The phrase "attached tick" refers to a parasite called a tick that is stuck or clinging onto something, usually the skin of an animal or a human. Full definition
Although these products do not guarantee 100 % prevention, they reduce the likelihood of attached ticks and therefore reduce the probability of infection. (cfvh.com)
When first attached ticks are very small and difficult to find. (oakhillsanimal.com)
It takes several hours for an attached tick to transmit disease, so owners can usually prevent disease transmission to their pets by using tick preventatives that act quickly and effectively.Ticks transmit more than just Lyme Disease - they can also transmit Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more - yuck! (parkridgevet.com)