Tick-Borne Diseases in Pets

Protecting Pets in Atlanta’s Warm, Tick-Friendly Climate

Ticks often bring to mind hiking trails and bug spray, but in Georgia, they’re part of everyday life. Our warm, humid climate makes it easy for ticks to thrive in backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. Staying aware of local tick risks is a simple but important way to help keep your pet healthy all year long.

Tick-Borne Diseases That Matter Most in Georgia

Several tick species are common in Georgia and can transmit disease to pets, including:

• Blacklegged tick (Ixodes species)
• Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)
• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Common Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick-borne illnesses carried by these local ticks can affect pets in different ways. Cats tend to show fewer symptoms overall than dogs, but tick-borne disease can still occur and should always be taken seriously.

Ehrlichiosis

• Most commonly transmitted by the lone star tick
• Symptoms may include lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, and bruising
• Some pets may appear healthy initially and develop signs weeks or months later

Anaplasmosis

• Transmitted by blacklegged ticks
• May cause fever, joint pain, stiffness, and lethargy
• Symptoms can resemble other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging without testing

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

• Transmitted primarily by the American dog tick
• Less common but potentially serious
• Signs may include fever, lethargy, neurological changes, and decreased appetite

Tularemia

• Spread by lone star ticks and American dog ticks, as well as through infected prey
• Cats are at higher risk due to hunting behavior
• Can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness

Common Places Ticks are Found in Georgia

In and around Atlanta, ticks are quite common due to our warm, humid climate and green areas. You’re most likely to encounter them in places that provide shade, moisture, and access to wildlife, including:

• Backyards and neighborhoods: Ticks commonly live in yards with tall grass, mulch, shrubs, leaf piles, dense plantings, or fencing near wooded areas.
• Parks and trails: Exposure is most likely along trail edges, grassy borders, and wooded margins rather than open, paved areas.
• Areas with wildlife: Areas near creeks, greenways, and conservation land, especially where deer are active, tend to have higher tick activity.

Why Pets Are at Higher Risk Than People 

Pets, especially dogs, naturally engage in behaviors ticks rely on for transportation, such as running through grass, exploring shrubs, and lying in shaded areas. Ticks don’t jump or fly; they simply latch on when a pet brushes past them.

Since pets don’t perform daily head-to-toe tick checks on themselves, ticks can remain attached long enough to pass along disease. While pets don’t directly spread tick-borne illnesses to people, they can bring ticks indoors, increasing exposure for the whole household.

Diagnosing Tick-Borne Disease in Pets

Our veterinarians screen for tick-borne illnesses using blood tests, sometimes during routine wellness visits. A positive test indicates exposure, not always active disease, which is why we also consider:

• Clinical signs
• Medical history
• Lifestyle and exposure risk

Some pets may test positive without symptoms, while others develop illness weeks or months after a tick bite. Subtle changes in behavior, energy level, or mobility are often the first clues.

Treatment and Outlook 

When symptoms are present, many tick-borne diseases are treated with antibiotics. Most pets respond well, especially when treatment begins early.

More serious complications are uncommon but possible, which is why early detection and consistent prevention play such an important role in keeping pets healthy.

Parasite Prevention: Simple, Effective and Worth It 

Preventing tick-borne disease is much easier than treating it. With Georgia’s climate, ticks to stay active most of the year. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended.

Effective tick prevention includes:

• Veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives (oral, topical, or injection)
• Regular tick checks, especially after outdoor time
• Yard management, such as keeping grass trimmed and removing leaf litter

Pets don’t worry about ticks, test results, or antibiotics, they rely on their pet owner to handle the planning so they can get back to the important stuff, like naps and snacks. A little awareness, a little prevention, and regular veterinary care go a long way.

Talk with our veterinarians about the best tick prevention plan for your pet and make parasite protection part of your regular care routine. Schedule a vet appointment today >

Convenient Parasite Protection, Online

Skip the extra trip and keep your pet protected with ease. Our online store offers veterinarian recommended parasite preventatives you can order anytime, making year-round protection simple, safe, and convenient. Shop Flea & Tick Prevention now >