A COMBINATION of warm and wet weather over the summer holidays has led to vets warning pet owners about an increased risk in the number of ticks and fleas in the countryside.

The weather has led to grass and general flora growing taller than usual in many areas, which is leading to popular summer walking destinations becoming very overgrown.

And with dogs and their owners often making the most of warm and sunny weather outdoors, this has provided excellent conditions for these pests, particularly ticks, with a launching platform to jump onto an unsuspecting passing dogs.

Robin Hargreaves, who runs the Stanley House Veterinary Group in Colne and is the senior vice president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Certainly we have been seeing more in East Lancashire. The damp weather will mean we see more ticks, and warm weather will also increase the risk.

“But it’s the time of year people let their guard down as well. The worst month is September and nobody expects it. The population goes up until we get a frost, and that can be October. And if they’re inside the house, you won’t get a frost.”

Mr Hargreaves said walkers who take their pets through bracken, should be extra vigilant.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “It’s important that dog owners check their pets thoroughly. Ticks are a particularly nasty problem and can attach themselves anywhere on a dog’s body.

“Our advice is to ensure your dog has effective and safe flea and tick control that provides protection all year round.”

Ticks feed on blood and can transmit Lyme disease, which can sometimes cause serious complications.

Dr Stacey added: “If a tick is found, it is advised not to try and remove it with your fingernails. The best way of getting rid of one is either with a tick remover or by taking your pet to the vet.”