Ticks are small, but the problems they cause are anything but. If your dog spends any time outdoors, ticks are a real risk no matter the season. At Scout Veterinary Urgent Care, we want every pet parent to feel confident spotting, removing, and preventing ticks before they become a bigger problem.
The good news is that with a little knowledge and a solid prevention routine, you can absolutely protect your pup year-round. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
First things first. Ticks are not insects. They are arachnids, meaning they are more closely related to spiders and mites than to fleas or mosquitoes. There are hundreds of species of ticks worldwide, and several are common threats to dogs here in the US.
The types of ticks dog owners are most likely to encounter include:
Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Nymphs are especially sneaky because they are tiny and easy to miss during tick checks. Adult ticks are easier to spot, especially once they have taken a blood meal and become engorged.
Ticks love wooded areas, tall grass, and the border between lawns and trees. Dogs that spend time hiking, roaming, or playing in these environments are at the highest risk of tick infestation.
But here is something important to know: tick season is not just a summer thing! Ticks can be active year-round in many parts of the country, especially during mild winters. That means tick prevention should be part of your routine in every season.
Dogs most at risk include:
Ticks can transmit serious tick-borne diseases that affect your dog's health in a big way. Here are the most important ones to know:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick-borne illnesses are on the rise across the US. If you notice anything unusual in your dog after a tick bite, getting them seen right away makes a real difference.
After any time outdoors, make tick checks part of your post-adventure routine! It is a great excuse for extra snuggle time with your pup. Ticks have favorite hiding spots, so check these areas closely:
A flat tick has been on your dog for only a short time. An engorged tick with a rounded tick's body has been feeding for longer. Either way, remove it promptly and give your pup an extra treat for being so patient!
Found one? Take a breath, you can totally handle this. Here is what to do:
After removal, keep an eye on the bite site. If it turns red or swells, or if your dog develops a fever or changes in behavior, visit Scout Veterinary Urgent Care right away. That is exactly what we are here for!
The best tick bite is the one that never happens. Here is how to keep your pup safe and tail-wagging all season long:
It depends on the disease. Lyme disease transmission generally requires a tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours. Other tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be transmitted more quickly, which is why prompt tick removal is so important.
Yes! While tick activity slows in very cold temperatures, ticks can be active year-round in many regions during mild winters. Year-round tick prevention is always the safest approach for your pup.
The brown dog tick is the species most likely to survive and reproduce indoors. If your dog has a heavy tick infestation, contact your vet and consider professional pest control to get ahead of it.
Clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol and keep an eye on it for the next several days. Watch for redness, swelling, or any changes in your dog's behavior. If anything seems off, we are always here for you at Scout Veterinary Urgent Care.
Head to Scout Veterinary Urgent Care if your dog develops a fever, lameness, unusual fatigue, or swelling after a tick bite. When in doubt, come on in. We love seeing your pets and we are always happy to help give you peace of mind.
Finding a tick on your dog is stressful, and that is completely okay to feel. The important thing is that you are paying attention and taking action, and that makes you an amazing pet parent. At Scout Veterinary Urgent Care, we are genuinely so happy to be the team you turn to.
We are so proud to be part of the Chicago pet parent community. Come see us and let us help your pup stay safe, healthy, and tail-waggingly happy all year long!