BLOOD sucking ticks are putting local dogs and their owners at risk.

Tick bites can transmit serious infections, such as Lyme disease, a serious and debilitating illness that can cause long term health problems in dogs and people.

Now, Northwich’s veterinary practices are taking action by joining naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham in the Big Tick Project.

This new nationwide initiative runs from spring through to autumn, tracking the rise of the tick population in the UK and finding out how many carry disease.

Chris said: “Research highlighted by the Big Tick Project experts at Bristol University suggests that ticks are a growing problem, especially in areas such as urban parkland, woodland or open country. While I find both ticks and fleas interesting creatures, I don’t want them on my dogs, in my house, or on me. I want the best advice and treatment available and I know I can get this by talking to my vet.”

To find out more about the risks from tick bites can visit bigtickproject.co.uk

Participating practices in Northwich include Middlewich Veterinary Surgery, The Firs Vets, Birch Heath Veterinary Clinic, Winsford Veterinary Surgery, Willows Vet Hospital, Hollybank Veterinary Centre and Abbeycroft Veterinary Centre