With a milder than usual winter behind us, scientists say tick activity is on the rise. Lisa Chelenza tells us more about ticks in this edition of Pet Pointers.

Out in the tall grass and even manicured lawns lies a very small hidden threat that can cause big problems for you and your pet. The big concern about ticks is that they carry Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be contracted by both humans and dogs. If you find a tick on you or your pet and a large round red ring on your skin, get tested for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease, interestingly enough, does not affect cats, but cats can get ticks and contract different illnesses than dogs, including a rare blood parasite. But it is still important to protect cats from ticks, especially if they go outside.

Ticks like to hide in smooth warm places, like ears, inside skin folds, and under your pet’s legs but can be found just about anywhere.

Disease can take several hours to set in so the sooner you find and remove a tick, the better.

You can stop ticks in their tracks by using topical flea and tick treatments and checking your pets for ticks when you come in after a romp in the grass.

Be sure products say “tick repellant.” Many are just for fleas and won’t prevent a tick infestation. It’s also best to not bathe your pet for at least two days after application to let the treatment do its work.

Remember if you remove a tick from yourself or your dog, save it and bring it to your doctor or veterinarian for the tick to be tested for Lyme disease.