Pets and Ticks

Protecting your pets from ticks and tick-borne diseases

Protecting Your Pets from Ticks

Our furry friends are just as vulnerable to ticks as we are—maybe even more so, since they spend so much time outdoors. Ticks can attach to pets during walks, playtime, or even in your own yard. What's more, pets can bring ticks into your home, putting your whole family at risk.

⚠️ Important

Pets can't tell us when they're feeling sick, so it's up to us to protect them and watch for signs of tick-borne diseases. Prevention is always better than treatment!

Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Dogs can get several serious diseases from ticks. Here are the most common ones:

Lyme Disease

What causes it: Bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi)

Which tick: Black-legged tick (deer tick)

Symptoms:

  • Many dogs show no symptoms
  • Lameness (shifting from leg to leg)
  • Swollen joints
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Kidney problems (rare but serious)

Treatment: Antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin, or azithromycin) for 2-4 weeks

Anaplasmosis

What causes it: Bacteria (Anaplasma)

Which tick: Black-legged tick

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lameness
  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

Treatment: Doxycycline for 2-4 weeks

Ehrlichiosis

What causes it: Bacteria (Ehrlichia)

Which tick: Lone star tick, brown dog tick

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Weight loss (chronic cases)

Treatment: Doxycycline for 3-4 weeks

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

What causes it: Bacteria (Rickettsia rickettsii)

Which tick: American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Can be serious or fatal

Treatment: Doxycycline (must start immediately)

Sources: CDC - Lyme Disease in Dogs | Littman, M.P., et al. (2018). ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(3), 887-903.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats

While cats are generally more resistant to tick-borne diseases than dogs, they can still get sick. Some diseases are especially dangerous for cats:

⚠️ Critical Warning

NEVER use dog tick prevention products on cats! Many dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always use products specifically made for cats.

Cytauxzoonosis

Severity: Often fatal in cats

What causes it: Parasite (Cytauxzoon felis)

Which tick: Lone star tick

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Jaundice (yellowing)

This disease can kill cats quickly - immediate veterinary care is essential!

Other Cat Diseases

Cats can also get:

  • Anaplasmosis - Similar to dogs
  • Ehrlichiosis - Similar to dogs

Important: Even though cats are more resistant, they still need protection from ticks!

Source: CDC - Cytauxzoonosis

How to Protect Your Pets

Protecting your pets from ticks requires a combination of strategies. The best approach uses multiple methods together.

Dog with tick prevention collar

Regular tick prevention is essential for pets. Image: Unsplash

1. Use Veterinary-Approved Tick Prevention

Your veterinarian can recommend the best tick prevention products for your pet. Options include:

  • Topical Treatments: Applied to the skin, usually monthly
  • Oral Medications: Pills or chews that work from the inside out
  • Tick Collars: Long-lasting collars that repel and kill ticks
  • Sprays: Additional protection for high-risk situations
🚨 Critical Safety Warning
  • Always use products specifically made for your pet's species (dog vs. cat)
  • Never use dog products on cats - many contain permethrin which is deadly to cats
  • Follow your veterinarian's recommendations - they know what's safe and effective
  • Use the correct dosage based on your pet's weight

Source: CDC - Preventing Ticks on Your Pet

2. Check Your Pets for Ticks Regularly

Even with prevention products, you should still check your pets for ticks regularly. The sooner you find and remove a tick, the lower the risk of disease.

When to Check:
  • After every outdoor activity - walks, hikes, playtime in the yard
  • Daily during tick season - especially in spring and summer
  • Before bringing pets inside - check before they come into the house
Where to Check (Common Tick Hiding Spots):
  • Around the ears and inside ears
  • Around the eyes
  • Under the collar
  • Between the toes
  • Under the tail
  • In the groin area
  • In the armpits
  • On the belly
  • Under the chin
  • Run your hands through the fur to feel for bumps

Source: CDC - Preventing Ticks on Your Pet

3. Make Your Yard Tick-Safe

Your yard can be a source of ticks for your pets. Making it less tick-friendly helps protect everyone:

  • Keep grass short - Mow regularly
  • Remove leaf litter - Clear leaves and debris
  • Clear brush - Remove tall grass and brush piles
  • Create barriers - Use wood chips or gravel between lawn and wooded areas
  • Prune vegetation - Let in more sunlight
Well-maintained yard

A well-maintained yard reduces tick habitats. Image: Unsplash

For more detailed yard maintenance tips, see our Tick Control page.

Source: CDC - Preventing Ticks in the Yard

4. Year-Round Protection

Don't let your guard down in winter! In many areas, ticks can be active year-round, especially during mild winters. Talk to your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention.

Why Year-Round Protection Matters:
  • Ticks can be active whenever temperatures are above freezing
  • Adult black-legged ticks are most active in fall and winter
  • Consistent protection prevents gaps in coverage
  • It's easier to remember when you do it all year

How to Remove Ticks from Pets

If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away using the same safe technique you'd use for yourself:

Step-by-Step Tick Removal for Pets:
  1. Get your pet calm - You may need someone to help hold your pet still
  2. Use fine-tipped tweezers - Grasp the tick as close to your pet's skin as possible
  3. Pull straight up - Use steady, even pressure (don't twist or jerk)
  4. Clean the area - Use antiseptic or soap and water
  5. Dispose of the tick - Flush it, put it in alcohol, or seal it in a bag
  6. Reward your pet - Give them a treat for being patient!

For detailed removal instructions and what NOT to do, see our Tick Removal guide.

Source: CDC - Tick Removal

Warning Signs: When to See the Vet

Pets can't tell us when they're feeling sick, so it's important to watch for signs of tick-borne diseases. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away:

Common Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Lethargy (unusual tiredness)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lameness (limping)
  • Joint swelling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
Serious Symptoms (Seek Immediate Care):
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Neurological signs (seizures, confusion)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin/gums)
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Weight loss
💡 Important Note

Many dogs with Lyme disease show no symptoms at all. That's why prevention and regular veterinary checkups are so important. Your vet can test for tick-borne diseases during routine visits.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Neurological symptoms

    • If you notice any of these symptoms, especially after a known tick bite, contact your veterinarian promptly.

    Year-Round Protection

    In many regions, ticks can be active year-round, especially in warmer climates. Consider year-round tick prevention for your pets, particularly if you live in or travel to tick-endemic areas. Consult with your veterinarian about the best prevention strategy for your pet's specific situation.

    Protecting Your Family

    Protecting your pets from ticks also helps protect your family, as ticks can be brought into the home on pets and then attach to humans. Regular tick prevention and checks on pets are an important part of overall tick prevention for your household.

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