🐾 Tick Prevention for Pets This Mild Autumn

Even though the summer holidays are over, ticks haven’t gone anywhere. In fact, with Ireland’s mild autumn weather, ticks remain active well into October and November. At East Limerick Vets, we’re still seeing plenty of dogs and cats coming in with ticks after country walks or time outdoors.

The most common tick in Ireland is Ixodes ricinus, often found in grassy fields, woodlands, and hedgerows — exactly the kind of places local pets love to explore. These ticks are tiny, tough, and can carry bacteria that cause diseases like Lyme disease, which can affect both animals and people.

👉 Learn more from the HSE about ticks and Lyme disease

A close-up illustration of a tick — the small but persistent parasite that stays active during Ireland’s mild autumns, reminding pet owners to keep up with tick prevention treatments.

🩺 What Is Tick Prophylaxis — and Why Your Pet Needs It

Tick prophylaxis means using regular, vet-approved treatments to prevent ticks from attaching or to kill them quickly if they do. These include spot-on drops, chewable tablets, or tick collars that provide continuous protection.

Many pet owners stop using preventatives after summer, but that leaves a gap in protection just when ticks are still active. The European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) recommends year-round tick protection for pets in Ireland’s climate.

👉 Read ESCCAP’s guidelines on parasite control

Ticks can feed for up to 24 hours before spreading infection, so fast-acting prophylaxis can make all the difference.

🌳 How to Protect Your Pets from Ticks This Autumn

There are a few simple habits that make a big impact:

After outdoor walks or farm visits, check your pet’s coat carefully — especially around the ears, muzzle, under the collar, and between the toes. Cats who roam through hedges or fields are also at risk.

If you spot a tick, remove it gently using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grip it close to the skin, pull slowly and steadily, and clean the area afterwards. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick, as this can push bacteria into the bite site.

👉 See the HSE’s tick removal advice

Regular grooming helps spot ticks early. Keeping garden grass short and clearing leaves can reduce tick habitats near your home.

🐕 Signs Your Pet Might Have a Tick-Related Problem

Most tick bites don’t cause serious issues, but it’s worth watching for:

• Lethargy or stiffness

• Loss of appetite

• Fever or soreness

• A rash or swelling around a bite (rash/redness is usually mild and not the same as in people)

  
  

If your dog, cat, or farm animal shows any of these signs after being outdoors, get in touch with East Limerick Vets. Early advice and testing can prevent complications.

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💬 Vet Advice from East Limerick Vets

Our team recommends keeping your tick prevention routine consistent through the autumn months — and in many cases, year-round. The best product and schedule depend on your animal’s species, size, and lifestyle.

We can help you choose the right tick prophylaxis plan — whether your pet loves forest walks, spends time on farmland, or mainly stays indoors.

If you find ticks regularly on your pets or livestock, book a quick consultation. We’ll guide you on effective control, safe removal, and when blood testing might be worthwhile.

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🌿 The Takeaway

Mild autumns in Ireland mean ticks stay active longer than most people think. Continuing tick prevention treatments through the season keeps your pets healthy, your home safer, and helps prevent Lyme disease from spreading.

Don’t pause your pet’s protection just because summer’s over — keep them safe, happy, and tick-free.

📞 For personalised tick prevention advice, contact East Limerick Vets

on 061 351 204.