SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — As summer temperatures rise, Central New York residents are heading outside with their pets. While outdoor activities can increase the risk of immediate exposure to ticks, experts warn that the threat of ticks does not disappear when the seasons change.
Instead, local veterinarians are emphasizing that the region’s severe infestation requires a year-round approach to preventative care.
“Unfortunately, we live in a very highly tick-endemic area. We have ticks everywhere,” said Dr. Jamie Lovejoy, a veterinarian at Stack Veterinary Hospital.
The Northeast remains one of the highest-risk regions in the country for canine Lyme disease, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast. The report highlights that tick populations and vector-borne diseases continue to expand, making seasonal protection insufficient.
Lovejoy noted that while families are more likely to encounter the parasites during summer outings, weather fluctuations do not stop them, and owners should be checking the hot spots.
“Definitely checking behind the ears, in the armpits, in the groin region, under the tail,” Lovejoy said. “Those are some very common places that we’ll find them.”
Rather than waiting for a visible sign of an infestation, Lovejoy advises pet owners to establish a continuous defensive routine.
“Really, you should not wait until you find a tick to start prevention. You should just have your pet on prevention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year,” she said. Prevention options for pets include oral medications, topical treatments, and specialized collars.
Local dog owners say they are adapting to the high-risk environment while trying to ensure their pets still get plenty of exercise.
Stephen Rice, who has a dog named Alfonso, said he tries to keep a balance between caution and outdoor fun.
“There’s definitely a lot of ticks out and about, especially in New York, but I kind of have the policy that you’ve got to let your dog go and enjoy himself and just take precautions when you can,” Rice said. He manages the risk by avoiding deep woods and brushing Alfonso with a comb after walks.
Megan Bryant takes a similar approach when taking her dog, Odessa, out into the community, relying on protective gear and route selection.
“To prevent ticks, I do my best to stay away from heavy, long, tall grasses,” Bryant said, adding that she also uses a preventative collar.
Lovejoy also urges cat owners to keep their pets on a strict tick-prevention regimen.
“I think cats very traditionally don’t get preventatives, and we don’t think about it because technically, we haven’t documented Lyme disease in cats yet,” Lovejoy said. “However, cats are very good at bringing ticks into the household and then sleeping in your bed. Any cat that goes outside, even on a leash, really should be on prevention.”
