Ticks in the countryside: prevention and what to do after a bite for hunters and dogs

The presence of ticks in the countryside is no longer a rare occurrence, nor is it limited to certain damp areas. Every season, many hunters encounter these parasites in patches of rockrose, tall grasslands, dense holm oak woodlands or areas where wildlife passes through.

And although a bite does not always lead to illness, it does require a sensible approach and no improvisation.

When hunting, where many hours are spent amongst scrubland, dogs, livestock and dense vegetation, prevention must be part of the kit just as much as good boots or suitable clothing. Furthermore, it is important to dispel some widespread misconceptions: do not use oil, alcohol or fire to remove a tick. Doing so incorrectly increases the risk of infection.

We review a comprehensive and rigorous protocol for before, during and after the hunting trip, for both the hunter and their dogs.

Why are there more ticks in the countryside?

Ticks thrive particularly in environments with high humidity, dense vegetation and an abundance of wild animals. Wild boars, roe deer, red deer, foxes or free-range livestock can act as hosts.

Furthermore, mild winters mean they are active for more months of the year. It is now perfectly possible to find ticks even outside spring and summer, especially in certain areas of the peninsula.

For the hunter, the risk increases in:

• Dense, damp areas.
• Hiding or stalking areas with tall vegetation.
• Retrieving game from scrubland.
• Hunts with tracking dogs or driven hunts.
• Terrain with an abundance of ungulates.

Prevention before heading into the countryside

The best way to avoid problems is to prevent the tick from attaching itself.

1. Suitable, well-fitted clothing

In dense woodland, it is advisable to wear long trousers, gaiters and clothing that minimises entry points. Tucking your trousers into your socks remains a simple yet highly effective measure.

It also helps to wear light-coloured clothing on the lower body, as this makes it easier to spot ticks before they climb up.

2. Check your legs and ankles in particular

Most ticks attach themselves from low vegetation. Therefore, protecting the lower body is key.

In this regard, there are specific garments designed to reduce the risk during long days in the countryside, such as Chiruca’s tick-repellent socks, developed with a tick- and mosquito-repellent treatment using non-toxic, non-irritating and environmentally friendly ingredients.

They can also be combined with gaiters to prevent access via the lower part of the trousers, especially during driven hunts and beatings in dense vegetation.

3. Protecting dogs

Hunting dogs are often even more exposed than the hunter. Before the season begins, it is advisable to speak to your vet to ensure you have the following:

• Anti-parasite collars.
• Spot-on treatments.
• Oral treatments.
• Regular check-ups.

Not all products last the same length of time or cover the same species of tick.

During the hunt: helpful habits

Even if we are wearing protective gear, there are several habits that significantly reduce the risk:

• Avoid sitting directly on tall grass.
• Do not leave clothes on the ground.
• Check dogs during long breaks.
• Shake out clothing before getting into the vehicle.
• Be particularly vigilant after passing through dense undergrowth.

In dogs, the areas where ticks most commonly attach are:

• Ears.
• Neck.
• Groin.
• Armpits.
• Between the toes.

What to do when returning from the countryside

This is where many people fall short. A check should be carried out as soon as possible.

In humans

It is advisable to check carefully:

• Groin.
• Armpits.
• Back of the knees.
• Neck.
• Hairline.
• Lower back.

It can take hours for a tick to attach itself fully, so detecting it early is important.

A shower and a change of clothes help a great deal. Furthermore, clothes worn in the countryside should be washed as soon as possible.

In dogs

The check should be done manually and calmly, feeling against the direction of the fur.

Small ticks often go unnoticed in dogs with coarse or long hair. After a busy day out in the countryside, it is worth spending a few extra minutes.

How to remove a tick correctly

This point is important.

What to do

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specific tick remover.
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull slowly and steadily.
• Disinfect the area afterwards.

What NOT to do

• Do not use oil.
• Do not use alcohol.
• Do not burn it.
• Do not crush it with your fingers.
• Do not twist it abruptly.

These practices may cause the tick to regurgitate its contents into the host, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Warning signs following a bite

Most bites do not cause serious problems, but there are symptoms that require medical or veterinary attention.

In humans

Consult a healthcare professional if the following appear:

• Fever.
• Severe muscle pain.
• Severe fatigue.
• Rashes.
• Increasing swelling.
• Flu-like symptoms following the bite.

In dogs

Take your dog to the vet if it shows:

• Lethargy.
• Fever.
• Lameness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dark urine.
• Anaemia or listlessness.

With some tick-borne diseases, acting quickly makes all the difference.

Prevention is also part of hunting

A careful hunter prepares their guns, boots, documentation and dogs. Tick prevention should be part of exactly that same routine.

This isn’t about scaremongering, but about doing things properly in an environment where the risk exists. Just as you check the terrain or your dog’s condition after a tough day out, checking your body and taking the right action if you’re bitten is simply common hunting sense.

And when we’re talking about long hours in the countryside, dense undergrowth and dogs at work, every bit of help counts. That is why more and more hunters are incorporating specific items of clothing, such as Chiruca’s tick-repellent socks, into their standard kit.