Understanding Ticks and Why They Matter

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Beyond being a nuisance, they can transmit serious — and sometimes fatal — diseases. Your best defense is education: knowing what ticks look like, where they live, how to check for them, how to remove them, and how to prevent them.

Types of Ticks & How Dogs Pick Them Up

There are at least 15 species of ticks in the United States. Some of the most common include:

• American Dog Tick

• Brown Dog Tick

• Lone Star Tick

• Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick)

Tick species vary by region, so it’s wise to ask your veterinarian which types are most common in your area.

Where Ticks Live

Ticks thrive in:

• Tall grasses

• Shrubs

• Wooded areas

• Leaf litter

• Overgrown yards

They don’t jump or fly — they crawl. Ticks wait on vegetation and climb onto a host as it brushes past.

A surprising fact: some ticks remain active during winter if ground temperatures reach 32°F.

Tick‑Borne Diseases in Dogs

Ticks can transmit several dangerous illnesses, but only through a direct bite. Common tick‑borne diseases include:

• Lyme Disease

• Canine Ehrlichiosis

• Anaplasmosis

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Babesiosis

• Bartonella

• Hepatozoonosis

These diseases can be serious, but early detection dramatically improves outcomes.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms may not appear immediately after a tick bite. Monitor your dog closely for:

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Joint swelling

• Lameness or lethargy

• Diarrhea

• Muscle pain

• Limb swelling

• Seizures

• Fatigue

• Eye or nose discharge

• Weight loss

If your dog shows any unusual symptoms — especially after a tick exposure — contact your veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis is key.

How to Search Your Dog for Ticks

Ticks can be difficult to spot, especially on long‑coated breeds like Golden Retrievers. A thorough, systematic check is essential.

Where to Look

Start at the head and work your way down:

• Head, muzzle, and neck

• Inside ears and around the mouth

• Chest and shoulders

• Front legs, paws, and between toes

• Belly and groin

• Back, tail, and hind legs

Use both your eyes and your fingertips to feel for small bumps.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible.

Best Removal Method

Use:

• Fine‑tipped tweezers, or

• A tick‑removal tool

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, near the head or mouthparts. Gently twist and pull upward until the tick releases.

Important Tips

• Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, especially if it’s engorged.

• Remove the tick intact, including the head.

• If you’re unsure whether you removed it completely, contact your veterinarian.

A tick‑removal tool is a great addition to your dog’s first‑aid kit.

Tick Prevention Methods

Prevention should always be your first line of defense.

Veterinary‑Approved Preventatives

Consult your veterinarian to choose the right product for your dog. At Oak Bluff Golden Retrievers, we use:

• Simparica Trio — a monthly chewable that protects against ticks, fleas, mites, and heartworm

• Frontline — a topical option used for pregnant dogs or those planning to breed

Other effective preventatives exist; your veterinarian can help you select the best option.

Additional Prevention Tips

• Use natural sprays or tick collars as secondary protection.

• Keep grass trimmed and yard areas maintained.

• Check your dog daily during spring and early summer.

• Always inspect after hikes, walks, or time in wooded or grassy areas.

• Set reminders for monthly preventatives — a calendar or phone alert works well.

Conclusion

Ticks are a part of life — but with knowledge, prevention, and consistent checks, you can dramatically reduce your dog’s risk of tick‑borne illness.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay proactive.

Your dog depends on you to keep them safe so you can continue enjoying the adventures you love together.

Happy spring!