With warmer weather finally here, many pets and their owners are spending more time outdoors enjoying parks, hikes, backyards, and long walks. Unfortunately, spring and summer also mark the beginning of peak tick season. While ticks may appear small and harmless, they can pose significant health risks to both pets and people.

Understanding how ticks affect pets, where they are commonly found, and how to prevent exposure is one of the best ways to keep your furry family members safe and healthy throughout the season.

Why Tick Season Matters

Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, shrubs, leaf piles, and even city parks. Contrary to popular belief, pets do not need to go hiking in the woods to encounter ticks—even a quick walk around the neighborhood can lead to exposure.

What makes ticks especially concerning is their ability to transmit diseases through their bites. Once attached, a tick can feed for several days and potentially spread harmful bacteria and infections during that time.

Because ticks are very small, many pet owners do not notice them right away. Some ticks can be as tiny as a poppy seed before feeding.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Pets

Ticks are capable of transmitting several serious illnesses that can affect your pet’s long-term health if left untreated.

Some of the most common tick-borne diseases include:

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is one of the most recognized tick-borne illnesses in dogs. It can cause:

• Fever

• Joint pain

• Limping

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

In severe cases, Lyme disease may affect the kidneys and other organs.

Ehrlichiosis

This disease attacks the immune system and may cause:

• Weakness

• Bruising or bleeding issues

• Weight loss

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

Anaplasmosis

Pets infected with Anaplasmosis may experience:

• Joint pain

• Stiffness

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Although less common, this disease can become serious quickly and may lead to neurological issues, fever, and inflammation.

Many tick-borne diseases share similar symptoms, and some pets may not show signs immediately after a tick bite. This is why prevention and routine veterinary care are so important.

How to Check Your Pet for Ticks

Checking your pet regularly for ticks should become part of your daily routine during tick season, especially after outdoor activities.

Run your hands slowly over your pet’s body and look carefully in hidden areas such as:

• Around and inside the ears

• Under the collar or harness

• Between the toes

• Around the eyelids and lips

• Under the tail

• Around the groin and armpits

Ticks often feel like small bumps attached to the skin. Long-haired pets may require extra attention because ticks can easily hide beneath the fur.

The sooner a tick is found and removed, the lower the chance of disease transmission.

The Importance of Year-Round Prevention

One of the most effective ways to protect your pet is by using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention consistently throughout the year.

Many people assume tick prevention is only necessary during summer months, but ticks can survive in cooler temperatures and may remain active even during mild winters.

Preventive options include:

• Oral chewable medications

• Topical treatments

• Tick collars

• Combination flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products

Each pet has different needs depending on age, lifestyle, medical history, and exposure risk. Your veterinarian can help determine the safest and most effective option for your pet.

Ways to Reduce Tick Exposure at Home

In addition to prevention medications, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the number of ticks around your home and yard:

• Keep the grass short and well maintained

• Remove leaves and brush piles

• Avoid letting pets wander into tall grass or wooded areas

• Wash pet bedding regularly

• Check pets after every outdoor walk or adventure

Remember to check yourself and family members for ticks as well. Pets can sometimes bring ticks into the home before the tick attaches to your pet.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

Finding a tick on your pet can feel alarming, but removing it properly is important.

Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool:

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

2. Pull upward slowly and steadily

3. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick

4. Clean the area thoroughly afterward

Do not apply petroleum jelly, alcohol, or heat to the tick while it is attached.

After removal, monitor your pet for any signs of illness over the following days or weeks.

If you are uncomfortable removing a tick yourself, or if part of the tick remains attached, contact your veterinary team for assistance.

Protecting Your Pet Starts with Prevention

Ticks are more than just a seasonal annoyance—they can carry diseases that seriously impact your pet’s health and quality of life. Fortunately, with routine checks, preventive care, and early action, most tick-related problems can be avoided.

If your pet is not currently on flea and tick prevention or if you have questions about the best options available, our team is here to help. Together, we can make sure your pets stay protected, healthy, and ready to enjoy the season safely.