As summer continues and we push into early July the risk of ticks is ever increasing. Right now we are in the middle peak tick seasons, which should serve as a reminder to make sure your pets are protected.

Many areas around the country have reported higher than normal tick population and if you aren‘t treating your pets you should start soon. Dr. Joe Debrota with the Humane Society of Indianapolis says there are multiple diseases that can be carried by ticks, all of which are easily preventable.

Dr. Debrota says there are plenty of options out there whether it’s a monthly ointment, a pill, or a flea/tick collar that will keep your animals safe. The way most medications work is that ticks will still bite your dog but then die and fall off within a day or so. He highly suggests that you talk to your vet before choosing a treatment for your pet as the incorrect treatment can result in sometimes deadly side effects like seizures and muscle tremors.

Ticks tend to live in tall grass and wooded areas but can be commonly found in your yard if your property pushes up against wooded areas or you let your grass get too long. If you and your dog are regularly in heavily wooded areas or around tall grass there are also Lyme disease vaccine shots you can get at the vet.

Debrota also says that anyone with indoor/outdoor cats should consider treating them too. Cats have less chance of picking up diseases from ticks but the same medications also protect from other bugs.

The other summer pest that can pose a threat to your dog is mosquitos but as long as your animal is up to date on heartworm protection and medication then your pet will be fine.