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How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Ticks This Summer

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  July 9th, 2025

When the sun is shining and the trails are calling, nothing beats outdoor adventures with your pup. But as fun as nature walks, dog park visits, and backyard playtime can be, they also bring a hidden danger: ticks.


These tiny parasites latch onto dogs (and humans!) to feed on their blood. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.


Here’s a comprehensive guide to tick prevention and protection every pet parent should follow.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Tick - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. The basics on ticks

Ticks are small arachnids that thrive in grassy, wooded, and humid areas. They’re most active during warmer months but can be present year-round in some regions.


Dogs are especially vulnerable because they love to explore areas where ticks live, such as bushes, tall grass, leaf piles, and forest trails.

2. Use a reliable tick preventive

Veterinarians generally recommend year-round tick prevention, even in colder months.


Options include:


Always choose a product based on your dog’s weight, age, and health, and consult your vet to find the best fit, if you’re unsure.

Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Dogs - image via Amazon

3. Check your dog daily

After outdoor time, especially after hikes or grassy outings, give your dog a thorough tick check. Pay extra attention to:

  • Ears (inside and behind)
  • Neck and collar area
  • Armpits
  • Between toes
  • Under the tail
  • Around the eyes and lips


Run your hands slowly over your dog’s body to feel for any small bumps. Ticks can be as tiny as a sesame seed, so a close look helps.

4. Know how to remove a tick safely

If you find a tick, don’t panic, but act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers.
  2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure and don’t twist.
  4. Clean the bite area dog-safe soap and water (and give your hands a good clean too!).
  5. Dispose of the tick in a sealed container or flush it down the toilet.
Tick in dog's paw - image via Canva

5. Keep your yard tick-free

Your backyard can be a tick hotspot. Reduce the risk by:

  • Keeping grass trimmed short
  • Removing leaf litter and brush
  • Creating a gravel or woodchip barrier between lawn and wooded areas
  • Fencing off your yard to keep deer and wildlife out
  • Using pet-safe tick control spray in the yard

6. Stay informed about tick-borne illnesses

Watch for signs of illness after a tick bite, such as:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Joint pain or lameness
  • Swollen lymph nodes


If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet promptly. Early treatment can make a big difference.

Sleepy dog - image via Canva

7. Regular vet check-ups and testing

Schedule annual or bi-annual check-ups that include screenings for tick-borne diseases. Your vet may recommend a Lyme disease vaccine if your dog is at high risk. Preventive care is the best defense against long-term complications.

Final thoughts

Ticks may be tiny, but their impact can be massive. With the right combination of preventive care, vigilance, and quick action, you can protect your dog and enjoy worry-free adventures together.


If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your vet for peace of mind.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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A microchip can be a lifesaver if a pet ever gets lost; it can alert a rescue to the animal’s rightful owners, and can also help prevent euthanasia if a pet ends up in a shelter that’s overburdened and euthanizes for space. But in the case of one lost kitty, the microchip actually failed, causing her to be adopted out to someone else. Now, there’s a dispute over whether the cat should be returned to her original family.

Do Ferrets Make Good Pets?

Ferrets are energetic, intelligent little mammals that have gained popularity as pets thanks to their playful personalities and curious nature. While they can make rewarding companions, ferrets aren’t the right fit for everyone. Before bringing one home, it’s important to understand what living with a ferret really involves - including their care needs, temperament, and the kind of environment they thrive in.What Are Ferrets Like?Ferrets are members of the weasel family and typically weigh between 1 to 4 pounds. They have long, flexible bodies and come in colors like albino, sable, and silver. One of the most charming things about ferrets is their endless enthusiasm - they love to explore, dig, and tunnel. If you’ve ever seen a ferret do the “weasel war dance,” you know just how expressive and joyful they can be.Are Ferrets Friendly?Yes - and surprisingly social, too. Ferrets often form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy regular interaction. Many do well in pairs or small groups, as they naturally seek out companionship. With consistent handling, ferrets can become affectionate and even enjoy cuddles, although their playfulness usually outweighs their interest in lounging.That said, ferrets are more mischievous than many other pets. They’re curious, fast, and full of energy, so a calm lap pet they are not. Prospective owners should be prepared for daily, supervised playtime outside the cage, ideally several hours a day.How Much Space and Stimulation Do Ferrets Need?Ferrets need both room to roam and things to do. A multi-level cage with soft bedding, hammocks, and tunnels is a great base - but it's only part of the picture. Your ferret will need a ferret-proofed area to explore daily. That means blocking off small spaces, securing cabinets and vents, and keeping tempting items (like rubber bands, cords, or houseplants) well out of reach.

How to Safely Introduce Young Kids to Old Dogs

(photo credit: Skydive Erick / shutterstock.com)Whether you share space with an older dog or have chosen to adopt a senior pet (congrats, on that!), introducing kids to your pooch for the first time isn’t as easy as opening the front door and declaring “he loves everybody”. Because when it comes to new experiences, not all dogs react in a positive manner. Particularly as they age and have less tolerance for noise, activity, and uninvited cuddles.So, how do you facilitate a positive meet-and-greet – whether it’s to be a long-term relationship or just a short visit with the kiddos?Well, it takes effort on both parts – not just your dog’s – and the rewards of patiently winning over a cautious pooch are exponentially positive for kids.How to Prep An Older Dog to Meet a Younger ChildThe introduction of new faces to older dogs can be a challenge – especially when high-energy activity is involved. Ideally, it should be done on neutral ground versus his home turf where he may be inclined to feel protective. And scent can be a good way to help familiarize your pet with a visiting child. If time permits, offering him a soft toy or piece of the child’s clothing in advance of the arrival will help when the meet-up happens.

Here's How to Prepare Your Pets for Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season is almost upon us, and forecasts warn we’ll likely see more storms than average. The storm season officially starts on June 1 and lasts till November 30, but storms may also occur before or after these dates.Last year’s hurricane season has devastated communities with flooding, mudslides, and wind, causing billions of dollars in damage and leaving thousands of people without a home. According to the American Veterinary Association, 45.5% of U.S. households own at least one dog, and 32.1% have at least one cat. An estimated 89.7 million dogs and 73.8 million cats are kept as pets in the United States, and all of them face the same risks during the hurricane season as their owners. The United States Department of Homeland Security has created a website to help people prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. There you can find a list of items people should have prepared in case of an emergency. A basic disaster supply kit should contain food, water, flashlights, cash, personal hygiene items, cell phone chargers, and prescription medication, among other things. But what about our dogs and cats? Is there any way to include them in your family’s emergency plan, and if you have to evacuate, can they be taken to safety as well?“Sometimes it’s much more challenging to get certain things when you’re in a hurry,” said Sarah Cortright, a Southern California-based small animal veterinarian. Packing a pet’s vaccination records, medication, food, and other necessities is much harder when trying to escape a deadly storm. It’s essential to have all these things prepared. Make sure you have at least two weeks' worth of your pet’s prescription medication in case you are forced to stay away from home for an extended period. Remember that veterinary offices may also stay closed because of severe weather, making it impossible to refill prescriptions quickly or obtain your pet’s vaccination or medical records.“Coming out of L.A. fires, we saw a lot of pets that needed medications, and they had no documentation,” making it difficult for veterinarians to refill scripts, explained Cortright. She advises keeping a copy of your pet’s medical and vaccination records digitally and on paper.“Even if it’s just a picture of the records on your phone, that’s enough,” she said, adding that animals may be separated from their families and boarded in separate facilities, for which they’ll need proof of vaccination. If you haven’t microchipped your pet yet, make sure to do so before the hurricane season. Keep your contact information up to date. In case you lose your pet during the storm, a microchip can help reunite you with your four-legged companion.Cortright suggests packing a carrier for each cat and a small dog, and a leash or a harness for medium and large-sized pooches. Pack as much food and water for your pets as you can carry, as well as food and water bowls. If possible, take their bedding and a couple of toys as well. Bring some litter for cats so they have a place to relieve themselves, and waste bags for dogs.Take recent photos of your pets to help with identification in case they get lost, and make sure they have ID tags and collars. Make a plan that includes a pet-friendly place to stay and copies of documentation to ensure all your pets stay safe. “Have extras of things set aside and ready to go,” suggested Cortright. “Just like you would for humans.” No one ever thinks they’ll end up caught in a storm. But planning before the hurricane season starts will make things a lot easier for you and your pet. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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