Florida’s Tick Population Is Already Surging
Why Ticks Are Already a Problem in March
If you think tick season starts in summer, think again. Here in St. Petersburg and across South Pinellas County, our mild winters mean ticks never truly go dormant. By mid-March, lone star ticks and brown dog ticks are already in full force — and they’re hungry.
At Community Animal Hospitals, our veterinarians Dr. Leslie Block, Dr. Craig Mullenax, and Dr. Mark Williamson see tick-related health issues year-round. But spring is when cases spike dramatically, and pet owners across the Tampa Bay area need to be prepared.
The Ticks You Need to Know About
Lone star ticks are aggressive biters identified by a single white spot on the female’s back. They’re common in wooded areas, parks, and even well-maintained backyards throughout Pinellas County. These ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection that causes fever, lethargy, and abnormal bleeding in dogs.
Brown dog ticks are particularly concerning because they can survive and reproduce indoors. Unlike most tick species, they thrive inside homes, garages, and kennels. They’re the primary vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs — a potentially fatal disease that causes fever, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.
Why Florida Dogs Are at Higher Risk
Florida’s warm, humid climate creates perfect breeding conditions for ticks virtually year-round. While pet owners in northern states get a reprieve during winter, St. Petersburg pets face constant exposure. Our lush landscaping, proximity to natural areas like Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Weedon Island, and outdoor lifestyle mean dogs encounter ticks during every walk, hike, or backyard play session.
Sandy soil and leaf litter in our area provide ideal tick habitat. Even a quick potty break in your yard can expose your dog to these parasites.
How to Check Your Pet for Ticks
After every outdoor outing, perform a thorough tick check. Run your fingers slowly through your pet’s entire coat, feeling for small bumps. Pay special attention to these common hiding spots:
- Ears — inside and behind the ear flaps
- Armpits — warm, protected areas ticks love
- Between toes — often overlooked but a favorite spot
- Around the tail base — especially in dogs with thick fur
- Under the collar — ticks hide under any fitted gear
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Don’t panic, and don’t twist. Grab fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol and save the tick in a sealed bag — your vet may want to identify the species.
Never use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to remove a tick. These old wives’ tales can actually cause the tick to release more bacteria into the bite wound.
Year-Round Prevention Is Essential
The most effective strategy is consistent, year-round tick prevention. Several excellent options are available, including oral chewables that last one to three months and topical treatments. Our veterinary team can recommend the best product based on your pet’s size, health status, and lifestyle.
If your pet isn’t currently on tick prevention — or if you’ve missed a dose — now is the time to get back on track. Tick-borne diseases are much easier (and cheaper) to prevent than to treat.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog shows any of these symptoms after a tick bite, contact Community Animal Hospitals right away at (727) 592-1816:
- Fever or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints or limping
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Swollen lymph nodes
Early detection through bloodwork can catch tick-borne infections before they cause serious damage. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe — call us at the first sign of trouble.