How to protect yourself, pets

DENVER (KDVR) — It’s tick season once again in Colorado, and experts say it’s best to plan ahead when outdoors to keep them off both you and your pets.

Ticks typically start to show up in late March and April, peaking in the early summer when it starts to become too hot for them. While experts say last year saw a higher number of ticks than usual, it may be too early to tell how this year will turn out.

Where do ticks live in Colorado?

“They’re in every county in Colorado and they’re found up to 10,000 feet,” said Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, a veterinarian with VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital.

Put plainly, ticks are nearly impossible to escape.

“Wooded areas, grassy areas with shrubs or low bushes: great tick country,” Fitzgerald said.

So experts say the best way to handle them is by thinking ahead.

“An ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure,” Fitzgerald said.

How to protect pets from ticks?

For pets, medication is available to keep ticks at bay. Fitzgerald says his dog, Mrs. Thompson, has never had a tick on her. Why?

“Even a dog as little as Mrs. Thompson gets the medicine,” he said.

Fitzgerald said ticks can also be transferred from one pet to another. So if you board your dog while out of town, you will want to check them for ticks once you get home.

What about people?

For people, entomologist Lisa Mason with Colorado State University suggests wearing long pants and sleeves when heading out on a hike. It’s always important to look for ticks, even if you don’t feel anything.

“It does take ticks a little while to bite, so as soon as you get home, do that tick check,” Mason said. “Even if you have a tick on you, hopefully it won’t have bitten.”

How to remove a tick

If you do find one on yourself or your pet, Fitzgerald said a pair of tweezers is your best bet to grab the tick. But be careful not to squeeze it too hard.

“Right at the base, pull it back,” he said. “Try not to crush the tick or damage the tick, or we might get some of the contents of the tick into the wound.”

When are ticks active?

As for how long we may see ticks around, Mason said to keep an eye on the weather.

“If we end up with weeks of rainy and cool weather, you know, it’s possible the ticks are going to be active for a longer period of time,” she said.