How to Protect Your Family and Pets from Ticks
Warmer weather means more time outside. Walks in the neighborhood, hikes on local trails, and afternoons at the park are some of the best parts of spring and summer. It also means tick season is here.
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood. They live in grassy areas, wooded spaces, and even in well-kept backyards. Because they are so small, many people do not notice a tick until it's already attached to the skin.
While a tick bite may seem minor, ticks can carry diseases that affect both people and pets. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your whole family so you can enjoy the outdoors with more peace of mind.
Why Tick Bites Matter
Several illnesses in the United States are spread through tick bites. One of the most common is Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria carried by blacklegged ticks. Other tick-borne illnesses include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and rashes. In more serious cases, these infections can affect the heart, joints, or nervous system if not treated.
Pets are also at risk. Dogs can develop Lyme disease and other infections from tick bites. Ticks can also travel on your pet’s fur and make their way into your home.
“As more families spend time outdoors during warmer months, it is important to take simple steps to prevent tick bites,” said Isaiah Ho MD, PIH Health primary care physician. “Early prevention and regular checks can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses.”
Where Ticks Are Commonly Found
Ticks thrive in environments where they can easily attach to people or animals. Common areas include:
- Tall grass and weeds
- Leaf piles and brush
- Wooded trails
- Edges of hiking paths
- Backyards with dense landscaping
Staying aware of your surroundings is one of the first steps in reducing your risk.
Simple Ways to Prevent Tick Bites
You can still enjoy outdoor activities while lowering your risk. These tips can help protect your family and pets:
- Dress for protection: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when possible. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
- Use insect repellent: Choose repellents with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Always follow label instructions, especially for children.
- Stay on clear paths: Avoid walking through tall grass, brush, or wooded areas when possible. Encourage children to stay on trails.
- Check for ticks after being outside: Inspect your body and your children carefully. Pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, behind the knees, and around the waist.
- Shower after outdoor activity: Showering within a couple of hours can help remove ticks that are not attached to the skin. It also gives you time to check your skin more thoroughly.
How to Protect Your Dog from Ticks
Dogs are especially vulnerable because they spend time in grass and brush. Protect your pet by:
- Using veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products
- Checking your dog for ticks after walks
- Keeping your pet groomed
- Washing pet bedding regularly
Talk to your veterinarian about the best prevention plan for your dog.
Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Ticks
Your home environment can also play a role in tick prevention. To reduce tick activity:
- Mow your lawn regularly
- Remove leaf litter and yard debris
- Trim overgrown shrubs and grass
- Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
These steps can help limit the spaces where ticks like to live.
What to Do if You Find a Tick
If you find a tick attached to the skin, remove it as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick.
After removal, clean the area with soap and water. Over the next few weeks, watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, or flu-like illness. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
If you experience symptoms after a tick bite or have concerns about your health, it is important to seek care promptly. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider at PIHHealth.org/Appointments or visit a local Urgent Care center for timely evaluation and treatment.
