Ticks are common throughout New York, and these parasites can transmit dangerous diseases to your pet. Our Marcy Veterinary Clinic team knows that finding a tick on your pet is upsetting, and we offer information about ticks in our area and what you should do if you find a tick on your four-legged friend.

Problematic tick species for pets

North America is home to at least 90 tick species, but only a few are problematic for pets, including:

• Black-legged tick — Also known as the deer tick, these parasites can feed on pets and people during their three active life stages. The larvae and nymphs are active in the spring and early summer, adults are most active in the spring and fall, and all are most commonly found in wooded areas along trails. The adult black-legged tick is reddish brown with a dark brown or black shield-like shape between the mouthparts and body, and can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis to pets.
• Lone star tick — Lone star larvae and nymphs mostly parasitize small wild animals and birds, while adults feed on larger hosts, such as cattle, pets, and people. These ticks are present throughout the year, but populations peak from March to July. They are most commonly found in wooded and brushy areas, especially in underbrush along creeks and river bottoms, and near animal resting areas. Adult Lone star ticks, which transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, cytauxzoonosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to pets, come in various shades of brown or tan. Females have a single white spot on their back, while males have scattered white spots.
• American dog tick — American dog larvae and nymphs feed mostly on small rodents, while adults feed on larger wild animals, cattle, pets, and people. They are present all year long, but are most numerous in the spring. They are attracted to animal scent and are commonly found near grassy roads, paths, trails, and recreational areas. The adult American dog tick is chestnut brown with white spots or streaks on the back, and can transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to pets. 
• Asian Longhorned tick — The Asian Longhorned tick was first detected in 2017 in New Jersey, and has since spread to numerous other states, including New York. These ticks have been found on wild animals, cats, dogs, livestock, and people. The female Asian Longhorned tick can reproduce and lay eggs without mating. While studies are ongoing to determine if these ticks can transmit disease to pets, they transmit significant infectious agents in other countries. The adult tick is reddish brown with no distinctive markings.

In addition to causing these common tick-borne diseases, certain adult female ticks release a neurotoxin that causes a progressive ascending paralysis in pets. 

Checking your pet for ticks

After an outing, you should check your pet for ticks, because the parasite should be removed as soon as possible. Run your fingers through their fur, and investigate any abnormal lumps or bumps. Ticks can attach anywhere on your pet, but common places include:

• Head and ears — Pets investigate with their nose and mouth, which makes their head a prime target for questing ticks. Ensure you look inside your pet’s ears, since ticks may crawl into the ear canal before attaching.
• Eyelids — Many owners mistake ticks on their pet’s eyelids for skin tags or discharge. Look closely to check for tiny legs.
• Toes — Ground contact makes your pet’s feet a likely hiding place for ticks. Ensure you check between their toes and pads.
• Tail — Ticks like dark, moist areas, so an ideal environment is under your pet’s tail. 
• Under the collar — Some ticks hide under the collar and a thorough tick search includes removing your pet’s collar.
• Armpits and groin — These areas are a little more difficult to investigate, but are common tick attachment points.

Removing a tick from your pet

Typically, ticks must remain attached for at least 12 hours before they can transmit disease, which means that any tick that you find on your pet should be removed as soon as possible. Steps include:

• Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the head as close to your pet’s skin as possible.
• Firmly pull the tick upward without twisting or crushing the tick, since this can cause pathogen release.
• Place the tick in alcohol.
• Clean the bite area well with soap and water.
• Identify the tick species to determine if it can transmit disease.
• Monitor your pet for signs of tick borne-illness, such as lethargy, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, shifting limb lameness, unexplained bleeding, and decreased appetite. Signs can take weeks or months to manifest.

Protecting your pet from ticks

Tips to protect your pet from ticks include:

• Preventives — Use a veterinary-approved tick preventive year-round. Many options are available, including treated collars, topical spot-on treatments, and chewable tablets. Read the label carefully to ensure you administer the product correctly, with the appropriate frequency.
• Vaccination — A Lyme vaccine is available that helps protect dogs from this tick-borne condition.
• Routes — When outdoors, stick to well-cleared paths and avoid wooded areas and tall grasses. 
• Checks — Regularly tick-check your pet, including pets who live solely indoors. Ticks can easily hitch a ride inside on you or outdoor pets and attach to your indoor pet. Indoor pets also need year-round tick prevention.
• Yard — Reduce ticks in your yard by mowing your lawn frequently, pruning overhanging branches, removing leaf litter and organic debris, and discouraging wildlife.

Contact our Marcy Veterinary Clinic team if your dog is due for their Lyme vaccine or you suspect a tick-borne disease.