A VET has warned dog owners that their four-legged friends could be at risk of deadly diseases if they are not treated for fleas and ticks.

Dr Bethany Birch from the Vet in Cockhedge Shopping Centre has urged residents to make sure their canines have treatments after a survey by the surgery found that 14 per cent of dog owners do not treat their pets for flea and tick infestations.

If they are not treated for fleas and ticks, dogs could be at risk of deadly Lyme disease and tapeworm infections.

Fleas can also spread tapeworm to humans, while tick bites can be fatal for both dogs and humans.

Head vet Dr Birch said: “It really is very simple, if you own a dog you should be protecting your pet against fleas and ticks.

“They’re not just an inconvenience – these pests can cause major physical harm to both you and your pet in the worst case scenarios.

“But as our stats show many thousands of dog owners are failing to do so, which is of great concern.

“The good news is that there are many effective control treatments available, many of which protect against both fleas and tickets at the same time.

“I’d urge dog owners to educate themselves of the dangers.”