Protect Your Pets From Deadly Tick-Borne Diseases This Summer

Protect Your Pets From Deadly Tick-Borne Diseases This Summer: A Step-by-Step Guide

As summer approaches and outdoor adventures become more frequent, pet owners must be vigilant about one significant danger—tick-borne diseases. Ticks are more than just pesky parasites; they are carriers of dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, all of which can seriously impact your pet’s health.

Fortunately, with proactive measures and regular care, you can shield your furry companions from these threats. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting your pets from deadly tick-borne diseases this summer.

Step 1: Understand the Threat

Before jumping into prevention, it’s important to understand what you’re protecting your pet from.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Pets:

Lyme disease – causes joint pain, fever, and lethargy.
Ehrlichiosis – affects white blood cells, causing weakness and weight loss.
Anaplasmosis – leads to bleeding disorders and neurological issues.
Babesiosis – attacks red blood cells, causing anemia.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – can be life-threatening, with symptoms like high fever, muscle pain, and skin rashes.

Ticks are most active in warm, humid weather—making summer the peak season for transmission.

Step 2: Inspect Your Pet Daily

Regular tick checks are the most basic but essential method to prevent disease.

How to Check:

Run your fingers slowly over your pet’s entire body.
Focus on warm, hidden areas: behind ears, around the neck, under legs, between toes, and under collars.
Use a fine-tooth comb or a lint roller to help detect small ticks.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly using tweezers or a tick-removal tool (never with bare hands).