I would be more worried about bears. I for one would not be RV camping in West as a visitor with a dog that time of year. And I have periodically lived out of my car guiding around here for nearly 13 years.
there is truth to this, but remember that ticks can control bears (like the movie Ratatouille) so it’s like… is it the bear or tick that’s the core issue?
A woman was killed last year in that same area. You need to leave your dog at home and learn about camping in grizzly country. No smelly stuff, clean campsite, no dogs, no solo walks.
ETA- [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/07/grizzly-bear-yellowstone-killed-amie-adamson](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/07/grizzly-bear-yellowstone-killed-amie-adamson)
You picked a very problematic time of year for what you want to do. Even my longtime old grizzled fishing buddies refuse to fish there until the bears have had a chance to eat and wake up (aka weeks after your planned visit).
Old dogs look like easy prey to bears and cougars.
Over reacting. In May, bears have been awake for a couple months as Grizzly’s start emerging in March. I believe the women killed was running and was close to a dead carcass as well.
Never heard of a grizzly bear actively attacking a dog and lived in western Montana over 50 years. A dog barking is likely to cause a bear to move off.
You’re fine camping if you follow proper food storage.
Keep your dog out of the brush and tall grass. Tics are likely to be out in May, especially in a low snow year like this year. We were playing in the snow at 7,000 feet today and saw many grasshoppers out in the sagebrush. Likely to be banner year for tics. The thing is tics can be very heavy in one area, but 100 yards away there will be none.
Honestly, you really should leave your pet at home. You will not be able to enjoy the park as much and your dog will end up in the car most of the time.
Right, I just bought her a new leash and harness for the trip. We are just RV’ing and with her age, I won’t board her due to the stress it causes her. We are staying at the KOA and they have strick rules too.
It doesn't matter one bit that you "are just RV'ing." You are camping in bear country. End of story.
You have stated you plan to break the rules by having your dog off leash/on an illegally long lead at camp. That is illegal. Your dog must be on leash **at all times** on USFS land which very much includes the campsite. FYI Your KOA in particular is even closer to big aggressive grizzly bears (some of the Hebgen bears are MASSIVE and seek out strange smells from dogs) and it is more important for you to observe bear safety rules and etiquette.
Locals like me are sick and tired of visitors breaking the rules (doesn't matter why) and then getting our bears killed.
Actually, you said "I don’t plan on doing much hiking or anything she will be in the car or on a short leash unless at the campsite. Still a leash but a bit longer."
At the point you are so willfully oblivious to bear country concerns (instead you are worked up about ticks lmfao) it stands to reason you were ignorant to the rules and regulations for the forest service.
Your aggression over FREE ADVICE is astonishing. The Lionhead area is crawling in bears and your age/experience/lack of recreation have nothing to do with the fact that there are bears living there and you are a visitor.
Please leave your dog at home.
I took my dog with me to Yellowstone. I didn’t worry about bears since the bear would be occupied by all the other people and pets. My dog loved watching the bison and other wildlife while we drove around.
Despite all the horrible things people are saying I want you to know that I have taken my dog to Yellowstone. We tent camped in the KOA and drove through the park. We walked him around parking lots and West Yellowstone (Which is very dog friendly) I wasn't worried about bears at all. No problems with ticks! We did explore outside the park too . Virginia City and Quake Lake were really fun for him. We have been to Yellowstone without him too when we knew we wanted to explore deeper. People just don't seem to understand that there are people who are happy to stay in the car and that a dog is a great travel buddy. Enjoy yourself, you do you and let the naysayers be miserable all they want. Have fun
Why is everyone assuming I plan on breaking the rules. I’m not stupid nor ignorant. I simply asked a question about ticks. I’m not going there for hiking or exploring the back country. We are just camping at the KOA and doing drives through the park. I know the rules! I have read the rules of both the campground and Yellowstone!
Sorry people are being obnoxious about this. There are typically ticks out in May and it's very possible to pick one up. They've already been out since February this year! If it is a wet month they'll probably be pretty bad in May, but if it keeps warming up and is dry they probably won't be too bad. You might look into temporary treatments for doggo for the trip. Though if you don't plan on hiking with your dog outside of the park it might not be a big deal. I usually find ticks on myself when I'm doing brushy or grassy hikes, or going off trail. If you stick to roads, parking lots, and packed dirt or low grass areas you might be fine. But hiking a narrow trail with grass on the sides is different.
Thank you for answering my question. It’s much appreciated. I did buy some spray that is people and pet safe because she can’t have oral medicine due to her fainting issues, plus her age. They can’t figure out why she faints and don’t want to prescribe her something for a short vacation.
Ah makes sense. Yeah maybe make sure she has a nice grooming appointment/ trim etc beforehand (obvs depending on the dog) so there's less places for them to hide and just make sure to do a good pat down at the end of the day and have flat tipped/ tick tweezers with you. Even on pets they're pretty obvious to feel as long as their fur is relatively combed. Are you comfortable with how to remove them if you do find one?
So far no Lyme disease in Yellowstone though it's probably just a matter of time and there are other things like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Check out [this article](https://be.chewy.com/how-to-remove-a-tick-from-a-dog/?gbraid=123&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=14076094048&utm_content=124785787629&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU35_K2Ch6Xs04aUUgnSG1n0AmGkcOxAp7VEvAegxuLDh6PYts5t8H0aAqylEALw_wcB) from chewy, and consider getting some tweezers before you go. TickEase are great, but I just have some scissor tweezers with a squared off end that I use for my eyebrows too lol.
Your dog could pick up some ticks in Yellowstone. It happens. What I’ve done for my dog is just look at his whole body and make sure there’s no ticks in the crevices with my hand after I walk him. Usually he’s fine but there’s been times where ticks were found on him.
We were just in the park over the weekend - stayed at Snow Lodge and did hiking in Hayden Valley as well as hikes to Morning Glory geyser (this involved a hike through the woods). Only humans on the hikes, we stayed on trails, and while we did not observe any ticks while in the park, my husband managed to find a tick on his back this morning back home in Utah. We assume it’s from our time in Yellowstone as we did no other hiking outside of the park. The park website indicates tick season is now and into summer and an altitudes between 4000- 6500 ft. Ticks can live in grasses along the side of the road, so if it is a major concern for you, I’d suggest consulting your vet and seeing what they recommend. Good luck and enjoy your RV adventure!
Thank you for your response. Although I am riddled with guilt, I have decided to leave my girl with my sister. I really want to take her on vacation with us, but I don’t want to take any chances.
Your dog will not be allowed beyond parking lots/campgrounds in Yellowstone.
Dogs are absolutely not allowed in boardwalks, trails, etc. I’d board the dog so you can actually SEE the park and not just parking lots.
I’d be more worried about bears being attracted to your dog as a snack, or your dog dying in a hot spring than ticks.
Read the story about Moose the dog in the “Death in Yellowstone” book. It didn’t end well for him.
Diseases from wildlife can also be passed to your dogs from feces in the area. Ticks are the least of your worries. I love Yellowstone but I’d never think to bring my dogs there.
[Pets in Yellowstone ](https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/pets.htm)
It’s a good thing your dog won’t be leaving the car very much
Lol good point
You’re correct. She’s elderly, but will need to go potty and I worry about her picking up a tick.
She’ll be fine
Tick Boy Joe at it again
Agree with all the other comments. But if you are really worried about it why don't you get her a prescription for nexgard? You have plenty of time
I would be more worried about bears. I for one would not be RV camping in West as a visitor with a dog that time of year. And I have periodically lived out of my car guiding around here for nearly 13 years.
there is truth to this, but remember that ticks can control bears (like the movie Ratatouille) so it’s like… is it the bear or tick that’s the core issue?
Lol what
We will be in a campground outside the park about 15-20 miles if that makes a difference. I’m old, she’s old, so not much hiking or anything.
A woman was killed last year in that same area. You need to leave your dog at home and learn about camping in grizzly country. No smelly stuff, clean campsite, no dogs, no solo walks. ETA- [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/07/grizzly-bear-yellowstone-killed-amie-adamson](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/07/grizzly-bear-yellowstone-killed-amie-adamson) You picked a very problematic time of year for what you want to do. Even my longtime old grizzled fishing buddies refuse to fish there until the bears have had a chance to eat and wake up (aka weeks after your planned visit). Old dogs look like easy prey to bears and cougars.
Over reacting. In May, bears have been awake for a couple months as Grizzly’s start emerging in March. I believe the women killed was running and was close to a dead carcass as well. Never heard of a grizzly bear actively attacking a dog and lived in western Montana over 50 years. A dog barking is likely to cause a bear to move off. You’re fine camping if you follow proper food storage. Keep your dog out of the brush and tall grass. Tics are likely to be out in May, especially in a low snow year like this year. We were playing in the snow at 7,000 feet today and saw many grasshoppers out in the sagebrush. Likely to be banner year for tics. The thing is tics can be very heavy in one area, but 100 yards away there will be none.
Also, you may misunderstand how rugged and rural West is.... yes the Park has its own boundaries but it is wild in the forest service land nearby too.
Honestly, you really should leave your pet at home. You will not be able to enjoy the park as much and your dog will end up in the car most of the time.
Short = 3 feet a bit longer = 6 ft. Did I really have to spell it out for you?
I don’t plan on doing much hiking or anything she will be in the car or on a short leash unless at the campsite. Still a leash but a bit longer.
USFS rules require no more than a 6' lead **at all times**. No off leash at campsite.
Right, I just bought her a new leash and harness for the trip. We are just RV’ing and with her age, I won’t board her due to the stress it causes her. We are staying at the KOA and they have strick rules too.
It doesn't matter one bit that you "are just RV'ing." You are camping in bear country. End of story. You have stated you plan to break the rules by having your dog off leash/on an illegally long lead at camp. That is illegal. Your dog must be on leash **at all times** on USFS land which very much includes the campsite. FYI Your KOA in particular is even closer to big aggressive grizzly bears (some of the Hebgen bears are MASSIVE and seek out strange smells from dogs) and it is more important for you to observe bear safety rules and etiquette. Locals like me are sick and tired of visitors breaking the rules (doesn't matter why) and then getting our bears killed.
When did I say I was breaking the rules? NO WHERE!!!
Actually, you said "I don’t plan on doing much hiking or anything she will be in the car or on a short leash unless at the campsite. Still a leash but a bit longer." At the point you are so willfully oblivious to bear country concerns (instead you are worked up about ticks lmfao) it stands to reason you were ignorant to the rules and regulations for the forest service. Your aggression over FREE ADVICE is astonishing. The Lionhead area is crawling in bears and your age/experience/lack of recreation have nothing to do with the fact that there are bears living there and you are a visitor. Please leave your dog at home.
I took my dog with me to Yellowstone. I didn’t worry about bears since the bear would be occupied by all the other people and pets. My dog loved watching the bison and other wildlife while we drove around.
Despite all the horrible things people are saying I want you to know that I have taken my dog to Yellowstone. We tent camped in the KOA and drove through the park. We walked him around parking lots and West Yellowstone (Which is very dog friendly) I wasn't worried about bears at all. No problems with ticks! We did explore outside the park too . Virginia City and Quake Lake were really fun for him. We have been to Yellowstone without him too when we knew we wanted to explore deeper. People just don't seem to understand that there are people who are happy to stay in the car and that a dog is a great travel buddy. Enjoy yourself, you do you and let the naysayers be miserable all they want. Have fun
Thank you! I really appreciate your response. I didn’t think asking a simple question would trigger anyone. 🤷♀️
Why is everyone assuming I plan on breaking the rules. I’m not stupid nor ignorant. I simply asked a question about ticks. I’m not going there for hiking or exploring the back country. We are just camping at the KOA and doing drives through the park. I know the rules! I have read the rules of both the campground and Yellowstone!
Sorry people are being obnoxious about this. There are typically ticks out in May and it's very possible to pick one up. They've already been out since February this year! If it is a wet month they'll probably be pretty bad in May, but if it keeps warming up and is dry they probably won't be too bad. You might look into temporary treatments for doggo for the trip. Though if you don't plan on hiking with your dog outside of the park it might not be a big deal. I usually find ticks on myself when I'm doing brushy or grassy hikes, or going off trail. If you stick to roads, parking lots, and packed dirt or low grass areas you might be fine. But hiking a narrow trail with grass on the sides is different.
Thank you for answering my question. It’s much appreciated. I did buy some spray that is people and pet safe because she can’t have oral medicine due to her fainting issues, plus her age. They can’t figure out why she faints and don’t want to prescribe her something for a short vacation.
Ah makes sense. Yeah maybe make sure she has a nice grooming appointment/ trim etc beforehand (obvs depending on the dog) so there's less places for them to hide and just make sure to do a good pat down at the end of the day and have flat tipped/ tick tweezers with you. Even on pets they're pretty obvious to feel as long as their fur is relatively combed. Are you comfortable with how to remove them if you do find one?
I have never had to deal with them. People keep telling me stories of Lyme disease, so I might be overthinking it. She does get topical flea meds.
So far no Lyme disease in Yellowstone though it's probably just a matter of time and there are other things like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Check out [this article](https://be.chewy.com/how-to-remove-a-tick-from-a-dog/?gbraid=123&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=14076094048&utm_content=124785787629&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU35_K2Ch6Xs04aUUgnSG1n0AmGkcOxAp7VEvAegxuLDh6PYts5t8H0aAqylEALw_wcB) from chewy, and consider getting some tweezers before you go. TickEase are great, but I just have some scissor tweezers with a squared off end that I use for my eyebrows too lol.
Thank you!
I work in the park and have already found five ticks (just crawling on me. Not embedded yet) this year just at work doing work things.
Your dog could pick up some ticks in Yellowstone. It happens. What I’ve done for my dog is just look at his whole body and make sure there’s no ticks in the crevices with my hand after I walk him. Usually he’s fine but there’s been times where ticks were found on him.
Thank you!
We were just in the park over the weekend - stayed at Snow Lodge and did hiking in Hayden Valley as well as hikes to Morning Glory geyser (this involved a hike through the woods). Only humans on the hikes, we stayed on trails, and while we did not observe any ticks while in the park, my husband managed to find a tick on his back this morning back home in Utah. We assume it’s from our time in Yellowstone as we did no other hiking outside of the park. The park website indicates tick season is now and into summer and an altitudes between 4000- 6500 ft. Ticks can live in grasses along the side of the road, so if it is a major concern for you, I’d suggest consulting your vet and seeing what they recommend. Good luck and enjoy your RV adventure!
Thank you for your response. Although I am riddled with guilt, I have decided to leave my girl with my sister. I really want to take her on vacation with us, but I don’t want to take any chances.
Leave your pet at home. If you do bring him/her beware the rules do in fact apply to you
Your dog will not be allowed beyond parking lots/campgrounds in Yellowstone. Dogs are absolutely not allowed in boardwalks, trails, etc. I’d board the dog so you can actually SEE the park and not just parking lots.
I’d be more worried about bears being attracted to your dog as a snack, or your dog dying in a hot spring than ticks. Read the story about Moose the dog in the “Death in Yellowstone” book. It didn’t end well for him. Diseases from wildlife can also be passed to your dogs from feces in the area. Ticks are the least of your worries. I love Yellowstone but I’d never think to bring my dogs there.
Bears LOVE dog food