Summer Tick Prevention Guide for Pet Owners

Summer means longer walks, weekend hikes, camping trips, backyard play, and more time outside with your dog. Unfortunately, those outdoor adventures can also mean more opportunities to encounter ticks.

Use this simple guide to build a more tick-aware summer routine for you and your pet.

1. Know Where Ticks May Be Waiting

Ticks aren't limited to deep forests. Your dog may encounter them much closer to home.

Pay extra attention in:

• Tall grass and brush
• Wooded and leafy areas
• Overgrown trails
• Parks and hiking areas
• Campsites
• Backyards, especially around vegetation and wooded edges

When hiking or walking, staying near the center of maintained trails and avoiding dense vegetation where possible can help reduce contact with ticks.

2. Prepare Before Heading Outside

Before summer adventures, think about your dog's individual level of tick exposure.

Every pet is different—and so is their tick routine. The key is finding options that fit naturally into your pet’s lifestyle and your everyday habits.

• Prefer a low-maintenance routine? Collars, topical spot-on products, or veterinarian-recommended oral medications may be options to consider.
• Looking for a plant-based, low-maintenance option? The Tickless Citronella Collar or Topical Spot-On can easily become part of your pet’s outdoor routine.
• If you don’t mind a little maintenance, Tickless ultrasonic devices offer a chemical-free alternative. Simply attach the device to your pet’s collar or harness and follow the recommended usage instructions.

→ Explore Tickless Solutions

And remember, it doesn’t always have to be one or the other. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and level of tick exposure, different approaches may also be used together as part of a broader tick routine. Talk with your veterinarian about the options that are appropriate for your pet.

3. Make Tick Checks a Summer Habit

Don't wait until you see your dog scratching.

After outdoor activities, run your hands over your dog's body and look for unusual bumps or attached ticks.

Pay particular attention to:

• In and around the ears
• Around the eyes and face
• Under the collar or harness
• Around the neck
• Under the front legs
• Between the toes
• Around the groin
• Around and under the tail

And don't forget yourself. Check your clothing and body after spending time in areas where ticks may be present.

4. Found a Tick? Remove It Promptly

If you find an attached tick on your dog, don't try to burn, smother, or cover it with home remedies.

Use fine-tipped tweezers or an appropriate tick-removal tool. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward using steady, even pressure.

After removal, clean the area and monitor your pet. If you notice unusual symptoms or have concerns following a tick bite, contact your veterinarian.

→ Read our guide: What to Do If You Find a Tick on You or Your Dog

5. Don't Forget Your Own Backyard

Your summer tick routine shouldn't start only when you're packing for a hike.

Keeping grass maintained, removing leaf litter and unnecessary brush, and paying attention to areas where your yard meets wooded or overgrown vegetation can help make your outdoor space less attractive to ticks.

If your dog regularly spends time in the yard, a quick tick check before coming inside is an easy habit to add to your day.

6. Be Prepared When Traveling With Your Pet

Heading to a cabin, campsite, lake, or vacation rental?

Tick species and tick-borne disease risks vary across the United States, so your pet's exposure may change when you travel.

Add a few essentials to your dog's summer travel kit:

✓ Tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers
✓ Your dog's regular outdoor essentials
✓ Collar or harness
✓ Fresh water
✓ Veterinarian contact information
✓ A plan for daily tick checks

Your Summer Tick Checklist

1. Before going outside:
   Know your destination, prepare your pet, and choose the tick-control options appropriate for their lifestyle.
2. During your adventure:
   Avoid dense vegetation and tall grass where practical.
3. When you get home:
   Check your dog—and yourself—for ticks.
4. If you find one:
   Remove it promptly and correctly, and monitor for unusual symptoms.

More Adventures, More Tick Awareness

Summer is made for exploring with your pet. Tick awareness doesn't need to make outdoor adventures complicated—a few consistent habits can become part of your everyday routine.

No single solution can guarantee that your pet will never encounter a tick. Regular tick checks and appropriate veterinary care remain important.

This guide is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice.