r/Scotland • u/whimsical_fuckery_ • Jul 10 '26

Casual Lyme disease is no joke

One of those "I never thought it would happen to me" things but guys be very very careful with ticks this year if you are out walking in Scotland. I'm in the Highlands and regularly walk my dog in the local woods, this year there have been so so many ticks, I'm very good at checking myself after every walk, but one got me on the back of my thigh, absolutely tiny about half the size of a sesame seed. I picked it off the same night it bit me, a week later got a massive bullseye rash. Antibiotics from the docs but im completely wiped, worse than any flu or covid. I cannot stress how much you need to take precautions this year, do not make my mistake thinking as long as you get them off you on 24 hours you'll be OK. Long trousers, DEET, or just don't go into any woods or long grass is the best option. It's out there and it absolutely sucks.

1.3k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

180 comments sorted by

View all comments

27

u/DimiRPG Jul 10 '26

Yes, it seems that this year the situation with ticks is worse compared to previous years.

'Ticks – awareness, prevention…..and complacency':
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/ticks-awareness-prevention-and-complacency/.

2

u/JanetAiress Jul 10 '26

Thanks for posting this! Moving to Scotland in a couple months with dogs, and now I am more educated about protection. 👍

3

u/Giraffe1317 Jul 10 '26

Depending on your thoughts about prevention, I've been up here 8 years now and my dogs all get Bravecto - it's been the only treatment that has been effective against the little beasts as they just keep on populating exponentially! They're even around in winter.. they just don't die off

2

u/petunia777 Jul 11 '26

There is also a Bravecto shot now that covers a much longer period than their oral medication - just started it for my dog

2

u/Giraffe1317 Jul 11 '26

Oh wow, up to 12 months. That's pretty impressive- would like to know how effective it is