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Dog expert reveals hidden parasite spots to check on pets after RSPCA warning
Following an RSPCA reminder about the risks of ticks, animal health expert Scott Cieslar has shared advice on checking dogs for the parasites, focusing on hidden areas. He emphasizes lifting paws, inspecting all four paws, and using a torch for darker coats, while noting that preventative treatments should not replace physical checks.
Dog owners have been warned to stay vigilant after walks following a fresh reminder from the RSPCA about the risks posed by ticks. The charity says ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot, urging owners to know what to look for. Signs of a tick can include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Why routine checks may miss ticks
According to animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn, simply running your hands over a dog's coat may not be enough to find one. He says certain parts of the body are easy to miss because they are not fully visible during a routine check.
One particular area that can be overlooked is the webbing between a dog's toes. Cieslar explains that when a dog is standing and bearing weight on its paw, the toes sit together and the webbing disappears from view. He advises lifting the paw so it relaxes, then separating each pair of toes individually and inspecting the webbing and around the outside edge of every pad.
For long-haired dogs, he recommends holding the toes apart with one hand while using the other to move hair away. This, he says, is a very different check from simply looking at the top and bottom of the foot.
Timing and techniques for effective checks
Cieslar suggests performing the check before wiping muddy paws, brushing the coat or washing the dog. That way the fur sits naturally, and you can use your fingertips to move gently through the coat and feel for small raised areas.
A phone torch can also help, particularly for darker or thicker coats, when held at an angle rather than pointing directly at the skin. Cieslar says side lighting can make small raised areas easier to see.
Beyond the paws
The inspection should not stop at the paws. The RSPCA says ticks can be found in sheltered areas including beneath collars, under the front legs, inside the ears and between the toes. Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely so these areas are not obscured.
If you find something unusual on one side, he suggests checking the same position on the other side. He also advises completing checks on all four paws before moving on to the ears, legs and collar or harness areas.
What to do if you find a tick
The RSPCA advises using a suitable tick-removal tool and says owners should not squeeze, burn or suffocate the tick with lotion. The charity also recommends speaking to a vet about preventative treatments, but stresses that these should not replace physical checks.
Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, with ticks most common between spring and autumn.
How each outlet told it
Bristol Post
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for 'blood-sucking parasites' after an RSPCA warning, and adds a subheading about a quick inspection after a walk. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) advising to check 'hidden' spots for parasites, but does not mention the RSPCA warning explicitly in the headline. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners are being urged to step up tick checks.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes hidden spots to check for ticks after an RSPCA warning, but does not mention the specific source (Scott Cieslar) or the location (Mad Barn). — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a dog expert (Scott Cieslar) revealing hidden parasite spots after an RSPCA warning, and includes a subheading about quick inspection. — Advisory and cautionary, but measured; e.g., 'Dog owners have been warned to be more vigilant.'
Facts Included:
RSPCA warns ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
Signs of a tick include reddish-brown, grey or black bumps on the skin.
Animal health expert Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn advises checking hidden spots.
Cieslar emphasizes checking the paw while lifted, separating toes, and inspecting webbing.
For long-haired dogs, hold toes apart with one hand and move hair away with the other.
Check before wiping muddy paws, brushing, or washing the dog.
Use a phone torch held at an angle to see small raised areas on darker/thicker coats.
RSPCA says ticks can be found beneath collars, under front legs, inside ears, between toes.
Cieslar recommends removing collars and harnesses completely.
Check the same position on the other side if something unusual is found.
Complete checks on all four paws before moving to ears, legs, and collar areas.
If tick found: use a suitable tick-removal tool; do not squeeze, burn, or suffocate with lotion.
Speak to a vet about preventative treatments, but these should not replace physical checks.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe RSPCA warns that ticks can attach to pets and may be difficult to spot.
ClaimIf a tick is found, the RSPCA advises using a suitable tick-removal tool and says owners should not squeeze, burn, or suffocate the tick with lotion.