Preventing tick bites on the CT Shoreline is unfortunately part of life, especially during the warmer months. But this year, many pet parents are noticing something concerning already: the ticks seem especially bad. That’s likely because our winter simply wasn’t cold enough for long enough. Ticks thrive in mild conditions, and colder winters traditionally help reduce their numbers.
When temperatures stay relatively moderate, more ticks survive into spring, creating a longer and heavier tick season. Along the CT Shoreline, where wooded areas, tall grasses, coastal humidity, and wildlife are all part of the landscape, we have the perfect environment for tick activity. Considering Lyme disease was first identified right here in Connecticut, this is something local pet parents should take very seriously.
The History of Lyme Disease in Our Area
Lyme disease gets its name from the town of Lyme, where clusters of mysterious illnesses were first investigated in the 1970s. Researchers eventually connected those illnesses to tick bites carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
Today, Lyme disease remains one of the most common tick-borne illnesses affecting both humans and dogs in the Northeast.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blacklegged ticks (commonly called deer ticks) are widespread throughout Connecticut and can transmit Lyme disease along with other illnesses.
Why Year-Round Tick Prevention Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions about ticks is that they’re only a spring and summer problem.
In reality, ticks can become active anytime temperatures rise above freezing, even during winter warm spells. That’s why veterinarians strongly recommend keeping dogs on year-round tick prevention.
Most modern tick preventatives work in one of two ways:
- Some products repel ticks before they bite
- Others kill ticks shortly after they attach, before diseases are likely to spread
These preventatives may come in:
- Oral chews
- Topical applications, usually applied at the back of the neck
- Tick collars that are worn at all times and usually replaced monthly
The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that consistent prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect dogs from tick-borne diseases.
Tick Prevention Shouldn’t Stop at Medication
While preventatives are essential, dogs that spend time outdoors, especially on trails or in wooded areas, benefit from additional layers of protection.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we spend a lot of time walking dogs through Shoreline neighborhoods, grassy paths, and natural areas, so we know firsthand how important prevention is.
Additional tools that can help include:
Tick Repellent Sprays
Dog-safe tick sprays can provide an extra barrier before hikes or walks in high-risk areas. These products are typically sprayed onto the dog’s coat before outdoor activity. Many are human-safe too, protecting the whole family. We like Wondercide or Cedarcide products for this purpose.
I like Wondercide’s sampler sprays because they are easy to travel with and, if you don’t like the smell, you don’t have a ton of product to use up before ordering the scent you enjoy. Cedarcide also makes a small spray bottle for travel and adventures.
For higher-level protection, Permethrin and Picaridin are recommended. Permethrin is sprayed on clothing, shoes, and socks. Picardin can be used on the skin.
When used correctly, Permethrin is safe for dogs. It’s used in most veterinary pest control products, so check your monthly preventative before adding more, and always talk to your veterinarian to prevent overdosing. Per my research, there are no picaridin-based products licensed or approved for use on pets. Picaridin is for human use only.
Tick Repellent Stickers & Patches
There are now wearable tick-repelling products like these pet tick repellent stickers that are designed to attach to collars, harnesses, or leashes. While they shouldn’t replace veterinarian-approved prevention, some pet parents like using them as an added precaution. I wouldn’t depend on them in thick brush, rather a daily, easy-to-use preventive around town.
Nat Pat also makes mosquito-repellent stickers that are awesome for travel, because they are so small and can easily be packed.
The reason these are nice is that they aren’t bulky or sticky like the spray products. They can’t leak all over your hiking backpack or suitcase, and they smell a bit less than the sprays.
Human-Specific Protection
Don’t forget about yourself. Tick-repellent clothing, socks, sprays like those mentioned above that are both human and pet-safe, and accessories like leg sleeves and Bug Pants, which are an ultra-fine 100% polyester mesh that catch ticks before they can make it on your skin.
Important: Always remove all protective layers before coming inside so you don’t inadvertently bring ticks indoors.
Don’t Skip Tick Checks
Even with layers of prevention in place, regular tick checks are very important, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
Pay close attention to areas of your dog’s body as follows:
- Around the ears
- Under collars and harnesses
- Between toes
- Under the tail
- Around the neck and armpits
- In the groin
- Around the face and snout
For humans, check feet, legs, groin, pubic hair, and anywhere that a tick might find cozy.
The faster a tick is found and removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission!
Preventing Tick Bites on the CT Shoreline
One of the best parts of living on the CT Shoreline is how easy it is to get outside with our dogs. Trails, parks, beaches, and wooded paths make for incredible adventures, but they also require awareness and preparation.
With year-round prevention, added layers of protection for the whole family, and routine checks, dog parents can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illness while still enjoying everything the shoreline has to offer. Because the goal isn’t to avoid the outdoors, it’s to enjoy it safely.
The Best Dog Walkers in the CT Shoreline
We are currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services. For a limited time, you can earn free dog walks when you sign up for recurring weekly walks!
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you and your family up with the care you need. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.
We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
