A tick-borne disease is transmitted through an infected tick’s bite and poses a significant risk to pets, especially during the warmer months. Understanding these diseases, their signs, and how to prevent them is crucial for keeping your best pal healthy and happy. Tick-borne diseases that can affect your pet include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

Understanding these diseases and how they affect your pet is the first step in protecting them. To get a better idea of how prevalent tick-borne diseases are across the states, check out the 2024 tick disease forecast maps. Not sure how to protect your best friend? No problem. Our Commonwealth Animal Care team is here to answer your questions.

Tiny terrors: How do pets get tick-borne diseases?

Pets can contract tick-borne diseases through an infected tick’s bite. These tiny critters commonly inhabit grassy, wooded, and rural areas where they wait for a host to brush by. While ticks can lurk anywhere, these are the most common areas they inhabit: 

  • Wooded areas — Ticks thrive in forests and wooded areas, often clinging to low-lying branches and tall grass.
  • Parks and trails — Public parks, hiking trails, and nature reserves are common hotspots for ticks.
  • Backyards — Even your own yard can be a breeding ground for ticks, especially if tall grass, shrubs, or leaf piles are present.
  • Fields and farmlands — Agricultural areas with livestock and wild animals are often prime tick hangout spots.

Spot the signs: Is your pet suffering from a tick-borne disease?

Testing for tick-borne diseases at your pet’s annual checkup is one of the best ways to detect diseases early. Check your pet regularly for ticks, especially after they’ve been in high-risk areas. Pay close attention to their ears, neck, and between the toes. If you notice any of the following signs, consult our veterinarian right away: 

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Appetite loss
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

Tips to prevent tick bites

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent your pet from contracting tick-borne diseases. A few effective strategies to minimize your pet’s risk are to check them for ticks regularly, keep your yard tidy, and avoid high-risk areas. Administering year-round tick-prevention products, such as topical treatments and oral medications, can significantly reduce your pet’s tick-borne disease risk. 

Prevention methods for tick-free pets

A tick-borne disease is a serious pet issue, but as mentioned earlier, many products are available to help keep your pet happy and disease-free. In addition to using preventive products, you should also create a tick-free environment at home. By regularly mowing the lawn, removing leaf litter, and keeping shrubs trimmed, you help reduce tick habitats in your yard.

Now that you understand tick-borne diseases and how to prevent them, take action. Ensure your pet is protected by using appropriate tick prevention methods and regularly checking them for ticks.

Fact or fiction? Myths about tick-borne diseases in pet

After learning about tick-borne diseases’ medical, technical, and logistical sides, test your knowledge. Prepare for summer fun with a round of “true or false”:

  • A: Ticks can go months without feeding.
  • B: All ticks carry diseases.
  • C: Ticks can only crawl.
  • D: More than 90 tick species inhabit the United States.
  • E: Ticks are only active during the summer.
  • F: Ticks have three life stages.

Fact or fiction answers: How did you do?

  • A: True
  • B: False
  • C: True
  • D: True
  • E: False
  • F: False. They have four—egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

Not sure which prevention is best for your pet? Schedule your pet’s visit with our Commonwealth Animal Care team, and we’ll provide tailored advice on tick prevention and prescribe the most effective parasite preventive for your furry pal.