Pet owners told to be wary of ticks

Pets at Home is warning owners to be wary of ticks as the autumn season approaches.

The firm is offering free advice to owners at their Livingston and Corstorphine stores this Saturday and Sunday to keep their homes parasite free during high prevalence periods.

The firm says cats and dogs can encounter ticks and become exposed to the diseases that they carry.

Traditionally there are two peaks to the tick season, spring and autumn, and Pets at Home has teamed up with Frontline to support a dedicated tick event to highlight the importance of treating pets.

Ticks are second only to mosquitoes throughout the world in transmitting infectious diseases to humans and animals.

Area Manager Garry Cousland at Pets at Home Edinburgh says: "The session gives customers the chance to ask our expert advice on tick prevention and is particularly useful for new pet owners, who may be nervous about using spot-on treatments for the first time."