Ticks in Wichita: What Dog Owners Need to Know This Summer
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Summer in Wichita means longer days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities for dogs to enjoy the sunshine. Whether your pup loves hiking local trails, exploring the backyard, visiting parks, or spending time in daycare, warmer weather also brings an unwelcome seasonal visitor: ticks.
Ticks are more than just a nuisance. These tiny parasites can attach to your dog and potentially transmit diseases if left unnoticed. Understanding how to prevent tick encounters and how to check your dog after spending time outdoors can help keep them healthy all summer long.
Why Are Ticks So Active During Wichita Summers?
Ticks thrive in warm temperatures and humid environments. In Kansas, tick activity typically increases in the spring and remains high throughout the summer months. Ticks are commonly found in:
Tall grass
Brush and wooded areas
Overgrown fields
Leaf litter
Along walking trails
Areas frequented by wildlife
Even well-maintained yards can occasionally harbor ticks, especially if deer, rabbits, rodents, or other wildlife pass through the area.
While Wichita isn't known as one of the nation's highest-risk areas for ticks, local dog owners should still remain vigilant during the warmer months.
Common Ticks Found in Kansas
Several tick species can be found throughout Kansas. The most common include:
American Dog Tick
The American dog tick is one of the most frequently encountered ticks on pets. It is often found in grassy areas and can attach to both dogs and humans.
Lone Star Tick
Recognizable by the white spot on the female's back, the Lone Star tick is increasingly common throughout the region. These ticks are aggressive feeders and are known to actively seek hosts.
Brown Dog Tick
Unlike many tick species, brown dog ticks can complete much of their life cycle indoors, making them particularly troublesome if they establish themselves in homes or kennels.
Why Ticks Are a Concern for Dogs
Ticks feed by attaching to a host and consuming blood. While a single tick may seem harmless, they can carry organisms that cause illnesses in dogs.
Potential tick-borne diseases include:
Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Anaplasmosis
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Not every tick carries disease, and not every bite leads to illness. However, prompt detection and removal significantly reduce potential risks. If you notice unusual symptoms after a tick bite, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks After Outdoor Adventures
One of the best habits dog owners can develop during tick season is performing a quick tick check after outdoor activities.
Whether your dog has been hiking, camping, playing in the yard, or enjoying daycare activities, a thorough inspection can help catch ticks before they become a problem.
Start with Your Hands
Run your hands slowly over your dog's entire body. You're looking for:
Small bumps
Unusual lumps
Tiny attached parasites
Ticks can vary in size from a poppy seed to a small grape depending on how long they've been feeding.
Check These Common Tick Hiding Spots
Ticks often gravitate toward warm, protected areas. Pay special attention to:
Around the Ears
Inspect both the inside and outside of the ears. The folds and creases provide an ideal hiding place.
Under the Collar
Remove your dog's collar and check the entire neck area.
Between the Toes
Ticks frequently hide between paw pads and toes where they can go unnoticed.
Around the Eyes and Face
Carefully inspect around the eyelids, muzzle, and cheeks.
Under the Front Legs
The armpit area is another favorite hiding spot.
Around the Tail
Check the base of the tail and surrounding fur.
Groin Area
Warm, protected areas underneath your dog should always be included in your inspection.
Use a Comb on Long Haired Dogs
For dogs with thicker coats, use a fine-toothed comb while checking for ticks. Long fur can easily conceal attached parasites.
What Should a Tick Look Like?
Before feeding, ticks are often:
Small
Flat
Dark brown or black
After feeding, they may appear:
Larger
Grayish
Rounded or swollen
Because they can become embedded in the skin, many owners initially mistake them for small skin growths or bumps.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you discover a tick attached to your dog:
Stay calm.
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Avoid twisting or crushing the tick.
Clean the area afterward.
If you're uncertain about proper removal or notice irritation around the bite site, contact your veterinarian.
Simple Ways to Reduce Tick Exposure
While no prevention method is perfect, a few simple habits can help reduce your dog's risk.
Keep Grass Trimmed
Ticks prefer taller vegetation and shaded areas.
Stay on Trails
When hiking or walking, avoid allowing your dog to wander through dense brush or tall grass whenever possible.
Perform Tick Checks Regularly
A daily inspection during peak tick season is one of the most effective preventive measures.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian can recommend tick prevention products that are appropriate for your dog's age, health, and lifestyle.
How We Help Keep Dogs Comfortable During Summer
At The Fur Seasons Pet Resort, we know Wichita dogs love spending time outdoors. That's why we closely supervise playtime and encourage owners to stay proactive about seasonal concerns like ticks.
Summer is a fantastic time for dogs to socialize, exercise, and explore. With routine tick checks and preventive care, most dogs can continue enjoying outdoor activities safely all season long.
Whether your dog joins us for daycare or an extended boarding stay, we encourage every pet owner to stay informed about tick safety and make quick post-adventure inspections part of their regular routine.
Enjoy Summer Adventures Without the Worry
Ticks are a reality of summer in Wichita, but they don't have to keep you and your dog from enjoying the season. By understanding where ticks are commonly found, performing regular tick checks, and taking preventive measures, you can help your dog stay comfortable and healthy throughout the warmer months.
If you're planning a vacation, weekend getaway, or simply need a safe place for your dog to play while you're at work, learn more about our Dog Boarding and Dog Daycare services at The Fur Seasons Pet Resort.