How to Keep Ticks Off Dogs in Pennsylvania| Longwood Veterinary Center

Vet-Recommended Tick Prevention Tips for Pennsylvania Dog Owners

Tick season in Pennsylvania isn’t just a season. It’s a year-round threat with a big peak in the warmer months. If you’ve ever pulled one of those creepy little hitchhikers off your pup, you know just how unsettling it can be. Worse, ticks carry diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis that can seriously impact your dog’s health.

So how do you keep ticks off your dog without losing your mind, or your love of hiking trails? We’ve got answers, straight from your trusted Longwood Veterinary Center team.

Why Are Ticks Such a Problem in Pennsylvania?

Ticks love wooded areas, tall grasses, and even your backyard. Thanks to our state’s dense tree cover and wildlife population, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for reported cases of Lyme disease in dogs.

And while you may think ticks go dormant in winter, many species are active even when it’s cold, especially during mild or rainy spells.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Ticks?

Sometimes you’ll feel or see them. Ticks usually appear as small dark bumps, especially around your dog’s ears, neck, or between toes, but they can also be sneaky.

Here are some signs to watch for:

Unusual scratching or biting at one spot
Small, hard lumps on the skin
Lethargy or loss of appetite (if a disease is transmitted)

Even with regular checks, prevention is key. Once a tick latches on, it can transmit disease within 24 to 48 hours.

Top Ways to Keep Ticks Off Your Dog

We recommend combining a few strategies to keep your dog protected:

1. Use Vet-Approved Tick Preventatives

From chewables to collars to topical treatments, there’s no shortage of products—but not all are created equal. We can help you choose a safe, effective tick prevention that fits your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.

Pro tip: Don’t rely on over-the-counter options alone. Some store-bought brands aren’t as effective or as safe as you’d think.

2. Check for Ticks Daily

Especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas. Run your hands along your dog’s body, checking warm, hidden spots like:

Ears
Under the collar
Armpits and groin
Between toes

The sooner you remove a tick, the lower the chance of disease.

3. Keep Your Yard Tidy

Trim tall grasses, clear brush, and create a barrier of mulch or gravel between wooded areas and your lawn. You can also consider pet-safe yard sprays or tick tubes.

4. Stay on Trails

When hiking or walking in parks, keep your dog on a leash and stay in the center of the trail. Avoid letting them roam through tall grasses or leaf litter where ticks love to lurk.

5. Ask About the Lyme Vaccine

Some dogs, especially those in tick-heavy areas like ours, may benefit from the Lyme disease vaccine. It’s not right for every pup, but we’re happy to discuss whether it’s a good fit for yours.

Found a Tick? Here’s What to Do

If you find a tick on your dog:

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady pressure (no twisting!).
Clean the area with soap and water.
Save the tick in a sealed bag or container (in case testing is needed).
Watch your dog for symptoms over the next few weeks and call us if anything seems off.

Don’t Let Ticks Take the Fun Out of Outdoor Time

The good news? You don’t have to choose between outdoor adventures and keeping your dog safe. With a smart prevention plan and a little help from your veterinary team, your pup can enjoy everything Pennsylvania has to offer, tick-free.