Autumn Ticks and Your Dog: Why UK Tick Season Doesn’t End in September

Crisp mornings, golden bracken and muddy woodland paths. Autumn is the best walking season of the year for most UK dog owners. It is also when plenty of us stop thinking about ticks.

We shouldn’t. As we explained in our UK tick season guide, ticks have a second peak running from late summer into autumn, and in mild, damp weather they keep going well into the colder months.

Why autumn suits ticks

• Damp vegetation. Autumn rain keeps grass, bracken and leaf litter moist.
• Mild days. Ticks stay active whenever it is mild, and sometimes on warmer winter days.
• Deer on the move. Autumn is a busy season for deer, which carry ticks through woodland and parkland.
• Longer walks. Cooler weather means more woodland, more long grass and more off-lead exploring.

Check these spots after every walk

Run your hands slowly over your dog within an hour of getting home. Ticks start around the size of a sesame seed, so feel as well as look, especially on dark or long coats. Check:

• Around and inside the ears
• Around the eyes and head
• Under the collar
• The armpits and groin
• Between the toes
• Under the tail

Found one?

Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grip close to the skin without squeezing the body, and remove it steadily as the tool’s instructions direct. Never burn a tick or smother it in oils or petroleum jelly. Clean the area, and call your vet if your dog seems unwell or the area swells. Our step-by-step tick removal guide covers this in full.

Add TickFree to the routine

We made TickFree for dogs who love doing what dogs do best: exploring. It is a 250ml coat shield you spray on before walks.

• A grooming-first formula with a clean, natural scent
• Plant-based oils traditionally used in insect-prone environments
• Free from DEET, parabens and synthetic fragrance
• Non-sticky and easy to brush through
• Safe for humans too (from age 3), so you can protect your own ankles and sock line

How to use it: shake well and spray evenly over the coat, focusing on the legs and underbelly. Avoid the eyes and broken skin. For the face, spray onto a soft cloth and wipe. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or a very wet walk. Patch-test first.

Keep a bottle by the lead or in the car so it becomes as automatic as grabbing the poo bags.

Protect the humans too

Tuck trousers into socks, wear closed footwear, stick to the middle of paths and check the kids after walks. For family walks, our Pets & People Pack pairs TickFree with Skin Shield Citronella & Lemongrass, which is suitable from 1 year and above (safe for 6 months+) and gives 30 to 90 minutes of protection depending on conditions such as sweating and the weather.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do ticks die off in autumn?

No. Many stay active through autumn, especially in mild, wet weather.

2. Is TickFree enough on its own?

It is one layer. Pair it with coat checks, sensible routes and your vet’s advice on tick prevention.

3. Can I use TickFree on myself?

Yes. It is safe for humans aged 3 and above.

Ready for your next autumn adventure? Shop TickFree or shop the Pets & People Pack.

The Naturally Kind Co. It Really Works.

TickFree is a grooming product, not a veterinary treatment. Talk to your vet about tick prevention for your dog.