Whether you’re hiking the trails of Mission Trails Regional Park or just enjoying your backyard, it’s important to understand how to protect your pets from ticks and the diseases they may carry.
Where Do Ticks Lurk in San Diego?
Ticks thrive in mild climates, and San Diego’s year-round warmth provides the perfect environment. You might encounter them in brushy or wooded areas, along hiking trails, in dog parks, in urban canyons, and even in your backyard if wildlife like rabbits, coyotes, or rodents are nearby.
Why Are Ticks a Health Risk for Pets?
Ticks feed by latching onto a host and sucking blood, which can expose pets to diseases such as:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Tick paralysis
These illnesses can lead to symptoms like lethargy, lameness, fever, loss of appetite, and in some cases, more serious complications if left untreated.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Tick
Ticks can be hard to spot, especially on thick-coated pets. Check your pet regularly by gently running your hands over their body and looking closely for:
- Small bumps or dark spots on the skin
- Ticks feeding near the ears, between toes, under collars, and in armpits
- Excessive scratching or biting at one area
Safe Tick Removal: What To Do
If you find a tick, it’s important to remove it properly to reduce the risk of infection or disease transmission. Use a tick removal tool designed to grip the tick at the base without squeezing its body. Tweezers can also be used, but tick tools are safer and more effective.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out slowly and steadily.
- Do not twist, crush, or burn the tick.
- After removal, kill the tick by placing it in isopropyl alcohol or seal it in a plastic bag or container.
Bring your pet and the tick to your veterinarian for tick identification and potential disease testing. Knowing what type of tick bit your pet can help determine what illnesses might be a concern.
Preventing Ticks: Talk to Your Vet About What’s Best
With several types of tick preventatives available, it’s important to choose the one that’s best suited for your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health. Your veterinarian can help you navigate these options to find the most effective and safe protection.
Here’s a quick overview of the common types of tick preventatives and what to consider when discussing them with your vet:
Topical Preventatives (Spot-ons)
- Applied directly to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades
- Often provide broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, and sometimes mosquitoes
- Monthly application is typically required
- May leave an oily residue for 24 hours
- Some products may not be suitable for young pets
Oral Preventatives (Chews)
- Given as a chewable tablet or treat
- Some options offer long-lasting protection for up to three months
- Can be easier for pets who dislike topical treatments
- Kills ticks after they bite, preventing disease transmission
- Not all pets tolerate oral medications equally
Tick Collars
- Provide extended protection (several months in many cases)
- Can repel and kill ticks before they attach
- Require proper fit and contact with skin to work effectively
- May not be ideal for pets with sensitive skin or aversions to wearing collars
No single product fits every pet, so working with your veterinarian ensures your dog or cat receives the most appropriate protection. Consistent use of the right preventative will help reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases and keep your furry companion safe year-round.
Year-Round Vigilance in San Diego
Ticks can remain active throughout the year in San Diego’s mild climate. Whether you are headed to the hills or just spending time at a neighborhood park, check your pet after outings and stay consistent with preventatives.
Here When You Need Us
If your pet develops symptoms after a tick bite such as fever, limping, weakness, or changes in appetite, Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care is here to help. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for same-day urgent care. If it’s after hours, head to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital for immediate care.
