Spring is here, and that means it’s prime time for you and your pup to hit the trails, sniffing every wildflower and splashing in every stream. But hold the dog biscuits—those pesky ticks are also waking up, ready to crash your pupperino’s outdoor party. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got the scoop on keeping your furry bestie safe from ticks while they live their best hiking life. Here’s how to ensure your dog’s spring adventures are all tail wags and no creepy crawlies.
1. Gear Up with Tick Protection
Before your dog hits the trails with you or hops on our big blue bus for a Hike Doggie adventure, make sure they’re armed with tick protection. Talk to your vet about the best options—think tick collars, topical treatments, or oral meds… There are many different ways to protect your pup from ticks! (See the list below!) These act like an invisible force field, keeping ticks from latching onto your woofer. Pro tip: check the label to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s size and breed, whether they’re a fluffy boofer or a tiny cutie-bootie.
TickCheck Premium Tick Remover Kit – includes stainless steel tick remover for safely removing larger embedded ticks, and a specially shaped super-fine-tip tweezer for removing nymphs and small deer ticks, in a leatherette pouch.
TiCKMiTT Tick Removal Glove – Enjoy a natural and safe tick removal solution for your whole family. The TiCK MiTT is a chemical-free alternative to harsh sprays and shampoos, offering peace of mind for you, your children, and your pets. It’s the perfect dog tick remover!
Seresto Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Dog Collar – Kills and repels fleas and ticks by contact so pests don’t have to bite your dog to die.
Shoo! Flea & Tick Wipes for Dogs – Effectively repels and eliminates fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact. Provides a mess-free, convenient alternative to sprays and spot treatments.
K9 Advantix II Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention for Dogs – kills fleas on dogs within 12 hours of application and prevents reinfestation. No prescription needed.
2. Stick to the Trail, Sniff Smart
Ticks love tall grass and leafy hideouts, so our Trained Professional Dog Lovin’ Hikers keep your pup on clear paths where ticks are less likely to lurk. We know your dog’s gotta sniff everything (it’s basically their job), but we steer them away from tick hotspots like dense brush. Want to prep at home? Brush up on your own trails by sticking to open paths when you take your pup for a pre-hike warm-up.
3. Post-Hike – Checking for Ticks (With a Side of Cuddles)
After a day of hiking, splashing, and peeing on every tree (you know how it goes), our Hike Doggie crew gives your pup a thorough once-over to make sure no ticks hitched a ride. When they get home, grab a comb or your fingers and play “find the tick” in spots like their ears, armpits, and between their toes—ticks love those cozy hideaways. Make it fun: extra treats for every clean check! If you spot a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to pull it out gently, then clean the spot with antiseptic. Not sure? Your vet’s got your back.
4. Keep the Yard Free of Ticks
Your backyard might be your pup’s pre-hike playground, but it can also be a tick hotel. Keep grass trimmed, clear out leaf piles, and consider pet-safe yard treatments to make your space a no-tick zone. This way, when your dog’s dreaming of their next Hike Doggie adventure, they’re not practicing for the tick rodeo.
5. Know the Signs, Stay Vigilant
Ticks can be sneaky, so keep an eye out for signs of trouble after hikes. If your pup’s acting sluggish, has a fever, or starts limping, it could be a tick-borne issue like Lyme disease. Our Hike Doggie team is all about love and safety, so we’ll let you know if we notice anything off during their adventure. If you spot these signs, scoot to the vet ASAP—better safe than sorry for your furry family member.
Spring hikes with Hike Doggie are all about giving your dog the gift of love, health, happiness, and a whole lot of nature. With these tips, you can keep the ticks at bay and let your pup focus on what they do best: being the adventurous, joyful goofball that makes your heart wag. Ready to get your dog on the trail? Book a hike at https://hikedoggie.com/ and let’s make this spring one for the (dog) books!
