This year, after a mild winter, tick populations are already thriving. At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery, we have seen a significant “uptick” (pun intended) in tick exposure in both town and rural pets. One recent case was particularly eye-opening: a client pulled 169 ticks off their Great Pyrenees farm dog. Cases like this are alarming!
Why Are Ticks Such a Concern?
Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can transmit serious diseases to both pets and people. In our region, ticks may carry illnesses such as:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Some pets show only mild symptoms at first, while others can develop fever, joint pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, or even life-threatening complications.
Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, they are still at risk. Ticks can hitch rides into homes on people, clothing, or other animals. Cats, dogs, and even humans can be exposed without realizing it.
Mild Winters Mean More Parasites
Cold winters naturally reduce some parasite populations. When winters are milder, more ticks survive and become active earlier in the season. That means we are seeing longer parasite seasons and heavier infestations.
The same pattern applies to fleas and some intestinal parasites as well. Parasites are no longer just a “summer problem.” In many areas, they are a year-round concern.
Year-Round Prevention Is the Best Protection
The good news is that parasite prevention has become safer, easier, and more effective than ever. Consistent year-round prevention helps:
- Prevent tick attachment and feeding
- Reduce the risk of disease transmission
- Protect your family from parasites brought into the home
- Prevent flea infestations before they begin
- Control intestinal parasites that may affect both pets and humans
Stopping prevention during the winter months often creates gaps in protection that allow parasites to rebound quickly once temperatures rise.
Every Pet’s Lifestyle Is Different
Farm dogs, hiking companions, hunting dogs, and pets who spend time in tall grass or wooded areas are at especially high risk. However, we routinely find ticks on pets who only go into backyards or neighborhood parks.
At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery, we help tailor parasite prevention plans to each pet’s lifestyle, age, and health needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and our team can help determine the safest and most effective options for your pet.
What You Can Do Right Now
As we move deeper into tick season, we recommend:
- Keeping pets on consistent year-round parasite prevention
- Checking pets daily for ticks after outdoor activity
- Avoiding tall grass and brush when possible
- Contacting PAWS if you notice lethargy, fever, limping, or decreased appetite after tick exposure
Parasites are a reality of living in our beautiful rural region, but prevention goes a long way in keeping pets healthy and comfortable.
If you have questions about tick prevention or would like to discuss the best parasite control plan for your pet, our team at Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery is always happy to help.
Dr. Katherine Miller, DVM
Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery
