Protecting Your Pet from Ticks in Urban Environments

While many dog owners are rightly vigilant about ticks when they’re out in wild environments, they may not be as concerned when they take their pet for a walk in an urban area. However, these days, the threat of tick-borne illness in urban areas is just as prevalent as in wild forests—perhaps even more so. Bringing tick awareness closer to home is a solid approach that will protect both your pet and you from tick-borne illnesses.

Ticks are a common concern among our patient group at Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic, so as part of our commitment to patient education and prevention, we offer the following guide to tick-borne illnesses for pet owners in Colorado. With a little information and awareness, you can help your pet and your family avoid these uncommon but potentially serious diseases.

Why Are Tick-Borne Illnesses More Prevalent in Urban Areas?

Human activity has a transformative effect on the surrounding environment, so it should not be too surprising to see that our development habits are influencing the ability of ticks to transmit disease. 

The main way this occurs is through reducing the amount of wild habitat for animals that ticks feed on. Some of these animals—mice, rabbits, squirrels—host certain diseases, while others do not. Habitat reduction results in fewer host options for ticks, so the chances are greater that a tick will feed on an infected animal. 

Then, since the urban environment readily brings them close to humans and their pets, the ticks are more likely to transmit that disease. 

Moreover, unlike the short-lived mosquito, the tick life cycle lasts about three years and requires at least three different hosts, which means they have plenty of chances to acquire and transmit disease. In this way, animals and people in urban areas—where wild habitat has been reduced—can actually be more susceptible to tick-borne disease than in remote wilderness areas.

Tick-borne Illnesses in Colorado

Documented cases of most common tick-borne diseases are lower in Colorado than they are in many other parts of the country. This is likely due to a combination of aridity, higher elevation, and the characteristics of the animal host population. Still, every year dozens of people and pets around the state are sickened by tick-borne illnesses, some of which uniquely affect dogs. 

The vast majority of these illnesses are caused by bites from the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. This tick is most active in spring and then goes dormant throughout summer, so spring is by far the most concerning season for pet owners. Here’s a bit more about specific tick-borne illnesses for the Colorado pet owner:

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is extremely rare in Colorado for two reasons: first, the ticks capable of carrying it—the blacklegged or deer tick (Borrelia burgdorferi)—do not live here; second, even if those ticks occasionally make it here, there is no endemic source of Lyme disease in the general animal population to transmit. 

Pet threat level: low to none

Tularemia

Tularemia is a bacteria transmitted by the American Dog Tick and Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. Small mammals like rodents, prairie dogs, and rabbits are known sources for ticks, which then transmit the disease to humans and animals. Boulder and Larimer Counties (where Coyote Ridge Vet Clinic operates) experienced a tularemia outbreak in 2012-2017, during which dozens of people contracted the disease, also known as “Rabbit Fever.” It produces flu-like symptoms in people, but if treated with antibiotics, it doesn’t generally lead to serious complications.

Only a few infections in dogs were recorded during this outbreak, and most of the cases, even in people, could not be definitively traced back to a tick. However, the fact that an outbreak occurred and the animal vectors for this disease remain means that it is always possible for people and pets to be infected. Notably, during the most recent outbreak, more cats contracted tularemia than dogs; this is likely due to cats’ habit of preying on animals that are more likely to carry the disease.

Pet threat level: low to medium (be wary with outdoor cats)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

There are a few cases of this disease each year, and again, the culprit is virtually guaranteed to be the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. Despite the name of both tick and disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is actually rarer in Colorado than it is in more heavily wooded states, such as Arkansas, North Carolina, and Missouri. Still, that doesn’t mean Colorado dogs can’t become infected, especially in urban/suburban areas during the spring season. Pet threat level: low (summer, fall, winter) to medium (spring)

Canine-Specific Pathogens

There are several tick-borne illnesses that only affect dogs, including Canine Ehrlichiosis, Canine Anaplasmosis, Canine Babesiosis, and Canine Hepatozoonosis. Symptoms of these diseases are relatively similar, and most can begin within one to three weeks of exposure or infection. Joint stiffness and loss of appetite are two common symptoms to watch out for that could indicate a tick-borne illness.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

The best way to protect your pet from tick-borne diseases close to home is to prevent tick bites in the first place. Here are a few key steps:

Use Vet-Approved Tick Prevention

One of the most effective ways to prevent tick bites is by using vet-approved tick preventatives. These can include oral medications, topical treatments, and tick collars. Many products also protect against fleas and other parasites, offering comprehensive protection for your pet. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your pet’s lifestyle and health.

Check Your Pet Regularly

Springtime is the height of activity for the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, so it is essential to check your pup for ticks every time they are out and about during this season. This means after every walk, especially if you notice patches of long grass along your route. Run your fingers through their fur, paying close attention to areas where ticks love to hide, such as under the collar, between toes, behind the ears, and near the tail. If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it carefully, ensuring you remove the entire body.

Keep Your Yard Tidy

Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas, so keeping your yard well-maintained, especially in spring, can reduce the risk of exposure. Mow your lawn regularly, remove leaf litter, and create tick-free zones by placing gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and your lawn.

Diagnosis: Recognizing the Signs of Tick-Borne Illness

Even with the best preventative measures, ticks can still find their way onto your pet. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms of tick-borne diseases early. Common signs include:

• Lethargy or weakness

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Joint pain or limping

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Vomiting or diarrhea

If your pet shows any of these symptoms and has recently been in a tick-prone environment, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Tick-borne illnesses can be challenging to diagnose since symptoms often mimic other conditions, so your vet may recommend blood tests to confirm an infection.

Treatment Options: Helping Your Pet Recover

Most tick-borne illnesses in pets are treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline. Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to relieve discomfort. Some pets may require additional supportive care, including intravenous fluids, pain relief, or hospitalization in severe cases.

While you’re waiting for a vet appointment, you can take steps to keep your pet comfortable:

• Encourage hydration – Provide plenty of fresh water to help flush out toxins.

• Monitor activity – Limit strenuous activity to avoid putting extra strain on your pet’s joints.

• Check for additional ticks – Even after removing one tick, there may be others hiding in your pet’s fur. Perform a thorough tick check and remove any you find.

Since tick-borne illnesses can worsen quickly, don’t delay veterinary care. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your pet’s recovery.

Visit Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic for Tick-Borne Illness Care

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ticks or is showing signs of a tick-borne illness, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Fort Collins. Our experienced team is here to provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention options to keep your pet healthy. Contact us today to protect your furry friend from the dangers of tick-borne diseases!