Yesterday was one of those days that really drives home why staying alert as a dog owner (and breeder) matters - and why sometimes, experience and calm heads save the day.
Our last client of the evening came in with her gorgeous dog, and on arrival, she mentioned she’d just found a tick on him in the car. Cue my internal “oh brilliant” alarm. Thankfully she was our final appointment of the day because after that visit, we went into full surgical clean-down mode!
With a bit of patience, a pair of surgical tweezers, and some teamwork, we managed to remove not one but two more mahoosive ticks (I like that word... it feels fitting when you’ve seen the size of these things!).
We then had a long chat about the current surge in tick activity, prevention products, and how to safely remove them. And I thought, everyone needs to know this information, it might just save you a drama too!
Never seen a tick? Aren't you lucky! They’re sneaky little parasites that latch on, feed on blood, and can transmit diseases like Lyme Disease.
It's vital to check your dogs, especially under collars, in armpits, groin areas, and around the ears, after every walk. If you don’t already have one, a tick remover tool is worth its weight in gold. You can pick up a good one like this UK tick remover on Amazon (replace link with your affiliate if needed).
And then, just as we were wrapping up that visit, my evening took another turn. My phone rings, it’s my sister, FaceTiming in a flap. I step into the office and she’s holding up what looked like a lump of raw meat. “What’s that?” she asks, “I just pulled it out of Oscar’s mouth.”
It was red, hard, and smelled sweet, I knew instantly what it was.
I told her to phone the Animal PoisonLine on the way (something I’d used myself just weeks ago, which was genuinely the best £45 I’ve ever spent). Thanks to her quick response and the brilliant team at Abbey House Vets in Leeds, Oscar (her 11-year-old Beagle) was seen immediately. He was treated with an injection to make him sick, followed by Vitamin K and bloodwork. Thankfully, it looks like he hadn’t actually ingested any of the poison.
He strutted out of that clinic feeling rather hard done by... no secret garden snacks allowed, forced vomiting, and then bundled into the car like a criminal. His scrambled egg supper that evening definitely helped restore his dignity!
After some detective work, we think the poison chunk was dropped into her garden by another animal - possibly a rat, cat, or bird from a nearby derelict property currently under renovation. It’s a chilling reminder that toxins don’t have to be inside your home to pose a risk.
From ticks to toxins, it’s frighteningly easy to find yourself in a panic situation, even when you’re experienced. If you ever have a 'breeding' panic, then of course we're here to help you. From breeder mentor sessions, to emergency ultrasounds - just get in touch if you need us to support you.
But a few specific things to think about this autumn:
✅ Do you have a tick remover in your grooming kit or dog-walking bag?
✅ Have you educated yourself on how to safely remove a tick (without squeezing or twisting the body)?
✅ Do you have the Animal PoisonLine number saved in your phone? If not, then please save it down as you never know when you might need it. Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000 🌐 animalpoisonline.co.uk. Honestly, it’s a call you never want to make, but if you need it, you’ll be so grateful it’s there.
So as the cooler months creep in and the leaves start to fall, stay alert, stay informed, and keep your dogs safe.
Happy Autumn, everyone! From ticks to toxins, I hope you don't have to deal with any of it, but let’s stay one step ahead!
Jo x North West Breeding Services
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