What to Do About Early Summer Tick Surges in Michigan Suburbs

Ticks are absolutely everywhere in the sticky, sweaty Michigan summer, even in the suburbs. If you have grass, trees, or piles of anything in your yard, you can safely assume that ticks are nearby. 

The good news is that there’s plenty pet parents can do to help keep dogs safe from ticks in the Michigan suburbs and beyond. Here’s what the team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates wants you to know about dealing with summer tick season. 

How the Detroit Tick Season Affects Pets 

Unfortunately for the good people of Detroit and other Michigan suburbs, tick season extends from late spring through late summer. And the types of ticks we get include blacklegged ticks and American dog ticks. 

These ticks can cause a range of diseases, from Lyme disease, which can cause joint swelling, limping, and fever in dogs, to anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, which can cause bleeding disorders and appetite loss. 

This is why it’s so important to help avoid tick risks for pets in Michigan. You don’t want these diseases in your pet’s life. We promise! And there’s an easy way to prevent them, too, meaning you won’t have to even worry about these diseases impacting your pet’s health. 

Tick Prevention for Cats and Dogs in Michigan Suburbs 

Preventing tick exposure for dogs and cats in Michigan involves a combination of preventive medication, routine tick checks, and managing the outdoor environment. 

Here’s what we recommend: 

• Use year-round tick prevention—and stick to it. Monthly oral or topical tick preventives kill ticks that get on your dog or cat’s skin before they can transmit any diseases. But they work best with consistent use, so try setting reminders in your phone to make sure you give every dose consistently.
• Check your pet for ticks every day. Make a tick check part of your summer routine. Focus on your pet’s ears, neck, collar area, toes, and tail, as these are some of ticks’ favorite places to hide. 
• Stay on top of yard maintenance. Cut grass every week or so, get rid of any piles of leaves, and keep shrubs trimmed. The fewer places ticks have to hide, the better. 
• Bathe your pet and groom him regularly. Regular brushing and grooming help you spot ticks more easily, and it also helps remove any ticks you may have missed.

By taking these simple yet powerful steps, you can drastically reduce your dog or cat’s risk of contracting tick-borne diseases. 

If you’re concerned your pet has already been exposed, or you need to start prescription tick preventives, reach out to the caring team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates. We can help keep your pet tick-free this summer! Call us at (248) 646-5655 to schedule an appointment today.