Tick Season: Staying Ahead of Bites and Tick-Bite Fever

Small parasite, serious diseases

As the weather warms, ticks become active in grass, bush and even suburban gardens. Beyond the bite itself, ticks transmit dangerous illnesses — in dogs, tick-bite fever (biliary) can be life-threatening. Prevention is far easier and safer than treating the disease it causes.

Prevent with a vet-chosen product

The cornerstone is a reliable, vet-recommended tick preventive — a spot-on, collar or chewable suited to your pet and area. Products vary in what they cover and how long they last, and some meant for dogs are dangerous to cats, so always check with your vet rather than guessing.

Check daily in tick country

After walks, run your hands over your pet, feeling especially around the ears, neck, armpits, between the toes and under the collar. Remove any tick promptly with a tick hook or fine tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling steadily — no burning, twisting or petroleum jelly.

Know the warning signs

See a vet quickly if your pet becomes lethargic, feverish, off their food, weak, or has pale gums or red-brown urine after tick exposure — these can signal tick-borne disease, which is treatable when caught early. Keeping grass short and treating year-round in bad areas keeps the risk low.