Summer in Northern Virginia means longer walks, lush parks, and more outdoor adventures with your pets-but it also means ticks are out in full force. These tiny pests aren’t just a nuisance; they can transmit serious diseases to both pets and people. Here’s how local pet parents can keep their furry family members safe all season long.
Why Ticks Are a Big Deal in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia’s mix of woodlands, grassy fields, and suburban yards creates the perfect habitat for ticks. The most common species here include:
- Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick): Known for spreading Lyme disease.
Deer Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)
American Dog Tick: Carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
American dog Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)
Lone Star Tick: Can transmit ehrlichiosis and cause allergic reactions.
Lone Star Tick at Various Stages of Development (Source: University of Rhode Island https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ticksmart/)
These ticks are active from spring through late fall, but summer is their peak season.
Tickborne Diseases That Threaten Pets and People
For Dogs and Cats:
- Lyme Disease: Causes joint pain, fever, and lethargy in dogs.
- Ehrlichiosis: Leads to fever, weight loss, and bleeding disorders.
- Anaplasmosis: Similar symptoms to Lyme, including joint pain and fever.
- Cytauxzoonosis (cats): A rare but deadly disease in cats, more common in the South but possible in our area.
For Humans:
- Lyme Disease: The most common tickborne illness in our region.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Can be severe if not treated promptly.
- Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis: Also pose risks to people.
Top Tick Prevention Tips for Northern Virginia Pet Owners
1. Use Vet-Recommended Preventatives
Talk to your veterinarian about monthly oral or topical tick preventatives for dogs and cats. These products are your best line of defense.
2. Perform Daily Tick Checks
After every walk, thoroughly check your pet-especially around the ears, neck, armpits, between toes, and under the tail. Ticks like to hide in warm, protected spots.
3. Keep Your Yard Tick-Safe
- Mow grass regularly and trim back shrubs.
- Remove leaf litter and brush piles.
- Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
4. Stick to the Path
When hiking or walking, keep pets on trails and avoid tall grasses or dense brush where ticks are most common.
5. Dress for Success
If you’re venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.
6. Know How to Remove a Tick
If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out. Clean the area with antiseptic and save the tick in a sealed container in case your vet needs to identify it. Here’s a great video on tick removal.
We have this tool in our walk kits for removing ticks if dogs pick one up on a walk. We’ve found it really easy to use and effective.
7. Monitor for Symptoms
Watch for signs of tickborne illness in your pets: fever, loss of appetite, limping, or unusual lethargy. Contact your vet if you notice anything off.
Local Risks: What Northern Virginia Pet Parents Should Know
- High-Risk Areas: Wooded parks, the Appalachian Trail, and even suburban yards near natural areas can harbor ticks.
- Year-Round Threat: While summer is peak season, mild winters mean ticks can be active almost any time.
- Community Spread: Dogs can bring ticks into the home, putting people and indoor pets at risk.
Waggin’ Tails’ Commitment to Pet Safety
At Waggin’ Tails, our team is trained to spot ticks and other hazards during every walk or yard visit. We use pet-safe cleaning protocols and can report any tick findings directly to you. If you need help with mid-day checks, yard cleanups, or just want an extra set of eyes on your pet’s health, we’re here for you-serving Loudoun, Frederick, Clarke, and surrounding counties.
Enjoy the summer safely! With a few simple steps, you and your pets can make the most of the season-tick-free.
For more local pet care tips and to book a walk or yard cleanup, visit WagginTails.net.