Ticks are an increasing concern in Ohio, and these parasites can transmit dangerous diseases to your pet. Our West Vets ER team knows you become concerned about your furry pal’s health when you find a tick attached to them, so we answer your frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ticks and pets.

Question: What tick species live in Ohio?

Answer: About a dozen tick species inhabit Ohio. However, only four tick species pose a severe health risk to your pet:

  • American dog tick — The American dog tick is the most common tick species in Ohio. They prefer grassy areas near roads and paths, particularly next to woody habitats. Adults are brown with light grey mottling on their back. This tick species is most active from mid-April to mid-July. The American dog tick is the primary vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and they also produce toxins in their saliva that can cause tick paralysis.
  • Black-legged tick — The black-legged (i.e., deer) tick usually lives in or near forested areas. The larval stage is extremely tiny and can be difficult to see. The adult female is dark brown with a red or orange lower body. Depending on the temperature, one or more of this species’ life stages can be active during every month, posing a year-round risk to pets. The black-legged tick transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
  • Lone star tick — Lone star ticks most commonly inhabit southern Ohio, and because migratory birds disperse these arachnids, they are active in most Ohio counties. Lone star ticks prefer shady locations along roadsides and grassy meadows. The adult female is brown with a distinct silvery spot on their back. All life stages of this species are active throughout the warm months. The lone star tick transmits ehrlichiosis.
  • Brown dog tick — The brown dog tick is uncommon in Ohio but can establish themselves indoors in kennels and in homes with dogs. The brown dog tick inhabits grassy or bushy areas near homes, kennels, roadsides, and footpaths. The adults are reddish brown with no specific markings. Brown dog ticks transmit RMSF.

Q: Where do ticks commonly attach to pets?

A: A tick can attach anywhere to your pet, but some places are easier for them to reach and other spots are more comfortable. Common attachment sites include:

  • Ears — Your pet’s ears have many crevices and hiding places, making this a perfect spot for a hungry tick.
  • Toes — Your pet’s feet are a convenient location for a tick to attach, and these parasites commonly crawl between the toes to find a meal.
  • Tail — Ticks like dark, moist areas, making the underside of your pet’s tail an ideal attachment spot.
  • Groin — Another dark moist area where ticks like to hide is your pet’s groin region.
  • Armpit — Ticks commonly attach to difficult-to-reach areas such as your pet’s front limb armpits.
  • Under the collar — Ticks can crawl under your pet’s collar and find a dark, warm hiding spot.

Q: What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?

A: Finding a tick on your pet can be upsetting, but reacting appropriately is important to ensuring your pet gets the care they need. To remove a tick safely from your pet, follow these tips:

  • Don’t panic — Stay calm, so you can remove the tick properly.
  • Use tweezers — Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close as possible to the attachment site on your pet’s skin.
  • Firmly pull — Firmly pull the tick in a straight, steady motion. Avoid jerking or twisting the tick.
  • Preserve the tick — Place the tick in alcohol, so you can identify the species.
  • Clean the tick bite — Clean your pet’s wound with antiseptic, clean the tweezers with alcohol, and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Monitor the bite — Monitor the bite wound for infection signs, and seek veterinary care if the area remains swollen or emits a discharge.
  • Identify the tick — Do an online search to determine if the tick species can transmit disease.

Q: Does my pet need veterinary care after I remove a tick?

A: In most cases, a tick must be attached to your pet for at least 24 hours before they can transmit disease, but keep in mind that not every tick carries disease. In addition, if disease transmission occurs, signs can take weeks or months to manifest and are typically nonspecific, including fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, decreased appetite, swollen joints, and shifting limb lameness. If your pet exhibits concerning signs, let your veterinarian know that you removed a tick, providing the date and the tick’s species, so they can determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Q: How can I protect my pet from ticks?

A: Ticks are prevalent, especially during the summer. However, you can help protect your four-legged friend by following these tips:

  • Providing year-round tick prevention — Tick preventive products don’t prevent a tick from biting your pet, but they do prevent them from completing their blood meal, ensuring they can’t transmit disease to your four-legged friend. All pets, including those who live solely indoors, should receive a parasite preventive year-round because ticks can easily find their way into your home. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the most effective parasite prevention product for your pet.
  • Screening your pet for disease — We recommend annual screening for common tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Your family veterinarian will discuss this test during your dog’s annual wellness visit.
  • Checking your pet — Check your pet for ticks thoroughly every day, especially after outings. Run your fingers through their fur, checking for lumps and bumps, and be sure to check the areas we discussed earlier on which ticks commonly attach.
  • Checking yourself — Ticks can also hitch a ride on your clothing. Therefore, check yourself for ticks after being outside.
  • Reducing the tick population in your yard — Use landscaping techniques to help reduce the tick population around your home. Follow these tips:
    • Remove leaf litter.
    • Clear grass and brush around your home and at your lawn’s edges.
    • Mow your lawn frequently.
    • Place a wood chip or gravel barrier between your lawn and wooded areas to help prevent tick migration.
    • Put up a fence to discourage wild animals and stray pets from entering your yard.  

Ticks are an increasing concern in Ohio, and they can transmit life-altering diseases to your pet. To help protect your pet from tick-borne disease, ensure you regularly administer their parasite prevention medicine year-round. If your pet requires emergency care associated with a tick-borne illness or other condition, contact our West Vets ER team.