Think ticks disappear when the weather cools? Not in Hampton Roads. If your dog or cat seems “possessed” by itching, October is the time to act. Here’s how pet owners in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Newport News can banish ticks for good.
Why fall is tick season here
- Adult blacklegged (deer) ticks become active in the fall.
- Our mild winters mean ticks can show up any day it isn’t freezing.
- Trails, tall grass, marsh edges and backyard leaf piles are common hiding spots.
- Ticks can spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis to dogs.
- Outdoor cats can pick up ticks too.
Signs your pet may have ticks
- Small, dark bumps on the skin (ears, neck, armpits, toes, belly)
- Nonstop scratching, licking or chewing in one spot
- Scabs or irritated skin
- Lethargy, fever, limping or poor appetite (call your vet promptly)
Tip: Run your hands over your pet after every outing.
How to remove a tick safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
- Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight up with steady pressure. No twisting.
- Clean the bite and wash your hands.
- Drop the tick in rubbing alcohol.
Skip the myths. Petroleum jelly, nail polish and matches don’t work and can make things worse.
The real exorcism: year-round prevention
Pulling ticks one by one is a losing battle. Consistent prevention is what works.
- Ticks: Prevention kills or repels them before they can do harm.
- Fleas: They move indoors in fall, so protection matters for indoor pets too.
- Heartworm: Mosquitoes spread it, and prevention is far easier than treatment.
- Cost: At VOTS you can buy individual doses instead of a bulk supply.
Dogs must test negative for heartworm within the past year before starting a preventive. Cats can start certain preventives without a blood test.
See our heartworm, flea and tick prevention →
Protect the whole family
- New puppy? Start early with our puppy services.
- Cat at home? Ask about kitten services and cat prevention.
- Want to see everything we offer? Browse all services.
Easy ways to get started
- Visit a VOTS clinic in Great Neck, Oyster Point or Greenbrier.
- Make a reservation or drop in during walk-in hours.
- Choose home delivery on a monthly, quarterly or six-month schedule.
- Ask about long-acting options if monthly doses are hard to remember.
Protect your pup and your kitty this fall and all year long. Get affordable heartworm, flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Newport News at VOTS.