Travel and weather
What should I know about ticks before hiking with a dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Ticks are most common in long grass, dense brush, and wooded trail edges, particularly in warmer months, and checking a dog thoroughly after every hike, focusing on the ears, neck, armpits, and between toes, catches most attached ticks before they have fed for long. Staying on cleared trail paths rather than pushing through dense undergrowth reduces exposure, and a vet can advise on preventive options suited to your specific hiking region.
Where and when ticks are most active
Ticks wait on the tips of grass, low shrubs, and leaf litter, latching onto a passing dog or person as they brush past, which means trails with tall grass, dense brush, or overgrown edges carry more exposure risk than well-maintained, clear paths. Activity levels vary by region and season, but many areas see peak tick activity through spring, summer, and early autumn, with some regions having year-round risk depending on climate.
Reducing exposure during the hike itself
Staying on the center of a cleared trail rather than brushing through tall grass or bushes at the edges reduces how many ticks a dog picks up during a hike, and avoiding sitting or resting directly in long grass for breaks helps too. A well-fitted preventive product, discussed with a vet ahead of hiking season, adds another layer of protection on top of physical avoidance.
Doing a thorough check after every hike
Running hands carefully over a dog's entire body, paying particular attention to the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between the toes, where ticks commonly attach, catches most ticks within the first hours after a hike, which matters since the risk of disease transmission generally increases the longer a tick remains attached. A fine-toothed comb can help locate a small, recently attached tick in thick fur that fingers alone might miss.
Removing an attached tick correctly
Using a proper tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out with steady, even pressure removes it cleanly without leaving mouthparts embedded, which twisting or squeezing the tick's body can risk. Cleaning the bite site afterward and monitoring it for a few days for any swelling or redness rounds out proper removal.
Key takeaways
- Ticks are most common in tall grass, dense brush, and overgrown trail edges, especially in warmer months.
- Staying on cleared trail paths and avoiding long grass reduces exposure during a hike.
- Check the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes thoroughly after every hike.
- Remove an attached tick with steady, straight pressure using proper tools, and monitor the site afterward.