If it feels like you’re finding ticks on your dog more often lately, you’re probably not imagining it. From the wooded trails of Fairmount Park and the Wissahickon, to green squares like Washington Square, Rittenhouse Square, and Marconi Plaza, to the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware River Trail, ticks are turning up in the everyday spots Philly pet owners actually spend time in, not just deep woods far outside the city. That’s a real and growing presence, and it’s worth a few minutes to understand what it means for your pet, without getting alarmed about it.
Here’s what’s actually happening with ticks in our area, what tick-borne diseases can mean for dogs and cats, and simple, low-effort ways to keep your pet protected.
What Ticks and Tick-Borne Illness Actually Mean for Pets
Ticks are small parasites that attach to feed on blood, and in the process, some can pass along bacteria or parasites that cause illness. The one most people have heard of is Lyme disease, but it’s not the only one we watch for in dogs:
- Lyme disease — can cause joint pain, lethargy, and reduced appetite in dogs; often very treatable when caught
- Anaplasmosis — a bacterial infection causing fever, joint pain, and low energy
- Ehrlichiosis — another bacterial infection with similar symptoms, sometimes more serious if untreated
- Babesiosis — less common but can affect red blood cells
The good news: most of these are manageable, especially when caught early, and consistent tick prevention makes exposure far less likely in the first place.
What’s Actually Happening With Ticks in Philadelphia
We’d rather point you to real, local reporting than generic warnings, so here’s what’s on the record:
According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporting from June 2026, this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest tick seasons the region has seen in a while — entomologists point to the region’s heavy, long-lasting snow cover over the winter, which likely insulated ticks rather than killing them off.
That tracks with what testing labs are seeing statewide: FOX 29 reported in April 2026 that the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab had already tested 55% more ticks than the same point the year before, and that CDC data shows tick-bite-related ER visits in Pennsylvania at a 10-year high.
Locally, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has also flagged that newer tick species — including Lone Star ticks and Asian longhorned ticks — are now established in the city and continue to expand, bringing a wider range of tick-borne risks beyond just Lyme disease.
And per earlier Inquirer coverage, roughly a third of blacklegged ticks tested in Philadelphia carry Lyme disease, and the city has logged a rising number of confirmed Lyme cases over the past several years.
None of this means every walk in the park ends in a tick bite. It means prevention is genuinely worth doing consistently, not just when you happen to remember.
Prevention: The Easy Part
The reassuring part of this topic is that prevention is simple and highly effective:
- Year-round tick preventives — oral, topical, or collar options exist for both dogs and cats, and consistency matters more than which specific product you choose. We’re happy to help you pick the right one for your pet’s lifestyle.
- The Lyme vaccine for dogs — an additional layer of protection worth discussing if your dog spends a lot of time in wooded or grassy areas; not every dog needs it, and that’s a conversation we’re glad to have with you.
- Daily tick checks, especially after time outdoors — run your hands along your pet’s fur, checking ears, armpits, and between toes.
- Yard upkeep — keeping grass trimmed and clearing leaf litter reduces tick habitat around your home.
Recognizing the Signs in Your Pet
Tick-borne illness doesn’t always show up right away and sometimes symptoms appear weeks after a bite. Keep an eye out for:
- Lethargy or reduced interest in normal activity
- Joint pain, limping, or stiffness that seems to shift between legs
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you notice any of these, especially during peak tick season, it’s worth a call to us. Testing is straightforward and treatment is usually effective when started early.
If You Find a Tick on Your Pet: A Calm, Clear Checklist
Finding a tick is common and not a reason to panic — here’s how to handle it well.
1. Note the details before you forget them
When you remove a tick, try to note roughly how long it may have been attached and where on your pet’s body it was. This information is genuinely useful to us if any symptoms show up later, so jot it down rather than relying on memory.
2. Let your vet know, especially if it was attached a while
You don’t need to panic-call over every tick, but if it looks like it’s been attached more than a few hours, or you’re not sure how to remove it safely, give us a call. We can talk you through removal or have you bring your pet in.
3. Protect yourself too
Ticks that bite pets can also bite people, and pets can carry ticks into your home before they’re found. A few simple habits help:
- Do a tick check on yourself and family members after outdoor time, not just the pets.
- Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up near the skin.
- Watch for a rash, fever, or fatigue in yourself over the following weeks, and mention any recent tick exposure to your human medical provider if you feel unwell.
A Simple Habit That Pays Off
Ticks aren’t going anywhere, but a little consistency goes a long way. A good preventive product, a quick check after outdoor time, and knowing when to call us covers most of what you need. We’re glad to help you find the right prevention plan for your pet’s specific routine, whether that’s daily dog park visits or the occasional backyard hang.
👉 Schedule a tick prevention check-up at Love City Vet
👉 Not sure which tick preventive is right for your pet? Ask us and we’ll help you decide!
👉 Order tick preventatives on our online pharmacy
Common Questions
Does my indoor cat need tick prevention? If your cat has any outdoor access (even a porch, screened-in area, or occasional supervised time in the yard) it’s worth discussing. Fully indoor cats have much lower risk, but ticks can also hitch a ride in on other pets or people.
How long does a tick need to be attached to transmit disease? It varies by disease and tick species, but in general, the longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk. Which is part of why daily checks matter so much during peak season.
Is the Lyme vaccine necessary for every dog? Not necessarily. It depends on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risk. We’re happy to talk through whether it makes sense for your pet specifically at your next visit.
I found a tick and I’m not sure how to remove it. What should I do? Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady pressure. Avoid twisting! If you’re unsure or the tick has been attached a while, give us a call and we can help.