Flea & Tick Season in Monmouth County: What Dog Owners Should Know

Like most of New Jersey, Monmouth County sees the most flea and tick activity during the warmer months — spring through fall — especially for dogs who spend time in grassy or wooded areas. Even dogs who mostly stick to a yard or sidewalk aren't entirely in the clear, since fleas and ticks can hitch a ride on other animals or from tall grass at the edge of a property.

What to Watch For

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at one area of the body.
• Small dark specks in the coat, especially near the base of the tail or around the neck — a sign of flea dirt.
• A tick attached to the skin, most commonly found around the ears, neck, or between the toes on dogs who've been outside.
• Redness, scabbing, or hair loss in a specific spot, which can indicate a reaction to a bite.

Where Grooming Fits In

A flea and tick treatment during a bath or full groom can help address an active issue and leave your dog more comfortable, and it's easy to add onto an appointment you're already scheduling. That said, grooming-visit treatment works best as part of a broader routine — most vets recommend a year-round preventive product as the primary line of defense, with grooming treatments as a helpful addition rather than a replacement. If you're not sure what prevention makes sense for your dog, that's a conversation for your veterinarian.