The epidemiology of tick infestation in dog breeds in the UK

Objectives

The study aimed to explore anonymised electronic patient records to report the prevalence and risk factors for tick infestation in dogs in the UK.

Methods

Clinical records of dogs under veterinary care in 2016 were followed over a 5-year period to identify cases of tick-infestation. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results

The study included 905,553 dogs. From a random sample, 1,903 tick infestation cases were identified. The estimated 5-year (2014-2018) period prevalence was 2.03% (95% CI: 2.00-2.06). Sixteen breeds showed increased odds compared with nondesigner-crossbreed dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Cairn Terrier (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.64-4.98), Standard Poodle (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.25-6.29) and Goldendoodle (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.17-5.91). Six breeds showed reduced odds, with lowest odds shown by Staffordshire Bull Terrier (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25-0.50), Rottweiler (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.85) and Chihuahua (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.55). Males had 1.24 (95% CI 1.13-1.36) times the odds of females. Compared with nondesigner-crossbred dogs, designer-crossbreed dogs had increased odds (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.52-2.15). Compared with breeds with short coats, breeds with medium length coats (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.96-2.48) showed increased odds. Breeds with V-shaped drop and pendulous ear carriage had higher odds compared with breeds with erect ear carriage.

Clinical significance

These findings provide an evidence base for veterinary professionals to raise awareness of tick-infestation as a preventable disorder in dogs in the UK and to support more effective prevention and therapeutic protocols based on targeted approaches.