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Stay Tick Smart: Protect Dogs, Kids, Adults (NJ+NY)

  • Writer: Empowered.Community
    Empowered.Community
  • May 22
  • 3 min read

Spending time outside is one of the best parts of life in New Jersey and New York — whether you're hiking the Appalachian Trail, gardening in your backyard, taking your dog for a walk, or letting your kids explore the local park. But with the beauty of the outdoors comes a tiny risk that can lead to big problems: ticks and the diseases they can carry.

The good news? You don’t need to panic — you just need to be prepared.

This guide is designed to help active families, pet owners, and nature lovers stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're planning a weekend hike, sending your kids to camp, or heading out with your dog, these tables will give you what you need to understand the risks, know when to act, and take smart precautions.


Below download the full Stay Tick Smart Guide (PDF) – mobile- and printer-friendly 👇

What You'll Find Below


  • Table 1: NJ / NY Outdoor Planning Tick Risk - An easy reference for which ticks are active when, where they tend to live, and how to protect yourself and your family during outdoor activities.

  • Table 2: Dog Tick-Borne Disease & Protection - Everything dog owners need to know — from which ticks are dangerous to dogs, to how long to wait for testing, and how products like Simparica Trio help.

  • Table 3: Adult Tick-Borne Disease Risk - A breakdown of tick-related illnesses in humans, symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.

  • Table 4: Child-Focused Tick Disease Risk - Tailored guidance for parents, covering which diseases affect children most, how symptoms may appear differently, and when to call the doctor.


⚠️ Reminder: No repellent or medication is 100% foolproof. Tick checks, smart planning, and early awareness are your best defenses. The earlier you catch a bite or symptoms, the better the outcome.

Now, scroll down and equip yourself with knowledge that helps you and your loved ones stay safe while making the most of the great outdoors.

Table of tick risks in NJ/NY. Includes tick types, active season, habitats, prevention tips, and removal urgency. Black text on white.

✅ Notes

Pack Essentials: Tick removal tweezers, alcohol wipes, a magnifier, and a zip bag for saving the tick (for ID/testing).

Table showing dog tick-borne diseases and protection. Lists tick species, diseases, prevalence, test coverage, risk without treatment, and Simparica Trio safety.

✅ Notes

  • Consult your vet promptly if symptoms develop or if you have concerns about specific tick bites.

  • Blood test timing at 3.5 weeks after a tick bite is optimal for accurate detection of tick-borne diseases via a 15-minute SNAP 4Dx test.

    • Some diseases (Babesiosis, Powassan, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia) require specialized testing not included in routine quick tests.

  • *Simparica Trio is a monthly chewable that kills ticks within hours, usually before they can transmit Lyme disease (which requires 24–48 hours attachment).

    • It protects against multiple tick species and other parasites.

    • No product is 100% foolproof; ticks can occasionally transmit disease before dying.

    • If the tick was attached for a long time or your dog shows symptoms (fever, lethargy, lameness, swollen joints, loss of appetite), see a vet promptly.

    • Even if your dog seems fine, monitor closely for 2–4 weeks after a tick bite.

    • Always stay alert for symptoms, as early detection is key.

Table of adult tick-borne disease risk: lists tick species, diseases, prevalence, symptoms, doctor visit timing, and diagnostic tests.

✅ Notes

  • Tick attachment time matters: Lyme disease typically requires 24–48 hours of attachment.

  • Lone Star ticks do not transmit Lyme, but can cause serious reactions like Alpha-gal Syndrome.

  • Powassan virus can transmit in as little as 15 minutes — seek medical attention immediately if neurological symptoms appear.

  • Early diagnosis is key: Many of these illnesses are treatable if caught early, particularly Lyme and Ehrlichiosis.

Table showing tick species, disease risks, symptoms, prevalence in NJ/NY, when to see a doctor, and diagnostic tests.

✅ Notes: Special Considerations for Children

  • Ticks often go unnoticed: Check the scalp, behind ears, under arms, waistbands, and around socks/shoes.

  • Joint pain may present as limping or refusal to walk.

  • Fatigue may show as crankiness or longer naps.


Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding a tick bite or possible symptoms.

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