Top 10 U.S. States Where Ticks are a Problem for Dogs and Cats

Ticks can be found on every state in the U.S. and are often year-round problem, which is why veterinarians recommend protecting your pets against tick-borne disease with preventatives. However, if you live in one of the following states you may want to be particularly careful. These states have shown more reported positive cases of the tick-borne illnesses ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and anaplasmosis in dogs since 2012 than the rest of the country. The actual number of dogs infected by ticks is likely many times higher than what was reported, according to IDEXX Laboratories, since so many dogs go untested for vector-borne diseases.

Source: Dogsandticks.com

With large expanses of wilderness, New Hampshire is often known for its great spots for canoeing, fishing and hiking. Unfortunately, it also has a large tick population.

Maine’s towering mountains may be beautiful to look at, but these wooded landscapes are teeming with ticks which can easily migrate to residential areas.

The “Garden State” is like a huge barrel, with both ends open…to ticks that can transmit dangerous diseases to your pets.

With an interior overflowing with forests and farms, Wisconsin has earned its nickname “America’s Dairyland.” Unfortunately for pet parents it also had over 64,000 reported cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasma in dogs, according to IDEXX Laboratories.

The oldest of the 13 original colonies, Virginia offers many historic landmarks and beautiful forests. However, Virginia, too, has a serious problem with ticks, according to IDEXX Laboratories.

The fourth most densely populated state in the U.S. also happens to be the fourth worst state for pet parents worrying about ticks.

Although most people think of New York City, the most populous city in the U.S., when they think of New York, there are plenty of other beautiful areas in the state – many of them more rural. Unfortunately for pet parents statewide, with over 90,000 reported cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasma in dogs, according to IDEXX Laboratories., ticks are found nearly everywhere in New York.

With wide stretches of farmland and national forests, it’s no surprise the Keystone state has the second-most reported cases of Lyme disease in dogs. 

Massachusetts is a beautiful place to live, full of rich history and culture. Unfortunately for pet parents, with over 130,000 reported cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasma in dogs, according to IDEXX Laboratories., Massachusetts is also the worst state for ticks.