Veterinary Blog
Found a Tick on Your Pet After a Walk? What to Do Next
Spring tends to bring everyone back outdoors. Dogs are back on neighborhood walks, trail outings, and family adventures, while cats may spend more time in yards, patios, and nearby green spaces. Around Chilliwack, Sardis, Vedder, Yarrow, Cultus Lake, and the surrounding Fraser Valley, that also means tick season becomes more relevant for pet owners. During Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, it is a good time to talk about what to do if you find a tick on your pet after a walk.
Why ticks are a seasonal concern around Chilliwack
Ticks are not limited to deep forest trails or remote areas. Pets can pick them up in tall grass, brush, parks, backyards, and walking paths throughout the Fraser Valley. According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, ticks are found in British Columbia and can attach to both dogs and cats. Some ticks may carry bacteria linked to Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, which is why spring checks matter after outdoor time.
The good news is that finding a tick does not automatically mean your pet will become ill. Even so, quick action is important. The sooner a tick is found and removed, the better. The CDC’s guidance for pets and ticks also supports early removal and regular checks as part of a sensible prevention routine.
What to do right away if you find a tick
First, try not to panic. Ticks are an unpleasant surprise, but they are something many pet owners deal with during spring and early summer. A calm response helps you remove the tick more safely and decide whether your pet needs veterinary attention.
If you are able to remove it at home, the safest approach is to use fine-tipped tweezers and pull the tick upward with steady, even pressure. The CDC advises against twisting, crushing, or using home remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat, since those methods can make removal more difficult.
- Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward slowly and steadily.
- Clean the area afterward and wash your hands.
If the tick is attached in a difficult area, if part of it seems stuck, or if your pet becomes distressed, it is best to contact your veterinarian for guidance rather than continue struggling with it at home.
Where ticks like to hide on pets
Ticks can be surprisingly easy to miss, especially on thick-coated dogs and long-haired cats. That is why daily checks are helpful after walks, hikes, or time spent in grassy or wooded areas. The CDC recommends checking pets carefully, paying extra attention to the spots where ticks often hide.
- In and around the ears
- Around the eyes
- Under the collar
- Between the toes
- Under the front legs
- Between the back legs
- Around the tail
Just as importantly, pets can bring ticks into the home before the tick even attaches. Because of that, a quick check after outdoor time can help protect both your pet and your household.
When to monitor at home and when to call the vet
Many pets feel completely normal after a tick is removed. Still, it is wise to watch your dog or cat for the next several days. Subtle changes can matter, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or if you are not sure how long the tick was attached.
- Low energy or unusual tiredness
- Reduced appetite
- Limping or stiffness
- Swelling, redness, or irritation at the bite site
- General discomfort or behavior changes
If you notice any of those signs, or if your pet simply does not seem like themselves, it is a good time to reach out. Through our Wellness and Preventative Care services, our team can assess your pet’s overall health, review parasite risks, and help you build a seasonal prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle.
When symptoms need a closer look, our In-Clinic Diagnostics can help us evaluate concerns quickly and guide the next steps. In addition, if your pet seems suddenly unwell, painful, or unusually lethargic after tick exposure, our Emergency and Urgent Care services are available during regular hospital hours.
Prevention matters more than a single tick check
Although removing a tick promptly is important, prevention is still the best strategy. The Companion Animal Parasite Council supports regular flea and tick prevention as part of a broader parasite control plan. For pets in Chilliwack and nearby communities, that is especially relevant if they enjoy trail walks, wooded parks, tall grass, or frequent outdoor play.
- Check your pet after every walk or hike.
- Pay extra attention after time in tall grass or brush.
- Keep up with veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention.
- Schedule a seasonal visit if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.
Routine visits also create an opportunity to talk about other factors that affect spring and summer health, including vaccines, skin irritation, and lifestyle-related risks. That is one reason many families use this time of year to book a preventive care visit with Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic.
A tick may be small, but it can create a lot of worry when you find one unexpectedly. Fortunately, a calm response, safe removal, and the right follow-up can make the situation much easier to manage. If your pet has picked up a tick after a walk, or if you would like help reviewing seasonal parasite prevention, Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic is here for pets and families across Chilliwack, Sardis, Vedder, and the surrounding Fraser Valley. You can learn more about our services or request a visit through our Services page or by using our Request an Appointment form.