Tick season started earlier and faster than usual this year, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that 2026 may be the worst year for ticks in nearly a decade.
This is not good news for you. And it’s not good news for your pet. Already, emergency room visits for tick bites in humans are at the highest level since 2017. We’re seeing the same surge in pets.
You already know that at Town N Country we monitor disease trends closely to ensure our recommendations truly protect the pets we care for. With tick activity rising sharply in Alamance County, Caswell County, and surrounding areas, we are now treating the Lyme vaccine as core protection for most dogs.
Lyme Disease: A Growing Threat in Our Region. Lyme disease remains the most common tick‑borne illness in the United States, with the CDC estimating that 476,000 people are treated for it each year. Dogs are at risk for the same infection, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, carried primarily by blacklegged ticks.
In some regions of the US, 55% of adult blacklegged ticks and 25% of nymphs test positive for Lyme-causing bacteria. Nymph ticks are active from May through July. They are as small as poppy seeds and extremely easy to miss, especially on a fur baby.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs. Dogs don’t develop the classic bull’s‑eye rash seen in people. Instead, early signs may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Lameness, which may shift from one leg to anotherWhile many dogs respond well to treatment, Lyme disease can lead to kidney complications or chronic joint pain in some patients. Tick prevention remains essential, but no product prevents every bite. The Lyme vaccine adds a critical layer of protection—especially in a year when tick activity is breaking records.
Lyme and Lepto as Core Vaccines. We now recommend Lyme and Leptospirosis as core vaccines for dogs. Both of these diseases are present in our community. They can cause serious illness. But they are preventable with safe, reliable vaccines.
Wildlife that carry ticks – like deer, raccoons, opossums and foxes – is increasingly present in our communities. The average family dog is now at meaningful risk, even with good preventives in place.
As we move into what experts predict will the worst tick season in a long time, now is the time to make sure your dog is fully protected. Staying consistent with tick prevention and keeping vaccines up to date gives your pet the best chance of avoiding serious illness. If your dog is due for Lyme or Lepto vaccination, or if you’re unsure which vaccinations they already have, our team is here to help you stay ahead of the risks and keep your pet safe all year long.
