Let Our Jacksonville Veterinarian Help Keep Your Pet Safe from Tick-Borne Diseases

As temperatures rise and we start spending more time outdoors, tick season kicks into high gear. These tiny parasites might be small, but they can cause big problems for pets and their families. From skin irritation to serious diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, ticks are more than just a nuisance—they’re a real threat to your pet’s health.

Why Ticks Are Dangerous

Ticks attach themselves to your pet’s skin and feed on their blood. In the process, they can transmit harmful bacteria and viruses. Some of the most common tick-borne illnesses in pets include:

• Lyme disease – Can lead to joint pain, fever, and fatigue.
  
• Ehrlichiosis – Affects white blood cells and can cause bleeding disorders.
  
• Anaplasmosis – Leads to lameness, lethargy, and fever.
  
• Babesiosis – Can cause anemia and organ damage.

These conditions can be difficult to detect early and may require long-term treatment if not addressed promptly by our Jacksonville veterinarian.

When Is Tick Season?

Tick season typically begins in the spring and lasts through the fall, with peaks in warmer and more humid months. However, in some regions, ticks can be active year-round. If your pet spends time outdoors—especially in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas—they’re at risk of tick exposure.

How to Protect Your Pet

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your furry friend safe:

1. Use Preventive Medications

The best defense is a good offense. Talk to our Jacksonville veterinarian about tick prevention options such as:

• Oral or topical medications
  
• Tick collars
  
• Long-acting injectables (for some dogs)

These preventives not only repel ticks but often kill them before they have a chance to transmit disease.

2. Perform Regular Tick Checks

After outdoor activities, inspect your pet—especially around the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and in armpits. Ticks like to hide in warm, hidden areas.

3. Keep Your Yard Tidy

Clear tall grasses, brush, and leaf litter where ticks thrive. Consider creating tick-safe zones with gravel or mulch and keeping your lawn trimmed.

4. Avoid High-Risk Areas

When hiking or walking, stick to trails and avoid letting your pet roam through heavy vegetation.

5. Know the Signs of Tick-Borne Illness

If your pet is showing signs of fatigue, loss of appetite, lameness, or fever, call your vet. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to recovery.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick on your pet, don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out steadily—no twisting or squeezing. Clean the area with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable removing the tick, we’re happy to help.

Need Help with Tick Prevention?

We’re here to help you navigate tick season with confidence. If you’d like to discuss the best preventive options for your pet or have questions about tick-related concerns, give us a call at (904) 731-5341 to schedule an appointment with our Jacksonville veterinarian. Let’s keep your pets happy, healthy, and tick-free all season long!