pet’s blood.

Where should I check my dog for ticks?

Run your hands gently over your dog’s body to feel for small bumps. Then use a fine-toothed comb through areas ticks like to hide: around the ears, under the collar or harness, between the toes, under the tail, around the eyes, and in the armpits.

Where should I check my cats for ticks?

Similar to dogs, check around your cat’s ears, under their collar, between the toes, around the tail, and in the armpits.

Ticks on rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles

Ticks aren’t picky – rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and even reptiles can be affected.

For smaller pets, ticks often latch onto thinner skin around the ears, chin, neck, armpits, groin, or base of the tail. Bedding (like straw or hay) can sometimes harbour ticks.

On reptiles, ticks are often found around the eyes, mouth, or in skin folds. Enclosures with natural materials (wood, plants, soil) can make ticks harder to control.

Do ticks bother dogs and cats?

Your pet might not feel the bite at first, but as the tick feeds, it becomes itchy and uncomfortable. Scratching, chewing, or restlessness can be signs a tick is irritating them.

Safely removing ticks from your pet: tips and tools

How to remove a tick on a dog

Spotting a tick on your furry friend? Don’t panic, removing it properly is key to keeping your pet healthy. Ticks are tough little creatures, and if part of the tick gets left behind in your dog’s skin, it can cause an infection.

The best tool for the job is a tick remover. These handy tools, like the forked variety, are specifically designed to make tick removal simple and safe. Most come in a pack with sizes for both small and large ticks. Simply slide the tool under the tick’s body, twist gently in any direction to remove the tick fully intact!

The safest method is with a tick removal tool. Slide the tool under the tick’s body and twist gently to remove it intact.

Resist the urge to grab those tweezers. While tempting, they often crush the tick, leaving the head embedded and increasing the risk of complications.

How to remove a tick from a cat

Cats can be a bit more sensitive or jumpy than dogs, so removing a tick might take a little extra patience. The key is to keep your cat calm and feeling safe before you start.

Using a tick removal tool is the easiest and safest way to go. It helps you avoid squeezing the tick, which could accidentally pass harmful germs to your cat.

Should you use Vaseline or alcohol?

Nope, don’t fall for the old myths like using Vaseline, alcohol, or even burning them off. These methods aren’t safe for your pet and can do more harm than good.

Using Vaseline (or oils or nail polish) might suffocate the tick, but that can cause it to release harmful fluids or germs into your pet’s bloodstream before it detaches.

Have I removed the entire tick?

Sometimes you might remove the tick’s body, but the mouth parts can get left behind. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the area after removal. Also, take a look at the tick itself to make sure it’s intact and nothing was left behind.

If a piece is still stuck, try not to worry. Often, it’ll work its way out on its own in a day or two. But if you want to be sure, you can ask your vet to help remove it. Just keep an eye on the spot, because leaving it for too long can lead to an infection.

How to protect your pets from ticks all year round

• Use vet-approved tick preventatives: spot-ons, tick collars, or oral treatments. Ask your vet which is best for your region and pet.
• After bushwalks, coastal trips, or time outdoors, check your pet thoroughly.
• Keep your garden tidy: trim grass, clear leaves, and reduce bushy areas where ticks thrive.
• Clean and replace bedding regularly for rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles.

When are ticks most active in Australia?

Ticks thrive in warm, humid weather, especially from spring through summer, though in tropical and coastal areas (NSW, QLD) they can be a risk year-round.

Where are ticks found in Australia?

Ticks are most common in:

• Coastal and bushland regions (especially NSW and QLD)
• Long grass, scrub, and leaf litter
• Gardens backing onto bush or near wildlife habitats

If your pet spends time in these areas, be extra vigilant.