Hollybank veterinary Centre will be joining practices across the UK to take part in the Big Tick project 2015!

The project is set to be the largest nationwide collection of ticks from dogs and will ultimately allow advanced knowledge of tick-borne disease in the UK.

 

The University of Bristol are teaming together with Chris Packham to run the project, which aims to raise awareness and encourage owners to take their pets for free Tick checks. Any Ticks removed will be sent to The University of Bristol, who will be examining the ticks for the presence of tick-borne disease, principally Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is transmitted to your dog by a bite from an infected tick. Ticks can attach to your pet while out walking through woodland or park areas. Clinical signs can include lameness, lethargy and a fever which if not addressed can progress to kidney disease and heart failure. Lyme disease is also ‘zoonotic’ which means it can be transmitted between your dog and you. With Lyme disease becoming a growing concern in the UK it is important that we all get involved.

 

To protect your pet and reduce the risk of Tick exposure there are a number of different products available and we would advise regular use of these.

Here at Hollybank Veterinary Centre, we are happy to check a tick for free!

Please contact the surgery if you would like a free tick check or advice regarding preventative care. Dogs that have taken part in the project will receive a Big Tick Project certificate.

To find out more visit www.bigtickproject.co.uk