Autumn is the time for pulling on your wellies and heading out to the countryside but did you know that it is also the height of tick season? Ticks can be a danger to both you and your pet so it’s important to be vigilant in preventing and treating; ticks can carry Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues. Recent research from Bristol University has shown that ticks are on the rise and, out of 15,000 dogs surveyed, 1 in 3 dogs were found to have a tick. Unfortunately, only one in ten people are aware that the best time to check for ticks is after a walk. 54.1% of dogs are brushed inside (with nearly a fifth – 18.5% – in the lounge, in front of the TV!), so any dirt and pests like ticks will drop off inside – putting the family at risk!
Top tips for protecting your pet from ticks
- Use Bob Martin spot on regularly to repel ticks, particularly in tick season (throughout summer and autumn). Follow reapplication guidance.
- When going out for a walk, keep Bob Martin Flea and Tick spray in the car and give your dog a quick spray before walking.
- When walking, stick to footpaths as much as possible, avoid long grass and be aware in wooded areas.
- After the walk, give your dog a good brush before getting into the car so any loose ticks are knocked off. Focus on the underbelly, around ears and jaw.
- If you do spot a tick on your dog, use Bob Martin’s tick remover as quickly as possible to remove it safely.
Top tips for protecting your family
- Long trousers and sleeves will deter ticks from attaching and try light coloured clothing on walks so you can easily see any ticks you may have picked up.
- Beware – ticks can get picked up on picnic blankets, so give them a good shake.
- After the walk, give yourself and your family a quick check – particularly around the armpits, groin and belly button.
- If you do discover an attached tick that has been feeding and has swollen in size, remove it quickly and safely with a tick remover and go to your GP for a test.
Bob Martin is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a walking bundle to help protect and treat their pets and families this autumn. The pack includes a selection of Bob Martin tick products, a pair of wellies, a walking kit and a Fluff & Spruce Slicka Brush for those important tick checks.
Prize Bundle
- Bob Martin Clear Pesticide Flea Spray for Pet and Home: £9.95
- Bob Martin Tick Remover: £8.24
- Bob Martin Clear Pesticide Free Spot On for dogs up to 40kg: £9.16
- Bob Martin Fluff & Spruce Slicka Brush: £6
- Bob Martin Spring Aloe Vera Rub Downs: £4.60
- A pair of Asos wellies: £20
- Tanluhu Outdoor Trekking Waist Bag: £9.99
- Mountain Warehouse Bottle Walking Kit (inc. 800ml water bottle, disposable poncho, pen knife with scissors, nail file & clipper, expandable travel cloth, 3in1 survival whistle, compass & thermometer, flint lighter, 9 LED torch, karabiner): £9.99
Prize value total: £77.93
Terms and conditions. Open to UK residents, giveaway ends 29/10/16. Winner will be randomly selected from all correctly completed entries and contacted by email. Winner should claim their prize within 10 days or it may be redrawn. Prize bundle supplied directly from Bob Martin UK.
Martin mere is a lovely place for a walk. It has an area you can go with your dogs also and a massive lake
I live near some beautiful beaches and we love to walk for hours there 🙂
Along the river close to us – lovely to see the changing colours
Around the local duck pond
On the beach!
The jurassic coastline in Dorset
To be honest i love our local common (Brownhills Common in West Mids) it’s only small but loads of animals including deer.
Happy valley old coulsdon
Alone my local beach where I live in essex
Around our local woods at Swithland and Bradgate park
The beach, we live right on the coast and love watching the white caps on a blustery day.
We have a fabulous forest not far from us and it’s fabulous to go there as the boys and dog run free and make dens ..even the dog fetches the sticks fir them ..we have had some amazing walks there ..and there is no where prettier in the autumn x
There’s a forrested area called Whormerly woods nearby, we like to go there.
Epsom downs is our fav place to walk! 🙂
i place called brownsover hall, its a lovely walk with our dog.
Hyde Park
The Crook O’ Lune< Lancaster
My local park as we often see my dog’s friends there and it is beautiful too.
Along the Thames Walk is nice…although I have to keep a very good look out for cyclists 😉
The woods near where i live with all the autumn colours and reflections in the river