Ticks are common in Pennsylvania and can carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and other illnesses. Protecting your pet from ticks helps protect your household too.

We recommend year-round tick prevention, checking your pet after time outdoors and yearly tick disease testing for dogs. Our team can help you pick the right product.

How to Check Your Pet for Ticks

Even with prevention, it's smart to check your pet after walks, hikes or time in tall grass. Ticks like warm, hidden spots, so run your hands slowly over your pet's body and look closely at these areas:

  • Inside and around the ears
  • Around the eyes, face and neck
  • Under the collar and in the armpits
  • Between the toes and paw pads
  • Around the tail and groin

A tick may feel like a small bump. If you find one, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure. Avoid squeezing, burning or twisting it. Clean the area and watch it for redness or swelling. If you're unsure, our team can help.

Choosing the Right Tick Prevention for Your Pet

Tick preventives come in several forms, including chewable tablets, topical treatments and collars. Some also protect against fleas and other parasites. The best choice depends on your pet's species, age, weight, health history and lifestyle, as well as how easy each form is for your family to give.

Cats need special care, because some dog tick products are toxic to cats. Never use a dog product on a cat, and always check the label for the correct weight range. Your vet can recommend a safe, effective option and explain how often to give it. Our on-site pharmacy and online pharmacy make it easy to stay on schedule all year.

Questions about Tick Control?

Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.

Tick Control: Frequently Asked Questions

Do pets need tick prevention in winter?
Yes. Some ticks stay active on mild winter days, even when temperatures are just above freezing. Year-round prevention is usually recommended in Pennsylvania so your pet is never left unprotected during a warm spell.
Do indoor cats need tick prevention?
Indoor cats have a lower risk, but ticks can still come inside on people, dogs or clothing. Your vet can help you decide whether prevention makes sense based on your cat's habits and the other pets in your home.
What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?
Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool, pulling straight out close to the skin. Clean the spot and watch for redness, swelling, fever, limping or low energy over the next few weeks, and call us if you notice any changes.
Can my pet still get a tick while on prevention?
You may still see a tick on your pet occasionally, since many products work by killing ticks after they attach. Prevention greatly lowers the risk of disease, which is why consistent use and regular tick checks work best together.

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