Kathrine Frich
Warm holiday weekends usually mean packing up the car and heading straight for the countryside.
Walking your dog through a sunny meadow sounds like perfect relaxation.
But hiding in that tall summer grass is a tiny hazard that can ruin the trip.
Spotting the danger
Temperatures across Britain are expected to hit 30 degrees Celsius this bank holiday. As families rush outside to enjoy the sunshine, the RSPCA is asking pet owners to check for hidden bloodsuckers.
Rebecca is the head vet at the animal welfare charity. According to Express she posted a warning video on TikTok to help owners identify these pests before they cause serious harm.
“First of all, ticks are spider-like parasites that are common in woodland, tall grass and areas with lots of wildlife and farm animals,” Rebecca explained.
She noted that these insects look like a dark grey or reddish bump on the skin. “The size will usually depend on how full of blood they are,” she added.
Safely removing them
Finding a parasite stuck to your dog can cause immediate panic. However, pulling it off the wrong way can actually make the situation much worse.
“The most important thing to do is remove the tick quickly and safely,” the charity vet advised.
Owners should use a special twisting tool to slide right down to the skin. You must never pull straight up or squeeze the insect.
“Ticks can carry and transmit lyme disease, so it’s important to remove them carefully without squeezing the body or leaving the head inside of the pet’s skin,” she stated.
Beating the heat
Pet owners also need to manage the severe heatwave this weekend. The Daily Express reports that hot pavements pose a massive risk to sensitive paws.
The charity recommends applying the five-second test to the ground. If the tarmac is too hot for your bare hand, it will definitely burn a dog.
Walking early in the morning or late at night helps avoid the absolute worst of the sweltering daytime temperatures. Your furry friend will thank you for keeping them cool and safe.
Sources: Daily Express, RSPCA
