Summer means longer walks, backyard playtime, hiking adventures, and plenty of outdoor fun for our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, it also brings some unwelcome guests: ticks, fleas, and grass seeds.
These tiny hazards can cause anything from mild irritation to serious health problems if left unchecked. The good news? Knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early and keep your pup happy, healthy, and enjoying the season.
Ticks: Small Bugs, Big Problems
Ticks thrive during the warmer months and are commonly found in tall grass, wooded areas, and even residential yards. They attach themselves to animals (and humans) to feed on blood and can transmit diseases in the process.
How to Spot a Tick
Ticks often feel like small bumps on your dog's skin. Depending on how long they've been attached, they can range from the size of a pinhead to a swollen pea.
Check these common hiding spots:
Around the ears
Under the collar
Between the toes
Around the eyes
Under the legs
Around the tail
Along the neck and chest
Signs Your Dog May Have Ticks
Excessive scratching or licking
Redness or swelling at the bite site
Small bumps on the skin
Unusual lethargy or loss of appetite
After every walk or outdoor play session, give your dog a quick "nose-to-tail" inspection, especially if they've spent time in grassy or wooded areas.
Fleas: Tiny Pests That Multiply Fast
Fleas may be small, but they can become a major nuisance in a hurry. A single flea can lay dozens of eggs each day, quickly turning a minor problem into a full-blown infestation.
How to Spot Fleas
Because fleas move quickly, you may not always see them right away. Instead, look for:
Excessive scratching, biting, or chewing
Hair loss
Red, irritated skin
Flea dirt (small black specks that resemble pepper)
Restlessness or discomfort
Run a flea comb through your dog's fur, paying special attention to the base of the tail, belly, and behind the ears.
Why Fleas Are More Than Just Annoying
Fleas can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and even transmit parasites. They can also quickly spread throughout your home, making prevention much easier than treatment.
Grass Seeds: The Hidden Summer Hazard
Many dog owners know to watch for ticks and fleas, but grass seeds often fly under the radar.
These small, sharp seeds can become trapped in your dog's fur and work their way into the skin, ears, eyes, nose, or paws. Once embedded, they can cause painful infections and may require veterinary removal.
Where Grass Seeds Get Stuck
Inspect your dog carefully after walks, especially around:
Between the toes
Paw pads
Ears
Armpits
Groin area
Around the eyes
Long fur around the legs and feet
Signs of a Grass Seed Problem
Excessive licking of a paw
Head shaking
Ear scratching
Swelling or redness
Limping
Sudden sneezing
Eye irritation
If symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian promptly, as grass seeds can migrate deeper into tissue over time.
Prevention Starts in Your Backyard
One of the easiest ways to reduce your dog's exposure to summer pests is by maintaining a clean, healthy yard.
Regular mowing can help reduce tick habitats, while removing pet waste helps create a cleaner outdoor environment for your family and pets. Pet waste left in the yard can attract insects and contribute to unhealthy lawn conditions that make outdoor spaces less enjoyable.
At DoodyCalls, we're proud to help pet owners maintain cleaner yards so dogs can safely enjoy more time outdoors.
Summer Safety Checklist for Dog Owners
Before heading inside after outdoor adventures:
✔ Check your dog for ticks
✔ Look for signs of fleas or flea dirt
✔ Inspect paws and fur for grass seeds
✔ Brush your dog's coat regularly
✔ Stay current on flea and tick preventatives
✔ Keep your yard clean and well-maintained
A few minutes of inspection can help prevent weeks of discomfort for your dog. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can spend less time worrying about pests and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Need Help Keeping Your Yard Clean This Summer?
DoodyCalls makes pet waste removal easy, helping create a cleaner, more enjoyable outdoor space for both pets and people. Contact your local DoodyCalls team today and spend more time enjoying your backyard rather than cleaning it.
Another service to check out is our DoodyFresh sanitization and deodorization! This solution helps keep unwanted guests out of your backyard by getting rid of the pet odor they’re attracted to. The best part is, it’s safe for pets, humans, and plants!