Why Fall Grooming Checks Matter in Forsyth and Gwinnett?

Fall doesn’t mean tick-free

The heat finally broke, the leaves are coming down, and it feels like the perfect time for long walks at Sawnee Mountain Preserve or along the Suwanee Creek Greenway. Most dog owners assume tick season ended with summer. In north Georgia, it didn’t.

Georgia’s mild autumns and short winters give ticks plenty of time to stay active. Some species actually peak in the cooler months. And the thick coats dogs start growing this time of year make ticks harder to spot.

That’s why a fall grooming appointment does more than make your dog look good. It’s one of the best chances you’ll get to catch a tick before it causes a problem.

Which ticks are active in north Georgia this fall

University of Georgia researchers have found there is no month of the year when ticks are completely inactive in the state. Tick numbers are highest in spring and summer, but fall brings its own risks.

– Lone star tick. Georgia’s most common tick. It stays active from early spring through late fall, so October and November walks still put dogs in its path.

– American dog tick. As the name suggests, dogs are its preferred host. It is the main carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Georgia.

– Black-legged (deer) tick. Less common here than in northern states, but the adults are most active in the fall, and their numbers climb in colder weather. This is the tick that carries Lyme disease.

– Asian longhorned tick. A newer arrival that UGA Extension has confirmed in Georgia.

Deer move more in autumn, and ticks travel with them. Wooded trails, tall grass at the edge of a yard, and piles of fallen leaves are all places your dog can pick one up, even close to home in Cumming, Suwanee or Buford.

Where ticks hide on your dog

Ticks look for warm, protected spots with thin skin. On a dog, that usually means:

– inside and behind the ears

– around the eyelids and muzzle

– under the collar or harness

– in the armpits and groin

– between the toes and paw pads

– under the tail and around the rear

An adult black-legged tick is only about 1/16 inch long. Tucked under a thick fall coat, a tick that small is easy to miss with a quick pat-down.

How a professional groom catches ticks early

A groom puts trained hands and eyes on every inch of your dog, which is hard to do at home with a wiggly pup. At The Happy Dog Hotel, every service includes steps that naturally turn up hidden ticks:

– Bath and brush-out. Working shampoo down to the skin and brushing through the coat brings bumps and hitchhikers to the surface.

– High-velocity blow-dry. The dryer parts the coat right down to the skin, so the groomer can see areas that stay hidden under thick fur.

– Ear cleaning. Ears are a favorite hiding spot, and they get a close look during every visit.

– Nail trim and paw care. Handling each paw means checking between the toes and pads.

– Sanitary and face trims. On a mini or full groom, trimming around the eyes, muzzle and rear opens up spots ticks like most.

If we find a tick, we’ll let you know at pickup and show you where it was, so you can keep an eye on the spot and loop in your vet.

There’s a bonus, too. Regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat shorter and tidier going into winter, which makes your own at-home checks faster and more reliable.

A 2-minute tick check between grooms

UGA entomologists say daily tick checks are the most effective way to protect both people and pets from tick-borne disease. After any walk through woods, tall grass or leaf piles, try this routine:

– Start at the head. Run your fingers slowly around the ears, eyelids, lips and under the chin.

– Slide the collar. Move or remove the collar or harness and check the skin underneath.

– Work down the body. Use your fingertips, not your palm, and press gently so you can feel small bumps against the skin.

– Check the hidden spots. Look in the armpits, groin and under the tail.

– Finish with the feet. Spread each toe and look between the pads.

A tick feels like a small, firm bump, about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. If something feels off, part the fur and take a look in good light.

Tick prevention products matter too. Ask your veterinarian which option is right for your dog, especially if you hike regularly around Lake Lanier or the Big Creek Greenway.

Found a tick? Here’s what to do

Remove it as soon as you can. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the chance it passes on disease. The CDC recommends this method:

– Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with clean, fine-tipped tweezers.

– Pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk, or the mouthparts may break off.

– Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

– Dispose of the tick in a sealed container, wrapped in tape, in rubbing alcohol, or flushed. Never crush it with your fingers.

Skip the old tricks like nail polish, petroleum jelly or a hot match. They don’t make the tick back out and can make things worse.

It helps to save the tick in a sealed bag in case your vet wants to see it. Watch the bite spot over the next few weeks. Call your vet if your dog seems tired, stops eating, limps, runs a fever, or the area becomes red and swollen.

Frequently asked questions

Are ticks still active in Forsyth and Gwinnett in the fall?

Yes. Lone star ticks stay active into late fall, and adult black-legged ticks are most active in autumn. Georgia’s mild weather means ticks can turn up in any month.

Does grooming remove ticks?

Grooming isn’t a tick treatment, but the bath, brush-out and blow-dry make ticks much easier to spot. If we find one, we’ll show you where it was at pickup.

How often should my dog be groomed in the fall?

Most dogs do well with a groom every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type. Doodles and other long-coated breeds usually need the shorter end of that range.

Can my dog still get ticks if they’re on a preventive?

A tick can still latch on before the product works, so daily checks are still worth doing. Ask your vet which preventive fits your dog’s lifestyle.

Do you serve families outside Johns Creek?

Yes. We regularly groom dogs from Forsyth County and Gwinnett County, including Cumming, Suwanee, Duluth and Peachtree Corners.

Book a fall groom before the holidays

Fall trails are worth enjoying. A regular groom keeps your dog clean and comfortable, and gives a trained set of eyes a close look at their skin and coat.

The Happy Dog Hotel is at 11895 Jones Bridge Rd in Johns Creek, a short drive from Forsyth and Gwinnett. Book your dog’s grooming appointment online or call (404) 369-8512. Holiday slots fill fast, so book early.