Spring brings lighter evenings, greener fields, and longer walks — all welcome after winter. But as the temperature creeps up, something else quietly returns too.
Ticks.
They’re small, easy to miss, and far more common in Ireland than many people realise. And while most walks pass without issue, spring is when tick activity really starts to increase.
The good news is that prevention is straightforward once you know what to look out for.
Why Spring Is Prime Tick Season
Ticks thrive in mild, damp conditions — which, let’s face it, describes much of an Irish spring. As the weather warms, they become more active, especially in long grass, woodland edges, hedgerows, and rural paths.
They don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait. Perched on grass or low vegetation, they latch onto passing animals as they brush by.
Dogs are ideal hosts because they explore exactly those kinds of areas — noses low, bodies weaving through undergrowth.
Where Ticks Tend to Hide
After a walk through grass or countryside trails, ticks usually attach in warm, hidden spots. You’re most likely to find them:
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Around the ears
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Under the collar
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Between the toes
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In the armpit area
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Around the groin
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Along the neck
They can be tiny at first — no bigger than a freckle. As they feed, they swell and become more noticeable.
It sounds unpleasant, but early detection makes a huge difference.
Why Tick Checks Matter
Most tick bites don’t cause serious harm. But some ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease, which can affect both dogs and humans.
Signs of a tick-borne illness can include lethargy, lameness, fever, or loss of appetite — often appearing days or even weeks after a bite.
That’s why simple habit changes matter. A quick check after spring walks can prevent complications later.
It doesn’t need to be dramatic. Just part of the routine, like wiping muddy paws.
Removing a Tick Safely
If you do find a tick attached, it’s important to remove it properly. Twisting or squeezing can increase the risk of leaving parts behind.
A proper tick removal tool (available from most vets or pet shops) allows you to gently twist and lift the tick out cleanly. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself, your vet will happily help.
The key is to remove it as soon as possible after spotting it.
Preventative Treatments
There are several preventative options available through your vet, including spot-on treatments, tablets, and collars designed to repel or kill ticks.
The right choice depends on your dog’s lifestyle. A rural dog running through fields daily may need more robust protection than a city dog sticking mostly to paved parks.
It’s always worth having a quick conversation with your vet in early spring to make sure your dog’s protection is up to date.
Adjusting Walk Habits
You don’t need to avoid nature altogether — that would defeat the whole point of spring walks. But small adjustments can reduce risk.
Sticking to the centre of well-maintained paths rather than brushing through long grass helps. Keeping fur trimmed slightly shorter around the legs and belly can also make ticks easier to spot.
And once home, a brief once-over while your dog settles — ears, neck, belly — becomes second nature quickly.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
Ticks don’t only attach to dogs. If you’ve been walking through long grass or wooded areas, it’s wise to check yourself too.
Spring walks are meant to be enjoyable. Awareness protects both you and your pet.
A Balanced Approach
It’s easy to let worry take over once you hear about ticks. But most dogs walk through spring and summer without issue.
The goal isn’t fear — it’s routine awareness.
A preventative treatment in place. A quick check after countryside walks. Prompt removal if needed.
That’s usually enough.
A Word from Pet Angel Sitters
Spring is one of our favourite times to walk dogs. The air feels fresher, the evenings stretch longer, and there’s a visible lift in energy.
We build tick checks naturally into our routine during countryside walks, especially in grassy or rural areas. It’s just part of seasonal awareness — no fuss, no drama.
With the right precautions, spring walks can stay exactly what they should be: enjoyable, energising, and safe.
