TICK IDENTIFICATION HUB

Found a tick on your dog or cat?

Use this UK-focused guide to compare the most relevant ticks found on dogs, learn what to do after removal, and understand when official identification may be useful.

Remember, this guide is for orientation only. Tick species can be difficult to distinguish by eye, particularly between life stages and after feeding.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

If you find a tick attached to your dog or cat, remove it promptly using a proper tick-removal too. Poorly Paws Tick Removers are designed to help you remove the tick without squeezing its body.

Choose the right Poorly Paws Tick Remover

Select the remover that best fits the size of the tick, and slide the tool under the tick, as close to the skin as possible.

Lift & Remove

Follow the instructions supplied with the Poorly Paws Tick Removers and remove the tick steadliy without crushing or squeezing the body.

Seal it with Poorly Paws Tick Tape

Place the removed tick onto the clear Poorly Paws Tick Tape and seal it securely. This keeps the tick contained and available for later identification if needed.

Record & Monitor

Write down the data and where the tick was picked up. Check the bite site and monitor your pet. Contact your veterinary practice if you are concerned.

Not Sure What To Do? Speak to Poorly Paws Veterinary Support

If you're unsure how to remove the tick, you're worried that part of it may have been left behind, or your have questions about your dog or cat after removal, speak to poorly Paws Veterinary Support for Guidance. If your pet appears unwell or you think they need urgent veterinary treatment, contact your own veterinary practice directly.
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OPTIONAL

Clean and Care for the Bite Site

After removing the tick, keep the attachment site clean and monitor it for redness, swelling, heat or discharge. If you choose to use an antiseptic wound care product, only use one that is suitable for your pet and follow the product directions or your vet's advice.

Aloe Wound Spray

£3.99

Poorly Paws Aloe Wound Spray is a great post-removal wound-care option. Formulated with Aloe Vera, Calendula, and Myrrh, this all-natural spray is designed to gently cleanse and calm wounds, suitable for both dogs and cats.

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Common and Notable Ticks to Know

The UK has many tick species, but most are specialist wildlife parasites. Here are the most relevant native species plus important imported species.

Sheep / Deer Tick

Ixodes ricinus

NATIVE

The most abundant and widespread tick species in the UK. They can transmit Lyme Disease.

Hedgehog Tick

Ixodes hexagonus

NATIVE

It is associated particularly with hedgehogs and their nests but readily attaches to dogs and cats.

Fox / Badger Tick

Ixodes canisuga

NATIVE

Widely distributed through the UK and commonly found on badgers, foxes, and dogs.

Ornate Cow Tick

Dermacentor reticulatus

NATIVE

UKHSA reports it mainly in Wales and south-west England, with an established population in Essex.

Red Sheep Tick

Haemaphysalis punctata

NATIVE

Mostly restricted to south-east England, with some records in south Wales.

Brown Dog Tick

Rhipicephalus sanguineus

IMPORTED

Primarily found on dogs, UKHSA currently reports no evidence that it is established here.

Need Help Identifiying the Species?

UKHSA runs the Tick Suveillance Scheme. Members of the public and veterinary professionals can submit ticks removed from animals for species identification.

UKHSA Tick Surveillance Scheme

UKHSA accepts both live and dead tick samples for identification. The scheme asks for the date and location of collection and the host from which the tick was removed. If an email address is supplied, UKHSA says it aims to return an identification result by email.

Important: UKHSA does not routinely test submitted ticks for disease-causing pathogens, and advises that tick-testing results should not be used to diagnose or guide treatment after a bite.

Visit the UKHSA Tick Surveillance Scheme here.