Fleas & Ticks in Spokane: What Pet Parents Need to Know as the Seasons Change

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Dog rolling in grass outdoors in Spokane

As Spokane warms up, fleas and ticks become a real concern for dogs and their people. Here’s what to watch for and how to stay ahead of it.

Written by Alyus Vasquez

Founder of Lilac City Pet Care LLC and co-owner of Penny’s Paw Spa

Focused on humane grooming practices, education, and helping pet parents feel confident between appointments

Dog outdoors during flea and tick season

Warmer Weather Means More Than Just Walks and Sunshine

As the seasons shift in Spokane, we start to see more time outdoors, longer walks, trips to the park, and dogs enjoying the fresh air.

It also means something else:

Fleas and ticks become more active.

These pests are a normal part of the environment here, especially in:

  • Grassy areas
  • Trails and wooded spaces
  • Yards with wildlife activity

The goal isn’t to avoid going outside. It’s to know what to look for and how to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Flea close-up

Fleas

  • Tiny, fast-moving insects that live in the coat
  • Cause itching, irritation, and skin inflammation
  • Can lead to flea allergy dermatitis in sensitive dogs
  • Can spread to your home quickly
Tick close-up

Ticks

  • Attach to the skin and feed on blood
  • Often found after outdoor exposure
  • Can carry diseases that affect both pets and humans

Even a single flea or tick can become a bigger issue if not addressed early.

Why Fleas and Ticks Are a Concern

These pests aren’t just annoying. They can impact health.

For dogs:

  • Skin irritation and infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Potential disease transmission, especially from ticks

For humans:

  • Fleas can bite people
  • Ticks can carry illnesses that affect humans as well

Early detection is one of the best ways to reduce risk. For more information about ticks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/tick-lifecycles.html

tick attached to dog skin before safe removal

Where to Check Your Dog

After time outside, a quick check can go a long way.

Focus on areas where pests like to hide:

  • Behind and inside the ears, including Henry’s pockets
  • Under the collar
  • Armpits, around the front legs
  • Groin area
  • Base of the tail
  • Between the toes

    What Are Henry’s Pockets?


Close-up showing Henry's pocket on a dog's ear
Dog ear flap with visible cutaneous marginal pouch

You might notice a small fold or pocket along the lower edge of your dog’s ear flap.

This is called the cutaneous marginal pouch, often nicknamed Henry’s pocket.

  • It’s a natural part of a dog’s ear
  • It can trap dirt, debris, and small pests
  • It’s easy to overlook during quick checks

Gently open the ear flap and take a look inside. This is a common hiding spot for ticks.

How to remove a tick

How to Safely Remove a Tick

If you find a tick, staying calm and removing it properly is key.

Use tick tweezers or a tick removal tool if possible.

Steps:

  1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
  2. Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting
  3. Avoid crushing the tick
  4. Clean the area afterward

Try to remove the tick intact. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, your vet can help.

Applying Flea and tick prevention products on a dogs

Flea & Tick Prevention Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are several effective options:

Oral Medications (Pills)

  • Work systemically through the bloodstream
  • Often long-lasting
  • Require a vet prescription

Topical Treatments

  • Applied to the skin, usually between the shoulders
  • Repel and or kill pests
  • Available in prescription and over-the-counter options

Flea & Tick Baths

  • Help remove fleas and debris
  • Provide immediate relief
  • Best used as part of a broader prevention plan

How a Groomer Can Help

Regular grooming plays a big role in prevention and early detection.

A groomer can:

  • Check the coat thoroughly
  • Spot fleas, ticks, or irritation early
  • Clean hard-to-reach areas
  • Recommend maintenance routines

At our shop, we focus on gentle, thorough handling, which allows us to notice small changes in your dog’s skin and coat.

Yard Treatments & Environmental Prevention

If your dog spends time in the yard, prevention doesn’t stop at the coat.

Helpful steps include:

  • Keeping grass trimmed
  • Removing leaf buildup
  • Limiting wildlife access
  • Using pet-safe yard treatments when needed

Options for Sensitive Dogs, Puppies, or Seniors

Not every dog can tolerate standard flea and tick treatments.

If your dog is:

  • Very young
  • Older
  • Medically sensitive

You can still reduce risk with:

  • Frequent coat checks
  • Regular grooming
  • Clean bedding
  • Environmental control, both yard and home

Your vet can also help guide you toward safe options if needed.

A Final Thought

Fleas and ticks are a normal part of life in the Inland Northwest, but they don’t have to become a problem.

A simple routine of:

  • Checking your dog
  • Staying consistent with prevention
  • Keeping up with grooming

can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.

About Lilac City Pet Care LLC

Lilac City Pet Care LLC provides compassionate, education-focused pet care throughout the Inland Northwest. We believe in gentle handling, honest guidance, and supporting both pets and their people.

Disclaimer

Lilac City Pet Care LLC is the parent company of Penny’s Paw Spa. This page is intended for educational purposes and reflects our commitment to humane, compassionate grooming practices. We encourage pet parents to find the grooming professional who best fits their dog’s individual needs.

Location: 321 W Hastings Rd #103, Spokane, WA 99218, USA

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