Does your dog love running through grass, woods, and bushes? That’s great for their joy… and also great for ticks. In New Hampshire and the rest of New England, tick season gets busy in spring and stays strong through summer. This simple guide will help you keep your dog safe while you both still have fun outside.
When is tick season?
Ticks like warm, damp weather. In New Hampshire, they are most active in late spring and early summer. Experts say May, June, and July are big months for tick bites in people and pets.
That means right now is the time to be careful, not later in the year.
Step 1: Use tick medicine from your vet
The best way to protect your dog is to use a tick medicine your vet recommends.
Your vet may suggest:
A chewable pill that your dog eats.
A liquid medicine that goes on the skin, usually on the neck.
A special collar made to keep away ticks and fleas.
Always talk to your vet first. They can tell you:
Which product is safe for your dog.
How often to give it.
What to watch for after you start.
Do not use bug spray made for people or home mixes on your dog unless your vet says it is safe.
Step 2: Do a quick tick check every day
Even with medicine, you should still check your dog for ticks once a day in tick season. Many tick germs need the tick to stay attached for a day or longer, so finding them fast really helps.
You can make this part of your cuddle time:
Run your hands slowly over your dog’s whole body.
Feel for tiny hard bumps that were not there before.
Look closely in common tick spots:
Ears and under the collar
Around the eyes and mouth
Under the front legs and between the back legs
Between the toes
Around the tail and belly
If you went on a hike or walked through tall grass, do an extra check as soon as you get home.
Step 3: How to remove a tick safely
If you find a tick, don’t panic. Here is a simple way to take it off.
Get tools
Use fine‑tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool if you have one.Grab close to the skin
Part the fur. Hold the tick as close to your dog’s skin as you can. Try to grab the head, not the big body.Pull straight out
Slowly pull straight up with steady pressure. Do not twist, crush, or yank.Clean the bite
Wash the bite area with soap and water or a pet‑safe cleaner.Save or throw away the tick
You can put the tick in a plastic bag in case your vet wants to see it, or you can seal it in tape or flush it down the toilet.
Do not try to burn the tick or cover it with nail polish or oil. These tricks can make things worse.
Call your vet if you are not sure the whole tick came out.
Step 4: Make walks and your yard safer
You can still enjoy outside time. Just make a few smart changes.
On walks:
Use clear paths when you can. Try not to walk through tall grass and thick bushes.
When you get home, check your dog and yourself before you sit on the couch or bed.
In your yard:
Keep the grass short.
Rake up leaves and brush piles where ticks like to hide.
If your yard touches woods, add a border of gravel or wood chips between the woods and the lawn.
Talk to a pro if you want to use yard sprays so you know they are safe for pets and kids.
Step 5: When to call the vet
Most tick bites do not make dogs very sick. But it is good to know when to get help.
Call your vet if:
A tick was on your dog for a long time or looks very big.
You think part of the tick is still stuck in the skin.
Your dog seems different after a tick bite, like:
Not wanting to eat
Acting tired or weak
Having a fever
Limping, especially if the limp seems to move from leg to leg
In places like New England, many vets also check dogs yearly for tick diseases and may talk about a Lyme vaccine.
A simple plan for a happy, safe summer
You don’t have to stay inside to avoid ticks. A few small habits can make a big difference:
Give tick medicine on time.
Do a quick daily check with extra love and belly rubs.
Keep walks and yards as tick‑unfriendly as you can.
This way, your dog can still chase balls, sniff every tree, and enjoy summer, while you feel better knowing you have a plan.
