Caution: This Summer’s Rise in Ticks Could Put Your Pet’s Health at Risk
July 21, 2025 • Apartments • Health & Wellness
Photo Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society shares tips to keep these dangerous insects away from dogs and cats
With the arrival of summer and rising temperatures, experts are issuing an urgent warning: tick activity has increased significantly, putting the health of dogs and cats at risk.
Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters, is sharing some practical tips to help keep pets safe from these unwanted critters.
Ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and more. Prevention and early detection are key to avoiding life-threatening consequences for our four-legged companions.
Key tips to protect your pet this summer:
- Use veterinary-recommended preventives. Oral or topical prescription medications are the best defense line.
- Do daily tick checks. After walks or outdoor time, carefully inspect a pet’s body—especially their ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes.
- Avoid high-risk areas. Keep your dog on trails during walks and away from tall grass and dense vegetation.
- Make your yard safer. Mow the lawn regularly, remove leaf litter, and create a buffer zone between vegetation and pets' play areas.
- Talk to your vet about vaccination. In areas where Lyme disease is common, the vaccine can provide an important layer of protection.
If a pet owner suspects their dog or cat has been bitten by a tick, they should contact a veterinarian if they notice any of these signs:
- Lethargy or low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Limping or joint pain
- Fever or swelling
"Many people don’t realize that ticks are active from spring through late fall, and this summer we’re already seeing an unusual uptick,” said Becca Boronat, National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian, Best Friends Animal Society. “Just one bite can have serious consequences if not addressed quickly.”
Take action today. Talk to your veterinarian about the best prevention plan and keep your pet safe this season.
For additional information, visit bestfriends.org.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America's shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,000 shelters and rescue organizations. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also operate the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and make it accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. We believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And we believe that, by working together, we can Save Them All®.
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