Many people associate ticks with the East Coast, but ticks are becoming increasingly common throughout Utah, including areas surrounding Park City.
When is Flea and Tick season in Park City? Late March through mid-July (peak season). May and June are typically the highest-risk months around Park City, Summit County, and other mountain areas after snowmelt. Tick activity often drops significantly during the hot, dry part of July and August, but can increase again in September and October as temperatures cool.
Where are ticks found? Ticks thrive in:
- Brush
- Tall grasses
- Shrubs
- Woodland edges
- Hiking trails
Diseases ticks may transmit. Depending on the species, ticks can spread diseases such as:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Although disease rates vary, prevention is much easier than treatment.
How to check your dog. After every outdoor adventure, check:
- Around the ears
- Under collars
- Neck
- Between toes
- Tail base
- Groin
- Armpits
Ticks often hide in warm, protected areas.
Preventing tick bites. Talk with your veterinarian about year-round parasite prevention that’s appropriate for your pet’s lifestyle.
Monthly preventatives can significantly reduce your dog’s risk of tick-borne diseases.
When to call your veterinarian. Contact us if you notice:
- A tick attached to your pet
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.