ticks and pets: what every pet owner needs to know

You may have heard about tick warnings and how populations are booming, along with tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Ticks are worrisome not only for humans, but for pets too. Fortunately, there are medications for dogs and cats to help prevent the spread of disease from a tick bite, but it’s still important to arm yourself with as much tick knowledge as possible to help keep you and your pet safe.

What are ticks?

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of your dog or cat (or you, for that matter) and swell as they feed. Kind of gross, right? They can carry and transfer diseases through their bite.

What types of diseases do ticks carry?  

When ticks feed on your dog’s or cat's blood, they can potentially cause the transmission of pathogens that can affect their health.

Common tick-borne diseases found in dogs include:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Canine ehrlichiosis
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Bartonella  

Cats can also contract Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and cytauxzoonosis.

Humans can contract Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, as well as a human-specific illness that is rising in the United States, Alpha-gal syndrome, which causes a meat allergy.

Learn more about the symptoms and prognoses of these diseases on our tick-borne diseases page. There are a variety of disease-carrying ticks in the United States, with the most common being the black-legged tick, the American dog tick, the Lone Star tick, and the brown deer tick.

What are the worst months for ticks?  

The truth is, ticks are prevalent year-round. However, we often see an uptick (get it?) in ticks in the spring and summer months, April through September.

Where do ticks live?

Ticks live in plants, trees, grass, and leaf litter. And while they can be found in all 50 states, the most tick-infested areas are in the Midwest, South, East, and Northeast, with the majority of Lyme disease being diagnosed in humans in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.

How do I remove a tick from my dog or cat?

If you believe you see a tick (or five!) on your pet, call your veterinarian. They can guide you through safe tick removal or do it for you. There are a few things that can look just like a tick in certain situations, such as a wart or nipple. If you are unsure, it’s best to have a vet check it out so you don’t hurt your pet.

How do I look for ticks?

If you need help with where you might find a tick on your pet’s body, we have just the thing! Our helpful how-to video shows you common places where ticks hang out, including:

• around the eyes and ears  
• under collars, front legs, back legs, and between toes  
• on the tail  

If you live in an area where ticks are common, be sure to check your pet’s body when they come in from outside. Start by running your hands through their fur from back to front and look for black, brown, or red lumps.

Note: Ticks can be tiny — the size of a sesame or apple seed — and may be hard to spot. Once they start feeding on your pet, they can swell to two-thirds of an inch in size. 

How can I prevent my dog or cat from being bitten by a tick?

If your dog or cat is not on tick-prevention medication, now is the time to start. Topical tick prevention absorbs through your pet’s skin and enters their blood where it helps kill and repel ticks and larvae. Oral tick prevention works in the same way but is taken by mouth as tablets or chews. Most tick-prevention medications are usually given once a month and require a prescription. There is also an injectable that gives your dog protection for one year. Learn more about tick prevention or schedule an appointment with your vet today.

Important Notice: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian with questions about your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.