If you’ve ever found a tick on your pet, or on yourself, you know how unsettling it can be. These tiny parasites are more than just gross. They can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, that affect not only your pet’s health but your family’s peace of mind.
In Omaha, tick activity is on the rise, even in the colder months. That’s why at Ralston Vet, we recommend year-round tick prevention, early awareness, and prevention that’s easy and works.
We want to share what every pet family should know about ticks, Lyme disease, and keeping your household safe.
How Lyme Disease Works (and Why It Matters)
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of a black-legged tick (also known as a deer tick). These ticks are tiny, often no bigger than a sesame seed, and carry health risks that can affect your pet for life.
In dogs, Lyme disease can cause:
- Fever
- Lameness or shifting leg pain
- Lethargy
- Swollen joints or lymph nodes
- Decreased appetite
Some dogs recover quickly. Others experience chronic symptoms that flare up repeatedly.
In cats, Lyme is less common but not impossible. More often, cats are affected by other tick-borne illnesses, like tularemia. Since cats tend to hide signs of illness, tick-related problems can go unnoticed until they’re severe.
“Pets with Lyme disease can present with a range of symptoms, sometimes none at all,” says Dr. Meyer. “It can be dormant for a long time, which makes it harder to catch.”
And while humans can’t catch Lyme directly from pets, a tick that hitchhikes on your dog or cat can easily find a human host next.
“Lyme is one of the most common diseases from ticks, and it’s very dangerous to people,” says Dr. Tunnard. “It’s so easy to protect our pets, and therefore ourselves, from it.”
Ticks Are More Active Than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about ticks is that they disappear in winter. But in Nebraska, that’s just not true. Mild winters and active wildlife mean fleas and ticks stick around much longer than expected.
Here’s what surprises many families:
- Ticks are active in temperatures above 40°F
- Ticks can survive indoors, in garages, sheds, even homes
- A single tick bite can transmit multiple diseases
“Ticks spend less than 10% of their life on a host,” says Dr. Meyer. “They feed briefly, transmit illness, and drop off into the environment. They’re just out there waiting to feed.”
That’s why year-round protection matters, because the risks don’t follow the seasons.
Bravecto Quantum: Year-Long Dog Protection in One Dose
If you caught our recent blog, you know we’re excited about the newest prevention option: Bravecto Quantum, a 12-month injectable flea and tick prevention for dogs.
What we love:
- Protects against black-legged ticks (the primary Lyme carriers)
- Reduces gaps in coverage from missed monthly doses
- One quick appointment—no pills, chewables, or monthly reminders
- Ideal for busy families who want reliable coverage without the stress
“We love how this makes prevention easy,” says our team. “Fewer doses means fewer chances to forget, it helps us be consistent with our own dogs.”
Bravecto Quantum is FDA-approved for dogs 6 months and older, and available now at Ralston Vet.
“Tick-borne diseases are preventable,” adds Dr. Witzel. “There are easy steps we can take, like long-lasting prevention, to avoid lifelong illness for pets and families.”
What About Cats?
While Bravecto Quantum is dog-specific, tick prevention is just as important for cats, especially those who spend time outside or live with dogs.
We carry feline-safe options like Bravecto Plus, which helps protect against fleas, ticks, and internal parasites in one easy dose. You can order Bravecto Plus and other recommended options through our online store, shipped directly to your home.
Protecting Your Whole Family
Tick prevention isn’t just about your pet, it’s about your home.
Ticks can crawl from fur to furniture, hide in clothing, or even move between family members. A tick you pull off your dog today could have been heading for you tomorrow.
We recommend:
- Checking your pet after outdoor play or hikes
- Keeping grass short and brush cleared
- Washing pet bedding and vacuuming regularly
- Using vet-recommended prevention consistently, not seasonally
- Calling us with any questions, we’re here to help!
For current maps and updates, we recommend visiting Companion Animal Parasite Council’s site to see tick-borne disease prevalence in your area.
“Lyme disease is becoming more common around here,” adds Dr. Tunnard. “How awful would it be to get a lifelong disease from your sweet pet, when it’s so preventable?”
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’ve found a tick and aren’t sure what to do next, or if your pet tested positive for a tick-borne illness, reach out. We can help you make sense of the options and build a prevention plan that works for your household.
Call or text us at 402-331-6322
Email: ralstonvet@ralstonvet.com
Visit our dog care page
Ask about Bravecto Quantum
Because Tiny Terrors Don’t Take a Break
Fleas and ticks don’t take vacations. Neither should your prevention plan. Whether you’re trying to avoid a single tick or manage a Lyme-positive pet, we’re here with tools, compassion, and practical support.
Let’s stay one step ahead, together.
