Every spring, millions of pet parents make the same mistake. They wait until after their dog comes home with a tick or their cat starts scratching relentlessly before thinking about protection. By then, the damage can already be done.
With Tick Bite Prevention Week (March 24–30) upon us and summer just around the corner, there's no better time to get proactive. Ticks aren't just a nuisance — they carry serious diseases that can make your pet genuinely unwell. The good news? Tick bite prevention is simple, affordable, and takes less effort than you'd think.
Here's everything you need to know, in one easy checklist.
Why Ticks Are a Real Threat to Your Pet This Summer
Think of ticks as nature's tiny hitchhikers. They don't jump or fly — they simply wait on blades of tall grass, leaf litter, and low shrubs with their front legs outstretched, ready to latch onto any warm body that brushes past. Your dog leaping through the park? Perfect target. Your outdoor cat slinking through the garden hedge? Same story.
And here's the part that surprises most pet owners: ticks are no longer just a summer problem. Thanks to milder winters and climate shifts, ticks are now active for much of the year. They spring into action as soon as temperatures climb above 4°C — which, in most parts of the country, means they're already out.
The diseases they carry, like Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis, can cause fever, lethargy, joint pain, and in severe cases, organ failure in pets. Preventing tick bites isn't just about avoiding a creepy crawly. It's about protecting your pet's health at its most fundamental level. So, we’ve put together a one-stop guide to ensure your home & pets are covered with protection, not ticks.
The Tick Bite Prevention Checklist for Pets
1. Apply a Vet-Approved Tick Preventative — Every Single Month
This is the non-negotiable first step of any tick bite prevention strategy. There are three main formats, and each has its place:
- Oral Chews — Fast-acting and fuss-free. NexGard Spectra is a once-monthly chew for dogs that starts killing ticks within hours. Great for dogs who hate being touched or bathed frequently.
- Topical Spot-Ons — Applied to the back of the neck, these are ideal for pets who won't take tablets. Bravecto Spot-On offers an impressive 12 weeks of protection in a single dose — for both dogs and cats. That's one application per season.
- Sprays — Perfect for households with multiple pets or for those spending time in high-risk, potentially tick-infested areas. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spray is a cat and dog-safe option that can be applied before walks in wooded areas.
Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for treatment day. It takes 30 seconds and could save you hundreds in vet bills.
2. Do a Tick Check After Every Outdoor Adventure
You've just come back from a walk through tall grasses. Before your dog jumps on the sofa, run your fingers slowly through their coat. Ticks love warm, hidden spots, so pay extra attention to:
- Around the ears and ear canals
- Between the toes and paw pads
- Under the collar
- The groin and inner thighs
- The base of the tail
A fine-toothed flea comb makes this quicker and more thorough. If you spot a tick, don't panic and don't squeeze it. Use a tick removal tool to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Never twist, crush, or use petroleum jelly — these methods can actually increase the risk of disease transmission.
3. Make Your Yard a Tick-Free Zone
You don't have to live near a forest to bring ticks home. Your own backyard can harbor them, especially in neglected corners. A few simple tick safety measures go a long way:
- Mow your lawn regularly — ticks avoid short, sun-exposed grass
- Clear away leaf litter and brush piles — these are tick hotspots
- Create a gravel or wood-chip barrier between your lawn and any wooded areas
- Keep your pet on the path — when out walking, keep them in the centre of trails rather than letting them explore the vegetation on the edges
These habitat adjustments remove the environments that ticks need to survive, dramatically reducing your pet's exposure to ticks at home.
4. Consider Natural Alternatives for Sensitive Pets
Some pets — especially cats, puppies, or those with skin sensitivities — need a gentler approach. The great news is that plant-based options have come a long way, and there are now safe and effective choices that don't compromise on protection.
- Vet's Best Natural Flea + Tick Spray uses peppermint oil and clove extract as active ingredients to repel and kill ticks. It's EPA-registered, safe for dogs 12 weeks and older, and can be used directly on bedding too.
- Pet Naturals Flea + Tick Spray is formulated with lemongrass, cinnamon, and castor oils — and is safe for both cats and dogs. A brilliant option if you want tick bite protection without harsh chemicals in your home.
These natural options work best as a complement to a primary preventative, particularly before outdoor adventures.
5. Treat Year-Round, Not Just in Summer
It's tempting to think of tick prevention as a seasonal task you can tick off in June and forget by September. But with ticks now active year-round, a consistent year-round tick-avoidance method is far more reliable.
Bravecto's 12-week formula is genuinely brilliant for this — just four doses a year cover your pet every single day. Low effort, high protection. For cats, especially, who are notoriously difficult to medicate frequently, this kind of extended-release treatment is a game-changer.
6. Know the Warning Signs — and When to Call the Vet
Even with the best tick bite prevention tips in place, it's important to know what to watch for. Tick-borne illnesses in pets can take days or weeks to show symptoms. Contact your vet promptly if your pet shows:
- Sudden lethargy or loss of interest in play
- Reduced appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Fever (you may notice your pet feeling warm or shivering)
- Lameness or joint swelling
- Pale gums or unusual bruising
Early treatment makes a huge difference in outcomes, so don't wait it out.
A Special Note for Cat Owners
This one is critical: never apply a dog tick treatment to a cat. Many dog-specific products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always choose a cat-specific formula — Bravecto Spot-On for Cats or the cat-safe Adams Plus formula are both excellent choices. If in doubt, always check with your vet before applying any new product.
Make Tick Bite Prevention Week Your Annual Reset
Think of Tick Bite Prevention Week not as a one-off campaign, but as your yearly reminder to review your pet's protection routine. Is their preventative care up to date? Do you have a tick removal tool at home? Have you checked your garden recently?
Small habits — a monthly treatment, a post-walk tick check, a tidy garden — add up to significant protection over time.
Stock up on everything you need before peak tick season hits. Browse our full flea and tick range for dogs and cats — from fast-acting oral chews to long-lasting spot-ons and natural sprays, we've got every pet covered.
Remember: Prevention is always better than the cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Tick Bite Prevention Week 2026?
A: This year's Tick Bite Prevention Week runs from March 24–30, 2026 — right as spring begins and ticks start becoming active again.
Q: Can cats get tick bites?
A: Absolutely! Outdoor cats are especially vulnerable. Check around their ears, neck, belly, and between the toes after time outside.
Q: What are the best tick prevention products for dogs?
A: It depends on your dog's lifestyle. NexGard (monthly oral chew), Bravecto (12-week spot-on), and Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spray are all excellent options available, covering everything from everyday prevention to outdoor adventures.
Q: How do I safely remove a tick from my pet?
A: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure. Never twist, burn, or crush the tick, and always clean the area with antiseptic afterwards.
Q: Are natural tick repellents safe for pets?
A: Yes, when used as directed. Products like Vet's Best (peppermint oil & clove) and Pet Naturals (plant-based oils) are safe and effective for most pets, though they work best when used alongside a primary veterinary preventive.
Q: How often should I apply tick prevention treatment?
A: It depends on the product: monthly for treatments like NexGard and Adams Plus spray, or every 12 weeks for Bravecto. Year-round treatment is the gold standard — ticks don't take the winter off anymore.
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