Ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Netherlands
Ticks and tick-borne diseases
As it gets warmer, ticks emerge from their winter dormancy and start looking for a host to feed on. Mild winters mean that ticks are active earlier and earlier in the spring. A tick is an ectoparasite that takes blood from dogs, cats, or other animals. It is important to protect your pets well, as ticks can transmit serious diseases.
Common tick species in the Netherlands
Ixodes ricinus – the castor bean tick
Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick in the Netherlands. This tick is mainly active in the spring and autumn, but due to milder winters, they can be seen earlier in the year. They are found in grassy areas, wooded environments, and even in the dunes. The tick waits on a plant or branch and can easily jump onto passing dogs or cats.
Dermacentor reticulatus – the ornate dog tick
Dermacentor reticulatus has also been present in the Netherlands for several years. This tick is active year-round, with a peak in the spring and autumn. They like to live in grassy, damp areas, open forests, and the dunes. During a walk, the tick can cling to your pet’s fur and then look for a warm spot to bite.
Tick-borne diseases
Babesiosis
Both Ixodes and Dermacentor can infect your dog with Babesia. Babesiosis is caused by Babesia spp. protozoa, with Babesia canis being the most common in dogs. Previously, the disease occurred mainly in Southern Europe, but nowadays Babesia has also been found in Dutch ticks.
Transmission of Babesia usually takes place 24 to 36 hours after the bite. Therefore, check your dog for ticks after every walk. Symptoms of babesiosis in dogs include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Fever
Pale or yellow mucous membranes
Bleeding
Reddish-brown urine
Enlarged lymph nodes
Organ failure
Long-term inflammation of muscles or joints
With timely treatment, your dog can make a full recovery.
Lyme disease (Borreliosis)
The Ixodes tick can also transmit the Borrelia bacteria, which causes Lyme disease. The faster you remove a tick, the lower the chance of infection. In dogs, an infection is often subclinical, but possible symptoms include:
Fever
Lethargy
Muscle pain
Lameness
Kidney problems
Humans can also become infected. Therefore, check yourself after a walk and remove ticks immediately.
Prevention of ticks in pets
Check your dog or cat’s fur regularly, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas. Use a tick tool to carefully remove ticks down to the skin. Remove the tick with a smooth motion and check if the entire tick has been removed. Disinfect the area with alcohol and keep an eye on it for 2-3 days.
There are several preventive products available:
Spot-on pipettes
Tick collars
Tablets
Consult with your vet about which product best suits your pet.
