Our pets are family, and like family we do all we can to keep them happy and healthy. However, one bite from a tick can lead to illness or in some cases death, making pet friendly tick control all that much more important to protect our furry friends.

Awareness is always key to preventing tick-borne illnesses. According a CDC fact sheet (PDF): "Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick."

Four Steps Decide on Pet-Friendly Tick Control

Step 1: Consult your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian knows your pet and the local environment better then anyone. They will be able to give you the best recommendations on how to protect your dog from dangerous diseases ticks carry.

Here are a few questions to ask:

• What tick-borne illnesses are common in the local environment? Is my pet at risk?
• What are the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses?
• What is the best pet-friendly tick control, specifically for dogs?
• Can I safely use tick treatments with other things, like flea meds?
• If one finds a tick on dogs, what should I do?
• Would you recommend any tick medication or Lyme Disease vaccine?

Step 2: Setup Fencing Around Your Yard

Ticks prefer to be around the perimeter of the yard in shaded areas, tall grass and wooded areas under leaf litter and brush. If your pet roams free around your home, it is likely that they will bring ticks closer to the home and even indoors.

A little tick prevention can go a log way to protect our four-legged friends, and children. Pet owners can setup fencing around the perimeter of the manicured part of your yard to prevent your pets from venturing into tick habitat.

Step 3: Perform Daily Tick Checks

If you go for a walk or hike near wooded or grassy areas, you and your pets may pick up ticks. Before heading inside, check your pet for ticks by brushing your fingers through their fur.

Feel for any small bumps on their skin, paying special attention to check for ticks in the area between your dog's toes, behind ears, under armpits, around the tail and around the head. Don't forget to perform a tick check on yourself, and the entire family, after spending time in tick-friendly habitats.

Step 4: Treat Your Property with An Organic Tick Control Solution

Even though you may be thorough checking for ticks on your pets, these dangerous pests can be easy to miss. Nymphal-stage deer ticks are the size of a poppy seed, and they can be very difficult to detect. Deer ticks are active from early spring through late fall. Some ticks can even be active during the winter months as long as temperatures are above freezing, so be vigilant, and perform tick checks daily on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.

Pet parents can protect their dogs without harmful chemicals. Our organic pest control tick sprays provide an extra layer of protection in the places your pet spends the most time - around your home. Consider natural tick control treatments, and other safe, effective yard care products free from toxic ingredients, that are safer for your family, your pets and the environment.

If you find a tick on your pet, consider bringing your dog to a veterinary clinic where they can remove the tick safely and show you how it’s done. Ticks should be removed promptly to avoid infection! Click here for a free tick identification card, to help you identify the life-stage and species.

Click the button below with any questions, for more information or a quote from one of our offices across New England that provides lawn tick control near you: