Protecting Your Pets (and Family) from Tick-Borne Diseases
Summer is in full swing, and while that means more time outdoors with your furry companions, it also marks peak tick season. At Affordable Pet Labs, we’re here to help you stay informed, stay prepared, and stay ahead of health concerns—starting with understanding the real risk ticks pose to dogs, cats, and even humans.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
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Where ticks live
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How they attach to pets
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Diseases ticks can cause in pets and people
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How to check your pets for ticks
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Why blood testing is key for tick-borne disease
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Our expanding in-home diagnostic services
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A summer wellness discount just for you
🕷️ Where Do Ticks Live and How Do Pets Get Them?
Ticks thrive in warm, humid environments and are especially active in the spring and summer months. They love:
Pets can pick up ticks just by brushing past these areas. Once on your pet, a tick can attach silently, often going unnoticed.
🐶 Tick-Borne Diseases in Pets
Ticks may be small, but the diseases they transmit are serious. Even indoor pets aren’t completely safe—ticks can hitch a ride on people or other animals.
Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in Dogs:
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Lyme Disease: Causes fever, joint swelling, fatigue, and in severe cases, kidney damage.
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Ehrlichiosis: Can lead to anemia, bruising, and low platelet counts.
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Anaplasmosis: Presents as lameness, lethargy, or neurological signs.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: High fever, pain, and vascular complications.
Tick Risks for Cats:
Though less common, cats can contract diseases such as:
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Cytauxzoonosis (Bobcat fever): A potentially fatal illness found in the southern U.S.
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Tularemia: Rare, but dangerous if untreated.
🧑⚕️ Ticks & Humans: Don’t Forget the Family
Ticks can be a health threat to people too. Pets can carry them into your home, increasing your family’s risk of:
Children and older adults are especially vulnerable, making tick prevention a family health issue—not just a pet issue.
🔎 How to Check Your Pet for Ticks
Do regular tick checks, especially after outdoor play:
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Behind ears and under the collar
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Around the eyes and mouth
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Under the tail and between toes
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Along the belly and groin area
Use tweezers to gently remove ticks close to the skin and disinfect the site afterward.
🩺 Why Blood Testing Matters
Tick-borne diseases often don’t show symptoms until weeks after exposure. That’s why proactive blood testing is vital. At Affordable Pet Labs, we make it easy with:
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In-home blood collections (now available in even more locations!)
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Lab-grade tick disease panels
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Fast, reliable results delivered to your inbox
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Expert interpretation and next-step recommendations
📍 In-Home Pet Testing Is Expanding!
We're excited to announce 7 new locations this month, giving more pet parents access to in-home blood collection services. That means no waiting rooms, no stress—just convenient, expert testing in your home.
💡 Not in one of our in-home service areas? We’ve got you covered with self-collection kits that are easy to use and include clear results.
👉 Shop Self-Collection Kits
☀️ Save on Summer Wellness
Take 10% off all diagnostic testing with the code: PETHEALTH10SUMMER
Offer valid through the summer season!
❤️ Help Us Help More Pets
As Affordable Pet Labs continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to make high-quality, affordable pet diagnostics accessible to every pet parent and rescue across the country.
We would be so grateful if you'd share our services with friends, family, or your favorite local rescue. Your referrals help us expand our reach—and help more pets live healthier lives.
Want to Learn More?
Check out our Newsletter Archive or browse our other seasonal pet health blogs for wellness tips, product updates, and expert veterinary insights.
Stay healthy and tick-free,
– The Affordable Pet Labs Team
🐾 Because your pets deserve the best.
