If it feels like every tall blade of grass is hiding a tick right now… you’re not entirely wrong. May is prime time for what we can lovingly call the “tick bloom”—that unpleasant explosion of tiny hitchhikers showing up on dogs, cats, and even your pant legs. They’re gross, they’re persistent, and they’re very good at what they do. The more you understand their habits, the better you can protect your animals.
Ticks become especially active in May because temperatures are warm, but not yet hot, and wildlife hosts (like deer, mice, and birds) are on the move. Dogs who romp through brush, tall grass, or wooded trails are top targets. Cats who sunbathe on decks or wander near shrubs can pick them up, too. Goats, sheep, horses, and even chickens can encounter ticks along fencelines and pasture edges.
Daily tick checks are your best line of defense. Run your hands through your dog’s coat after every walk, paying special attention to ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes. Cats should be checked around the head, neck, and shoulder blades. For farm animals, inspect during grooming—ticks often latch onto areas with thinner hair or skin folds.
Prevention products do a lot of heavy lifting. Oral preventatives, topicals, and tick collars all have a place depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Dogs who hike or visit dog parks may need more robust protection, while indoor cats with occasional porch time may need a lighter approach. Always choose cat-safe products for cats—some dog formulas are dangerous for them.
Yard management helps, too. Keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter, and limit access to dense brush. Creating a “short grass buffer zone” between wooded areas and your main yard can make a measurable difference. Chickens do a surprisingly good job of pulling ticks out of certain areas, but shouldn’t be your only tick control strategy.
If you’re unsure which tick product is best for your situation, the team at The Hungry Puppy can help you sort through options for dogs, cats, and even farm friends. May’s tick bloom is no joke—but with daily checks and solid prevention, you can enjoy warm weather without constantly worrying what’s crawling on your pet.