how to prevent a tick infestation

Besides being gross, ticks can also carry deadly diseases that can make cats, dogs, and people very sick

Preventing tick-borne diseases with safe and effective year-round protection is much easier (and more affordable!) than treating tick-related disease, illness, and conditions.

Ticks cause turmoil

Ticks can spread serious diseases to pets and people, including tick paralysis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, babesiosis, and more. As tick populations grow, it’s smart to take precautions to help protect humans and pets.

Where to find the bloodsuckers

Ticks are found across the United States. Contrary to popular wisdom, tick bites happen all year round: spring, summer, winter, and fall.

Different tick varieties typically live in specific regions, but these patterns are shifting. Some tick populations are spreading into new areas. Many of these parasites also carry contagious diseases that can affect pets as well as people.

Black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks or ixodes ticks): Lyme disease, babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis

Lone star ticks: Ehrlichiosis, tularemia

American dog tick: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis

Parasite control is paramount

You may find recommendations for essential oils or other “natural” preventives online, but be aware that many of these suggestions can be actively toxic for pets and still not very effective. Many human insect repellents, like Deet, are also extremely dangerous for your four-legged friend.

There are many trusted and reliable tick repellents on the market developed to be safe and effective for pets. Some tick control products for dogs can be dangerous or even fatal for cats, so make sure to give your pet the appropriate preventive as recommended by your veterinarian.

You can also elect to give your pet a species-appropriate multi-protection medication. These meds combine tick protection with other kinds of parasite control that also helps protect against fleas or worms. Some types are chewable tablets, while others are applied to the skin on the back of your pet’s neck.

A vaccination to help protect against Lyme disease is available for dogs and may be recommended in areas with black-legged deer tick populations. Talk to your veterinary team about the tick threat in your area and what they recommend for your pet’s species, lifestyle, and needs.

Tips to protect your pet and environment

Helping to prevent a tick infestation is a two-part effort. One focuses on protecting and checking your pet, while the other can help to keep tick populations at bay in your environment.

For additional resources on flea and tick control, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council at capcvet.org.

• Avoid tick-infested areas:
  One way to help your pet is to keep them out of the woods or grassy areas. However, even indoor dogs may be at risk for ticks.
  
  
• Use pet parasite control:
  Give your pet year-round parasite control that helps to protect against tick bites, which can help prevent the spread of tick-borne disease.
  
  
• Perform regular tick checks:
  Even if your pet is on parasite control and only goes to the local dog park, it’s smart to perform regular tick checks on your pet. A grooming routine can also help you find any unwanted passengers, since ticks can leave a distinctive bump on the skin that may be easier to feel than see.
  
  
• Safely remove ticks:
  Never try to remove a tick with your bare hands. Use needle-nose tweezers or a tick tool. It’s important to not squeeze the tick or break off the mouth parts, which can remain in your pet and cause infection. It’s usually best to consult your veterinarian for an exam and removal of any ticks you might find.
  
  
• Store removed ticks:
  After you remove ticks, drown them in rubbing alcohol and store them in a dated plastic baggie. Keep an eye on your pet and contact your veterinary team if you see symptoms that may be related to tick bites. Your veterinarian will dispose of the tick after examining it to determine the species.
  
  
• Use pet-safe yard treatments:
  Consider regularly spraying your yard with a pet-safe outdoor pesticide made specifically to repel ticks. Be aware that many homemade or herbal repellents are ineffective or may be toxic to pets.
  
  
• Create yard barriers:
  Creating a barrier between your yard and a wooded area with gravel or other inorganic material can help prevent foliage-loving ticks from migrating into your yard.
  
  
• Reduce debris:
  Remove yard clutter like leaves or woodpiles, which make tempting hidey-holes for ticks, and trim down overgrown lawns, hedges, and shrubs.

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