In many ways, Long Island is a dog owner’s dream come true. There are so many fantastic outdoor spaces, like beaches, parks and reservations, that you can share with your pet. The coastal weather is ideal for long walks, and there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and events here. 

However, dog owners on Long Island do have something important to worry about: the area is home to several species of tick. As climate change continues to worsen, ticks are only becoming more prevalent over time. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your dog’s health, and yours too. If you and your dog live on Long Island, keep reading to learn more about the local tick population and how to stay safe.

Why ticks are so dangerous

Ticks can cause many serious diseases in humans, including these 6

1. Lyme disease

2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

3. Ehrlichiosis

4. Tularemia

5. Babesiosis

6. Powassan virus

In addition, ticks can carry a wide variety of harmful diseases to dogs, including these 4:

1. Lyme disease

2. Canine Ehrlichiosis

3. Anaplasma

4. Bartonella

These diseases can often be long-lasting and life-changing for both humans and dogs. Clearly, ticks are a significant health threat that should be taken seriously.

Why flea and tick prevention is so important

Some dog owners opt out of flea, tick or heartworm medication in order to save some money. While these medications are a monthly expense you’ll need to budget for, protecting your dog from parasitic illness is well worth it.

5 Common canine tick preventatives include:

1. Advantix

2. Nexguard

3. Simparica

4. Frontline

5. Bravecto

Talk to your vet about which medication is best for your dog.

Types of ticks that live on Long Island

The three types of ticks most commonly found on Long Island include deer ticks, Lone Star ticks, and American dog ticks. These are found in both Suffolk County and Nassau County, and they are all capable of spreading disease.

1. Deer Ticks: Also known as black-legged ticks, deer ticks are the primary vector for Lyme disease in the Northeastern United States. These ticks are small and reddish-brown, and they can be difficult to spot on humans and animals alike. Deer ticks are typically found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and fatigue.

2. Lone Star Ticks: Named for the white spot on the backs of female ticks, Lone Star ticks are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and suburban areas. These ticks are known to spread a range of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. In addition to disease transmission, Lone Star ticks can also cause a severe allergic reaction to red meat in some individuals.

3. American Dog Ticks: As their name suggests, American dog ticks are commonly found on domestic dogs, but they can also infest other animals and humans. These ticks are typically larger than deer ticks and have a reddish-brown body with white or gray markings. American dog ticks are known to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia, among other diseases. They are often found in grassy areas, along roadsides, and in wooded areas. Regular tick checks and prompt removal can help prevent the transmission of disease.

It's important to note that all three of these tick species are capable of transmitting diseases to both pets and humans, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your animals from tick bites.

Where you can expect to find ticks on Long Island

You should always consider the possibility that ticks are present when you’re outdoors on Long Island. You might find ticks:

• In your backyard

• In the woods

• In grassy fields and meadows

• Near the beach

• In parks and dog parks

How to check your dog for ticks

The CDC recommends that you check your dog for ticks every single day. Rub their skin, pressing to check for lumps. Ticks prefer crevice-like areas of your dog’s body, such as their legs and toes, eyes and ears, and tail.

How to remove ticks from your dog

If you find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it safely. Wear gloves, and use tweezers to grip the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. You should pull the tick out slowly and carefully, so that no part of the tick is left behind in your dog’s body. Carefully disinfect the site on your dog’s skin, and hold onto the tick or take pictures to show your vet.

You can also purchase special tools to help you remove ticks from your dog. These can help you get a better grip on the tick and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Four symptoms of tick disease you should watch out for in dogs

If your dog is suffering from a tick-borne illness, you might notice symptoms like the following:

1. Gastrointestinal problems

2. Lying around more and having trouble moving

3. Seizures

4. Acting like they are in pain

Of course, these symptoms could also be attributed to many other causes. Your vet can run tests to determine whether tick-borne illness is involved.

When you should see a vet about your concerns

If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, they should be seen as soon as possible. If your dog’s behavior or energy levels change, or your dog appears to be in pain, you should contact your vet’s office so that they can gather information and give you advice. If your vet instructs you to come in to the office, don’t wait. Tick-borne illness might cause fewer complications if it’s identified and treated as early as possible. Once a dog has tested positive for certain tick-borne diseases, this diagnosis will always be an important part of their medical records.

Trust your dog to the pros

Don’t trust just anybody to care for your dog. The professionals at Dan’s Pet Care are fully trained and knowledgeable about the threat of ticks on Long Island. They can meet all of your pet care needs, including dog walking, pet sitting, training, and much more. Call Dan’s Pet Care today at (516) 551-1613 and start working with Long Island and Brooklyn’s top pet care service.