MADISON, Wis. – Ticks are no strangers to Wisconsin. It's important in the summer to watch out for deer ticks.

Whether you are in the deep woods or your own backyard, this tiny bug can be a big threat to your pet. 

"They can be anywhere from tall fields of grass to your backyard, even if you have a regular lawn. I found deer ticks in my backyard in Madison, said Dr. Emily Duane, DVM, VCA Veterinary Emergency Service& Veterinary Specialty Care.   

What You Need To Know

  • The Companion Animal Parasite Council says that in Wisconsin 1 and 15 pets tested positive for Lyme disease

  • Deer ticks are small and in some cases hard to see

  • One of the signs your pet has Lyme disease is limping

So far this year, The Companion Animal Parasite Council said that in Wisconsin 1 and 15 pets tested positive for Lyme disease.

"We've had I've already had a couple of dogs come in with Lyme disease and one of the first signs that we often see is limping. It can affect one leg or many legs, and they'll often not want to eat and be lethargic as well," said Duane. 

Deer ticks are small and in some cases hard to see which is why Duane said it's important you have your pets on flea and tick preventatives. 

"Make sure that you're also checking them checking their fur over, especially if they have long fur, and in looking in there carefully to make sure that you're not seeing any ticks," she said.

"I am afraid I found some deer ticks on him (her dog Finley) before, but now that I have the prevention, I feel better about it. Finley also got a vaccination against Lyme disease. I feel a little less cautious," said Jenna Wright.

Yet, unfortunately, Duane said when it comes to vaccines and preventative medicines there are no guarantees. 

"Some ticks we have seen being resistant to some of the flea and tick preventatives, so switching some may help," said Dr. Duane.

More important information on Lyme in Wisconsin:

Lyme:

Nationwide map: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/lyme-disease/dog/united-states

Wisconsin map by county: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/lyme-disease/dog/united-states/wisconsin

Anaplasmosis:

Nationwide map: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/anaplasmosis/dog/united-states

Wisconsin map by county: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/anaplasmosis/dog/united-states/wisconsin

Ehrlichiosis:

Nationwide map: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/ehrlichiosis/dog/united-states

Wisconsin map by county: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2022/all-year/ehrlichiosis/dog/united-states/wisconsin