Tick-Borne Diseases in the Upper Valley
- Catherine Griffith
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
April 21, 2025
In New Hampshire and the Upper Valley, ticks are a serious concern for both people and pets. Although some tick species are more active in warmer months, tick season in our region can start as early as March and extend into late November, depending on weather patterns. These tiny parasites don’t just cause irritation—they can spread debilitating illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and even Powassan virus, which can have severe consequences if left untreated.
Common Ticks in New Hampshire & Vermont:
In our region, the most common tick species include:
Blacklegged tick (deer tick) – Primary carrier of Lyme and anaplasmosis.
American dog tick – Can transmit ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lone star tick – Recently spreading into New England; associated with ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome.
Brown dog tick – Mostly found indoors; transmits ehrlichiosis and other diseases.
You can submit photos of ticks you find to TickSpotters for species identification tracking.
Tick Disease in Dogs:
Tick-borne disease rates in New Hampshire have steadily increased, particularly Lyme disease. According to the CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council), thousands of dogs in the state test positive for tick-borne illnesses each year. Here’s what to watch for:
Lyme disease – Causes lameness, joint swelling, and fever
Anaplasmosis – Can lead to lethargy, joint pain, and low platelet counts
Ehrlichiosis – May present with weight loss, bleeding disorders, or neurological signs
Babesiosis & Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Less common but serious
Tick paralysis – Rare but life-threatening caused by a neurotoxin in tick saliva
The number of tick-transmitted disease cases across the US has been steadily increasing in both pets and people for the past decade.
Tick Disease in Cats Cats are not immune and can contract many of the same diseases. Tick paralysis and rare but deadly illnesses like cytauxzoonosis and tularemia have been documented in felines, even indoor ones. Even indoor cats can get ticks if the parasites hitch a ride inside on you or other pets.
How to Properly Remove a Tick:
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin.
Pull straight out slowly—no twisting.
Disinfect the bite site and the tool.
Monitor your pet for any symptoms and contact your vet if you’re unsure.
Symptoms of Tick-borne Diseases in Pets
If your pet shows any of these signs of tick-transmitted diseases, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible:
Breathing difficulty
Fatigue or weakness
Fever
Lameness (which may shift from one leg to another)
Pale gums
Sensitivity to touch
Stiff, swollen, or painful joints
Weight or appetite loss
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lyme disease can also cause pets to walk stiffly with an arched back, but pets rarely get the characteristic bullseye rash seen in some people with Lyme disease.
Prevention of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases:
Keep them on a vet-approved tick preventative like Simparica Trio, NexGard, or Bravecto
Perform daily tick checks after walks or play in wooded or grassy areas
Keep your yard tidy—mow regularly, remove brush, and consider tick tubes or natural deterrents
Use local resources like the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and the NH Department of Health and Human Services for up-to-date tick risk alerts
To learn more, visit:
Ticks are small, but their impact can be huge. Staying informed, vigilant, and proactive is the best way to keep your furry family members safe.
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