‘We’re in Lyme Central’: Maryland Veterinarian Warns Pet Owners About the Threat of Ticks

As warmer weather draws more people and pets outdoors, concerns about tick exposure increase. However, Maryland veterinarian Dr. Victor Katz notes that ticks are active year-round, with more sightings in fall than in peak summer months. Ticks become mobile when temperatures rise just above freezing and are drawn to a dog’s warm body, which averages 101°F. In the D.C. region—now considered “Lyme central”—common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Katz recommends monthly oral preventatives like Simparica, Bravecto, and NexGard, which kill ticks within 4–6 hours—before most diseases can be transmitted. While effective, these preventatives may increase seizure risk in some dogs. For those pets, Katz suggests using a Seresto collar, which lasts about six months and offers strong protection. Early prevention and awareness, even in cooler months, are key to keeping pets safe from ticks and the illnesses they carry.