If you live in Howell or anywhere in Monmouth and Ocean County, ticks are a real and year-round threat to your dog, and New Jersey consistently ranks among the worst states in the country for Lyme disease. Our wooded neighborhoods, tall grass, and mild winters make this prime tick territory. The good news is that tick-borne illness is largely preventable, and a little awareness goes a long way.
Why New Jersey Is a Tick Hotspot
The blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, thrives in the exact environment we have here: wooded edges, leaf litter, brush, and the backyards that border them. These ticks carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, all of which can make your dog seriously ill. And because our winters rarely stay cold enough for long, ticks are active far beyond the summer months. That is why we recommend year-round prevention rather than seasonal.
How to Protect Your Dog
- Year-round tick prevention - a monthly chew or topical, or a longer-acting product, is the single most effective step. We will help you choose what fits your dog. See our preventive care page for how we approach parasite prevention.
- The Lyme vaccine - for many Howell dogs, the Lyme vaccine is worth discussing given how common the disease is here. Ask us whether it makes sense for your dog on our vaccinations page.
- Check for ticks daily - run your hands over your dog after walks, paying attention to ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes.
- Keep your yard tick-unfriendly - mow regularly, clear leaf litter, and keep a barrier between lawn and wooded areas.
How to Safely Remove a Tick
If you find a tick, remove it promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist, and do not use matches, nail polish, or petroleum jelly, which can make things worse. Clean the area afterward, and if you are comfortable, save the tick in a sealed bag in case we need to identify it. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission, so speed matters.
Signs of Lyme Disease to Watch For
Lyme disease can take weeks to months to show symptoms, which is part of what makes it dangerous. Watch for:
- Limping or lameness that seems to shift from leg to leg
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Swollen joints or stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you notice any of these, call us. Lyme is very treatable when caught early, and a simple in-clinic blood test can screen for exposure. Many clinics include this in routine annual bloodwork.
Prevention Is Always Easier Than Treatment
Treating Lyme disease, or worse, the kidney complications it can cause, is far harder on your dog and your wallet than preventing it. A monthly preventive and an annual screening keep the odds firmly in your favor. If you are not sure what your dog is currently protected against, call us at (732) 836-9500 and we will sort it out together.
Have a question about your pet? We are a family-owned practice right here in Howell. Call us at (732) 836-9500 or request an appointment and we will help you figure out the next step.