Colorado pet owners began seeing signs of an active tick season earlier this spring — and the unusually mild winter may be a major reason why.
Ticks are highly sensitive to temperature and moisture. During colder winters, prolonged freezing temperatures help reduce tick survival rates. But when winters are warmer and shorter, more ticks survive into spring, emerge earlier, and remain active longer throughout the year. Experts across the U.S. are warning that climate trends are contributing to expanding tick activity and longer tick seasons.
For dogs and cats in Colorado, that means an increased risk of tick exposure during hikes, backyard playtime, trail walks, camping trips, and even visits to neighborhood parks.
Understanding how ticks behave — and how to prevent them — is one of the best ways to protect pets from potentially serious tick-borne diseases.
Why Colorado’s Mild Winter Matters for Tick Populations
Ticks do not disappear during winter. Many species survive cold weather by sheltering in leaf litter, soil, grasses, shrubs, or animal burrows. Snow can even insulate ticks from extreme cold. When temperatures stay above freezing for longer periods, ticks may remain active year-round or emerge earlier than usual in spring.
Colorado experienced a relatively mild winter heading into spring 2026, and veterinarians are already reporting earlier tick activity in some areas.
This can lead to:
- Increased tick survival
- Earlier seasonal emergence
- Longer feeding seasons
- Greater opportunities for reproduction
- More exposure risk for pets and people
Tick activity in Colorado typically peaks from April through June, though ticks can remain active into fall and sometimes during warmer winter days.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Some pets face greater tick exposure than others, including:
- Hiking dogs
- Camping companions
- Hunting dogs
- Outdoor cats
- Pets living near foothills or open space
- Dogs visiting dog parks or grassy trails
- Pets in homes with wildlife activity nearby
Even indoor pets are not completely protected. Ticks can hitch rides indoors on people, dogs, clothing, or gear.
How Ticks Find and Attach to Dogs and Cats
Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they use a behavior called “questing.”
Questing occurs when ticks climb onto grasses, shrubs, weeds, or trail-edge vegetation and extend their front legs outward while waiting for a host to brush past.
Ticks are attracted to:
- Body heat
- Carbon dioxide
- Movement
- Body odor and scent cues
- Vibrations
Where Ticks Are Most Active in Colorado
Ticks are commonly found in:
- Mountain foothills
- Trail edges
- Tall grass
- Shrublands
- Wooded areas
- Urban open spaces
- Parks and greenbelts
- Campsites
- Backyard vegetation
Ticks are especially common where wildlife hosts travel regularly.
Importantly, altitude does not eliminate tick risk. Colorado ticks can survive at elevations up to approximately 10,000 feet.
Daily Tick Checks
Check pets carefully after outdoor activities.
Focus on:
- Ears
- Toes
- Neck
- Under collars
- Armpits
- Groin areas
Prompt removal reduces disease transmission risk.
How to Properly Remove a Tick
If you find a tick attached to your pet:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward slowly and steadily
- Avoid twisting or crushing the tick
- Clean the area afterward with soap and water or antiseptic
- Wash your hands thoroughly
Do not use:
- Petroleum jelly
- Nail polish
- Matches or heat
These methods may increase disease transmission risk.
Ticks should be removed as soon as they are found. While Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 36–48 hours before transmission is likely, other tick-borne diseases can be transmitted in much less time. Because there is no reliable way to know how long a tick has been attached or what diseases it may carry, prompt removal and year-round tick prevention remain the best ways to protect your pet.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat:
- Develops a fever
- Becomes lethargic
- Stops eating
- Shows lameness or joint pain
- Has swollen lymph nodes
- Vomits repeatedly
- Develops neurologic symptoms
- Has multiple attached ticks
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Tick Prevention Checklist for Colorado Pet Owners
? Use year-round veterinary-approved tick prevention
? Check pets daily after outdoor activities
? Avoid tall grass and brush when possible
? Keep lawns trimmed
? Wash outdoor gear regularly
? Remove ticks promptly and correctly
? Schedule regular veterinary wellness exams
? Discuss local tick risks with your veterinarian
Final Thoughts
Colorado’s beautiful outdoor lifestyle comes with increased tick exposure risk for pets — especially during an active spring season like 2026.
The good news is that prevention works. With consistent tick prevention, daily awareness, and prompt veterinary care when needed, most dogs and cats can continue safely enjoying Colorado’s trails, parks, and open spaces.
If you have questions about the best tick prevention plan for your dog or cat, talk with your veterinarian. Prevention tailored to your pet’s lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of tick-borne disease.
FAQ
When is tick season in Colorado?
Tick season in Colorado usually begins in March and peaks between April and June, though ticks may remain active into fall and during mild winters.
Can indoor pets get ticks?
Yes. Ticks can enter homes on people, dogs, gear, or wildlife.
Is Lyme disease common in Colorado dogs?
Lyme disease has historically been uncommon in Colorado, but veterinarians continue monitoring changing tick patterns and imported exposures.
Should pets stay on tick prevention year-round in Colorado?
Many veterinarians now recommend year-round prevention because warmer winters allow longer tick activity periods.
Where are ticks most common in Colorado?
Ticks are commonly found in foothills, grassy areas, hiking trails, shrublands, wooded edges, parks, and open spaces.
What Tick Species Arm Are Most Common In Colorado?
Colorado is home to approximately 30 tick species, though only a few are commonly encountered by pets and people. These include Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, American Dog Tick and Brown Dog Tick.
Helpful Links
UCHealth Today - The truth about ticks in Colorado
Animal of Things - Tick Season in Colorado: What to Know to Stay Safe Outdoors