Tick Alert 2025: An Up-to-Date Guide to Shield Your Pet from CCHF & Other Tick-Borne Threats
tick alert 2025 has become a hot topic not only in rural Turkey but also in major cities such as Istanbul. According to the Ministry of Health, the first half of 2025 recorded 7,801 confirmed tick bites and 13 fatalities. As temperatures rise, the spread of tick-borne diseases—especially Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)—accelerates. So how do you keep your dog or cat safe? This guide gathers the latest scientific advice and practical steps to answer every question about tick alert 2025.
Tick Alert 2025: What’s Happening?
| Driver | Impact on Tick Population |
|---|---|
| Climate change | Higher average temperatures extend the tick life cycle and boost reproduction. |
| Migratory bird routes | Birds carry ticks over long distances, creating new hotspots. |
| Urban green spaces | Parks and gardens host more wildlife, spreading the tick alert 2025 risk into city centres. |
The WHO ranks ticks as the second-most important vectors after mosquitoes for human and animal diseases. (Source: WHO – Vector-borne diseases)
Tick-Bite Symptoms & When to Act Fast
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Sudden lethargy or loss of playfulness
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Decreased appetite and water intake
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Fever over 40 °C (104 °F)
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Swollen or painful lymph nodes
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Red, intensely itchy skin patches
If you spot even one of these signs, contact your veterinarian within 24 hours. For a quick video consult, visit the Zoom Veterinary Online Consultation page.
Safe Tick Removal in Four Steps
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Put on disposable gloves and grip the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
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Pull upward steadily and vertically—no twisting.
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Disinfect the bite area with chlorhexidine or iodine.
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Place the tick in a sealed bag or jar (date & time labelled) for veterinary analysis.
Having trouble? Book a professional removal at Zoom Veterinary Clinic right away. tick alert 2025
How to Protect Pets from Tick Bites
1. Spot-On & Chewable Treatments
| Brand | Active(s) | Duration | Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stronghold® | selamectin | 4 weeks | Dog + Cat |
| Advantage Multi® | imidacloprid + moxidectin | 4 weeks | Dog + Cat |
| Bravecto® | fluralaner | 12 weeks | Dog + Cat |
| NexGard® | afoxolaner | 4 weeks | Dog |
Tip: Avoid bathing within 24 hours after application and always choose the pipette/tablet that matches your pet’s weight. tick alert 2025
2. Tick Collars
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Seresto® (flumethrin + imidacloprid) offers up to 8 months of waterproof, odour-free protection—usable from 7 weeks (dogs) or 10 weeks (cats).
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Check collar tightness weekly; a loose collar means less protection.
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Pets that roam dense vegetation can combine Seresto with monthly Stronghold or Advantage Multi (ask your vet first).
3. Backyard Management
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Keep grass trimmed under 8 cm (3 in).
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Remove leaf piles and pruned branches weekly.
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Store food waste in sealed bins to limit rodent traffic—rodents carry ticks.
4. Year-Round Vigilance
Although tick alert 2025 peaks from spring through autumn, mild winters can reactivate “sleeping” ticks. Year-round preventives are the gold standard of risk management.
Is There a CCHF Vaccine?
No licenced CCHF vaccine exists yet for humans or animals in Turkey. Several candidates are in Phase II trials worldwide, but widespread rollout is 3–4 years away at best. Until then, a consistent preventive routine is the safest answer to tick alert 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tick collar really work?
Yes—when fitted correctly—but it’s safest to pair it with spot-on drops or chewables.
Do seasons matter for tick control?
Cases spike in spring and summer, yet year-round protection is advised.
Can a tick harm my pet immediately?
Ticks usually need 24–48 hours to transmit pathogens. Early removal slashes risk.
Fast post-walk check for dogs?
Feel ears, neck, armpits, groin, and paws with your fingers, then brush the coat with a fine comb.
Pain reliever after a bite?
Never without veterinary approval; incorrect dosing can be dangerous.
Tick check for cats?
Part the fur in small sections and comb with a flea comb to catch tiny ticks.
How long until spot-on drops reach full power?
Most reach peak efficacy within 24 hours—check the label.
Lifespan of a tick collar?
Typically 6–8 months; replace before expiration.
Is using both collar & spot-on safe?
Some combos are safe, others toxic—consult your vet.
What if the tick’s head stays in the skin?
Disinfect and see your vet within 24 hours to prevent infection.
Lost tick indoors—danger to humans?
Yes. Seal and dispose of it properly or take it to your vet.
Does a hot shower kill ticks?
No. Ticks survive water under 40 °C; physical removal is essential.
Do vinegar or citrus oils repel ticks?
They offer partial deterrence but can’t replace proven vet-approved products.
When do CCHF symptoms appear in pets?
Typically 3–12 days post-bite: lethargy, fever, loss of appetite.
Are dog tick meds safe for cats?
No. Many dog formulas contain permethrin, lethal to cats.
Tick preventives during pregnancy/nursing?
Use only products labelled safe for those stages and under veterinary guidance.
Can indoor-only cats get ticks?
Yes—ticks hitchhike on clothing, plants, or other pets.
How do I cut backyard tick numbers?
Mow, clear debris, trim weeds, and control rodents.
Are essential-oil collars enough?
They give limited protection; back them up with a vet-recommended product.
When should a vet see a tick bite?
Immediately after removal or within 24 hours if issues arise.
Safe to buy tick meds online?
Only from licensed vet pharmacies or clinic websites; avoid unverified sellers.
Who will receive the first CCHF vaccine?
High-risk outdoor dogs are expected to be priority; cat protocols will follow final approvals.
How Zoom Veterinary Clinic Can Help
| Service | What You Get | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Exam | Full body tick check + blood panel | Detect hidden infections early |
| Spot-On Application | Weight-perfect dose in-clinic | Maximum efficacy, zero guesswork |
| Personalised Plan | Nutrition, yard tips, prevention calendar | Ongoing tick-bite defence |
tick alert 2025 is serious—act today. Secure your pet’s health via a quick online booking and keep those tiny invaders at bay!
