Close-up of a hand holding a tick while a dog lays in grass in the background

Health & Wellness

Tick season is getting longer & more dangerous. Here’s what you need to know.

A record-breaking tick season is making thorough preventive care more important than ever

Dr. Aliya McCullough

July 31, 2025

minute read

How tick season is changing — and why it matters

Ticks aren’t just a minor summertime concern anymore. Tick season now lasts longer than it used to and many tick species are gaining a foothold in areas they weren’t previously found. New analysis from SUNY Upstate Medical University suggests this may be the worst tick season yet — and this worrisome trend doesn’t show signs of abating. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) predicts that tickborne diseases in the United States will continue to increase and new regions will be affected thanks to factors like suburban sprawl, wildlife migration and climate change. Additionally, worsening tick seasons aren’t only an issue for the outdoorsy. According to the CDC, ticks are now commonly encountered in backyards and residential neighborhoods.

Ticks are far more than just an annoyance, they can pose serious health risks for humans and pets alike. Lyme disease is the most well-known tickborne illness — but there are several others, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, that are also on the rise because of the surge in the tick population.

How to protect your pet from ticks

You can minimize your pet's chances of contracting a disease carried by ticks with these prevention tactics:

Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention treatments year-round (think: tick collars, spot-on treatments and oral medications)
Check your pets (and yourself) for ticks after every outdoor activity
Make your yard unwelcoming for ticks by keeping grass mowed and clearing away brush
Routinely test your pet for tickborne diseases during wellness visits
Ask your vet whether the Lyme disease vaccination is right for your pet

Staying informed about tick outbreaks

By understanding the connections between preventive behaviors and pet health and following your vet’s personalized care advice, you can help reduce the risk of harmful tickborne diseases. Tick control strategies aren't just about protecting your pet — they're about safeguarding your family and community.

Monitor for tick diseases in your area by visiting Pet Disease Alerts.

Need add-on preventive care coverage for routine tickborne illness testing and prevention? Check out Fetch wellness plan options at fetchpet.com.

The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.

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