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The Great Outdoors (and the Tiny Hitchhikers): A Dog Owner’s Guide to Tick Season

The sun is staying out longer, the trails are calling, and your dog’s tail is already wagging at the mere mention of the word "walk." Spring and summer are arguably the best times to be a dog—and a dog owner. But as the grass grows taller, some uninvited guests are waking up and looking for a ride: ticks.

While the thought of these tiny arachnids might make your skin crawl, tick season doesn't have to ruin your outdoor adventures. With a little bit of prep and a keen eye, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and pest-free.

Why the Fuss About Ticks?

Ticks aren't just a nuisance; they are expert hitchhikers that can carry a variety of illnesses. From Lyme disease to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, these tiny pests pack a punch. Because dogs love to sniff exactly where ticks hide—underbrush, tall grass, and leaf piles—they are often the first ones to bring them home.

5 Tips for a Tick-Free Tail-Wagger

• Choose Your Path Wisely: Ticks love "edge habitats"—the spots where the lawn meets the woods. When hiking, try to stay in the center of the trail and avoid letting your dog dive headfirst into deep, unmanaged brush.
• The "Paws-to-Tail" Daily Check: Make it a ritual! After every walk, run your hands over your dog’s body. Feel for small bumps, especially in these "hot spots":
  • Inside and behind the ears
  • Under the collar
  • Between the toes
  • The armpits and groin area
• Consult Your Vet: Whether it’s a monthly chewable, a topical spot-on, or a specialized collar, your vet is your best resource for preventative medicine. What works for a Chihuahua in the city might be different for a Husky in the mountains.
• Keep the Jungle at Bay: If you have a backyard, keeping the grass mowed short and removing piles of old leaves can significantly reduce the tick population in your immediate "splash zone."
• Know the Removal Basics: If you find a tick, don't panic! Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Adventurous

The most important thing to remember is that prevention is much easier than treatment. If your dog seems unusually lethargic, loses their appetite, or develops a limp after a tick encounter, give your vet a call just to be safe.

Don't let the "creepy-crawlies" keep you indoors. By staying proactive, you’re ensuring that the only things your dog brings back from the woods are great memories (and maybe a very muddy stick).

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
• Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
• Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.

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