Why are ticks a threat to pets?
Ticks, one of the most commonly misunderstood pet issues, often catch pet owners by surprise. "People don’t realize that ticks are a problem and are often surprised when we recommend prevention measures," says Dr. Woodnutt of Canine Journal.
Tick bites can be dangerous when left untreated or improperly removed. They can transmit potentially life-threatening diseases to your pet, such as Lyme disease, canine Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis. "Tick paralysis is also a concern," adds Dr. Woodnutt. But should every pet owner be worried?
When are ticks most dangerous
Ticks become more active when temperatures are consistently above 40-45 degrees F and less active when temperatures are extremely high. Their peak activity usually falls from spring to early summer and then again in late summer into fall. But the best guide for pet susceptibility in your area is to consult your local vet.
Where are ticks most dangerous?
Ticks are found across the US but are more prevalent in certain regions. These disease-carrying ticks can pose a greater threat to pets in their preferred regions. However, as Dr. Woodnutt explains, "Increased movement of animals means that these ticks are establishing themselves in new areas too."
Disease-carrying ticks & their regions
- Brown Dog Ticks: across the continental US
- Blacklegged and Western Blacklegged Ticks: across the eastern half of the US and along the Pacific coast.
- Rocky Mountain Wood Tick: across Rocky Mountain states
- Gulf Coast Tick: Along the Gulf Coast and Southeast coast
- Lone Star Tick: primarily across the Southeast half of the US
Preventing ticks on your pets
Choosing the right tick prevention for your pet
"Tick prevention comes in two types – repellents (which keep ticks away) and acaricides (usually chemicals that kill ticks through the bloodstream). A combination of both is the best way to prevent ticks on pets," explains Dr. Woodnutt.
While checking with your vet for acaricides is best, Sunday's Pet Protect is an easy-to-spray repellent option. It’s scientifically proven to kill and repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Plus, it's pet-safe and eco-friendly when used as directed!
Pet Protect Bug Spray & Repellent (2-pack)
- Kills and repels adult and larval ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes
- Pet- and kid-friendly when used as directed
- For dogs over 5 lbs. and their pet areas
Do you have a backyard tick problem?
You may need more tick control in your yard. Sunday’s Tick Protection Plan combines tick reduction strategies with Nix Ticks, a cedar oil-powered repellent that kills ticks on contact and prevents them for up to four weeks.
The importance of regular tick checks
Tick prevention methods are only as good as your commitment to regular tick checks. "It’s usually far easier to feel a tick than to see one. You can check for ticks by running your hands through your pet’s fur, feeling with your fingertips,” advises Dr. Woodnutt. If you feel a small bump, visually confirm whether it’s a tick.
If you find a tick, jump to our next section on safe tick removal. And remember, tick checks can differ between dogs and cats! Check out Dr. Woodnutt’s recommendations for where to check on your pets.
- Tick check spots for dogs: behind the ears, neck, skin of armpits and groin, and between toes.
- Tick check spots for cats: back, around the head and neck, ear flaps, and inside the ear.
Safe tick removal: a must-know for pet owners
Tick removal is a task best left to experts or trained pet owners. Incorrect removal is dangerous. Dr. Woodnutt states, “Agitating the tick can make them vomit, which makes it far more likely that they’ll spread disease to your pet.” So, if you find a tick, it's crucial to know how to remove it safely or seek professional care.
- Consult with your vet to learn how to remove a tick safely. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, get professional care.
- Purchase a tick fork - a tool to safely remove ticks from pets and reduce the potential for disease transfer from pest to pet. Always use gloves to protect yourself.
Growing tick threat: what it means for tick bites
It's been observed that the abundance of ticks has been increasing in recent decades. Not only are ticks spreading out from their traditional geographical areas, especially northward, but research shows that warming climates, seasonal shifts, and diminishing winter dormancy periods could be responsible for this change.
While it’s challenging to determine all the reasons, we know tick populations are steadily increasing. "With more ticks around, it stands to reason that more bites are happening, and it’s definitely something to be aware of," Dr. Woodnutt warns.
Ready to protect your pet from ticks? Speak to your vet or try out Sunday's Pet Protect Spray today. And remember, sharing is caring. Pass on this essential guide to fellow pet owners!
Meet our expert: Dr. Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS is a qualified veterinarian who graduated from the University of Nottingham and holds a degree in Veterinary Science (BVMedSci) and a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM BVS). She is a contributing writer for CanineJournal.com.
Check out Canine Journal’s review of Sunday Lawn Care.
Cited Sources
Range Expansion of Tick Disease Vectors in North America: Implications for Spread of Tick-Borne Disease. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Where Ticks Live. CDC.
