Protect pets from ticks and Lyme disease - Animal Chronicles
Animal Chronicles
March 2, 2026
By Meg Thomas
Protect Your Pets from Ticks and Lyme Disease
Warmer weather has many of us looking forward to spending more time outdoors with our pets — whether it’s longer walks, backyard playtime, or weekend adventures. However, as we become more active outside, so do ticks. Once temperatures rise above freezing, tick activity increases significantly.
Ticks live in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, waiting to latch onto passing animals or people. They can remain on clothing or fur for hours before attaching to skin. Once they bite, ticks inject an anesthetic so the bite often goes unnoticed. Their saliva also contains an anti-clotting agent that keeps blood flowing and helps anchor them firmly in place. If left attached, ticks can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease.
For pets, ticks can easily hide in thick fur. Not only can they attach to dogs and cats, but they can also hitch a ride into your home and potentially make their way to human family members. This is why it is so important to thoroughly check your pet for ticks after every outdoor outing. If you discover one, prompt removal is key. Experts believe ticks generally need to be attached for several hours before transmitting infection, so removing them as quickly as possible can significantly reduce the risk of disease.
Lyme disease in pets may cause swollen joints, lameness, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also carry other serious illnesses such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, which can lead to further health complications if left untreated.
Given the prevalence of ticks in our region, keeping your pet on a consistent flea and tick preventive is extremely important, especially if they spend time outdoors. There are many options available, including collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. If you’re unsure which product is best for your pet, your veterinarian can provide guidance based on your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.
As Dr. Sos DVM, Veterinary Medical Director at the Animal Protective Foundation, explains, “Tick prevention isn’t optional—it’s a vital part of protecting your pet from painful, preventable diseases like Lyme. A simple monthly preventive can save your pet from serious health complications down the road.”
If you find a tick attached to your pet or yourself, proper removal is essential. Shield your fingers with gloves or a paper towel and use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, crushing, or squeezing the tick’s body, as this can increase the risk of infection. Do not use petroleum jelly, hot matches, or alcohol, as these methods may irritate the tick and increase the chance of disease transmission. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site, wash your hands thoroughly, and give your pet a well-deserved treat for being a good patient.
The Animal Protective Foundation wishes you and your pets a warm, sunny, and safe spring. With a little awareness and prevention, you can enjoy the season while keeping your family protected from ticks.
Meg Thomas is the Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Animal Protective Foundation.
APF contributes Animal Chronicles articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Visit animalprotective.org, follow us on social media @AnimalProtectiveFoundation or email chronicles@animalprotective.org.
