Tick prevention: How to keep your pets safe from tick infestation |

There’s something peaceful about watching your dog roll in the grass or your cat bask in the sun. But sometimes, that peace comes with a price ticks. They’re small, quiet, and often go unnoticed until they’ve already caused harm. Ticks aren’t just annoying. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease and other infections that affect both animals and people. If you’re a pet owner, it’s worth learning how to spot the signs and stop these pests before they become a bigger problem.

Start with daily touch-and-checks

Just make it part of your routine, like giving a scratch behind the ears or a belly rub. While you’re petting your dog or cat, run your fingers through their fur, especially around the ears, neck, under the legs, and near the tail. Ticks love warm, hidden places. They might feel like tiny bumps on the skin. If you spot one, use tweezers to pull it out gently. Get as close to the skin as possible, grab the tick’s head, and pull straight out. No twisting. No yanking.

Your yard might be part of the problem

Ticks don’t care how clean your house is. What they do love is long grass, overgrown shrubs, piles of leaves, and shady corners. If your backyard hasn’t had a proper cleanup in a while, it could be a tick paradise.Mow the lawn regularly. Trim bushes. Rake up leaf litter. If you live near wooded areas, consider adding a barrier of gravel or wood chips to create some distance between the forest and your yard. It helps more than you think.

Vet-approved treatments make a real difference

There’s no shortage of tick prevention products on the market. Collars, sprays, monthly drops, pills, it’s all there. The tricky part is knowing which one’s right for your pet. That’s where your vet comes in.Different pets have different needs. A large outdoor dog might need stronger protection than an indoor cat. Some breeds have skin sensitivities. Some meds might clash with others. Your vet can help you sort through the noise and find what actually works.

Be smart about where and when your pet goes out

Spring and early summer are peak tick seasons. If your usual walking route cuts through tall grass or wooded trails, maybe switch to a cleaner path for a few months. Avoid letting your dog sniff around in thick bushes. If your cat roams, keep them indoors more during high-risk times.A little caution doesn’t mean less fun. It just means being smart. Don’t ignore changes in behavior. If your pet starts acting strangely low energy, loss of appetite, limping, or fever, and you recently found a tick on them, it’s time to call your vet. Symptoms from tick-borne illnesses can show up days or even weeks later.You know your pet better than anyone. Trust your gut.