The Best Pants for Dog Walking: How to Protect Yourself from Ticks on Everyday Walks

Walking the dog is part of everyday life. It might be a quick morning walk around the neighbourhood, an afternoon at the park or a longer walk along a wooded ravine trail.

But even if you're not hiking or camping, you can still encounter ticks.

Ticks can be found in wooded areas, tall grass, brush and other suitable outdoor habitats, including some city parks and gardens. If you regularly walk your dog outdoors, choosing the right clothing and making tick checks part of your routine can help reduce your risk of tick bites.

So, what should you wear to protect yourself from ticks while walking your dog?

Can You Get Ticks While Walking Your Dog?

Yes. You don't have to spend a weekend camping to encounter a tick.

Ticks may be present along grassy paths, wooded trails, park edges, gardens and areas with leaf litter. Your dog may explore these environments every day, which means it's worth thinking about tick prevention even during an ordinary neighbourhood walk.

Ticks can attach to people as well as pets. Your dog can also carry ticks into your home after spending time outdoors.

The good news? A few simple precautions can help you enjoy your walks while reducing your exposure to ticks.

What Should You Wear to Help Prevent Tick Bites?

One of the simplest steps you can take is to cover your skin with appropriate outdoor clothing.

Canadian public health guidance recommends wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes and light-coloured clothing that makes ticks easier to spot. Tucking your pants into your socks can also help prevent ticks from crawling underneath your clothing.

Here are four things to consider when choosing pants for dog walking.

1. Choose Pants That Cover Your Legs

Shorts might be comfortable on a warm day, but long pants provide a layer of clothing between your skin and the outdoor environment.

Look for pants that offer good coverage while allowing you to bend, walk and move comfortably.

2. Pay Attention to the Waist and Ankle Areas

The way your clothing fits matters. Gaps around the waist and ankles can make it easier for ticks to get underneath your clothes.

Choose pants that sit securely at the waist and consider how the ankle openings work with your socks and footwear. For additional coverage, follow public health guidance on tucking your pant legs into your socks when appropriate.

3. Choose Comfortable Fabric for Everyday Wear

Dog walking doesn't always mean a long hike. You might be walking before work, taking the dog out between errands or spending an hour exploring your local ravine.

For everyday use, look for pants that are comfortable, breathable and easy to move in. Stretch fabric can be especially useful when you're walking on uneven paths, bending down or keeping up with an energetic dog.

4. Consider Practical Features

Deep pockets, secure closures and a comfortable waistband can make a difference when you're out with your dog.

You may want room for your phone, keys, dog treats and waste bags without carrying an extra bag.

The best pants for dog walking should work for your everyday routine while helping you take sensible precautions against ticks.

Are Regular Pants Enough to Protect You from Ticks?

Regular long pants are a useful part of tick prevention, but no ordinary pair of pants can guarantee that you won't get a tick bite.

The fit, coverage and way you wear your clothing all matter. Ticks may still reach exposed skin or crawl underneath clothing.

For better protection, combine appropriate clothing with other recommended precautions:

Wear closed-toe shoes and socks.

Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot.

Tuck your pants into your socks when walking in tick habitats.

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin according to its label.

Stay on cleared paths and avoid brushing against tall grass and dense vegetation where possible.

Check yourself and your dog for ticks after your walk.

Meet the Foraging Pant: Designed for Everyday Outdoor Life

At TickOffTicks, we believe tick-conscious clothing should fit into the way people actually live.

You don't need to be a backcountry adventurer to spend time outdoors. Walking the dog, gardening, exploring local trails and enjoying a neighbourhood park are all reasons to think about tick prevention.

That's why we designed the Foraging Pant for people who want practical, comfortable clothing for everyday outdoor activities.

The Foraging Pant features:

Tick-covering waist: Designed to provide coverage around the waist.

Tapered ankle cuffs: Designed to help reduce gaps around the ankles where ticks could crawl underneath clothing.

Four built-in SPRAY ME zones: Visual reminders of where to apply an appropriate repellent according to its label.

Deep pockets: Practical storage for your everyday essentials.

Stretch cotton fabric: Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex for comfortable movement.

Everyday versatility: Designed for dog walking, gardening, camping and exploring local trails.

Instead of saving your outdoor clothing for a big adventure, the Foraging Pant is designed to be part of your everyday routine.

It is important to remember that the pants are not a guarantee against tick bites. Combine clothing coverage with repellent, sensible outdoor habits and regular tick checks.

Explore the TickOffTicks Foraging Pant

How to Check for Ticks After Walking Your Dog

Making a tick check part of your routine is just as important as choosing what to wear.

After walking in an area where ticks may be present:

Check your pants, socks and footwear for ticks.

Check your body carefully, including behind your knees, around your waist, in your groin and under your arms, as well as your scalp and behind your ears.

Inspect your dog and ask your veterinarian about appropriate tick-prevention options.

Shower when practical after returning indoors.

Consider putting your outdoor clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing, following public health guidance.

If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about a bite or subsequent symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tick Protection and Dog Walking

Can you get ticks from walking your dog in the city?

Yes. Ticks can be found in suitable habitats in urban and suburban areas, including some parks, gardens, wooded ravines and grassy areas. Your risk depends on the environment and your exposure.

What are the best pants to wear when walking your dog during tick season?

Look for comfortable long pants that provide good leg coverage and fit securely around the waist and ankles. Light-coloured clothing can make ticks easier to spot. Consider how the pant legs work with your socks and footwear, and follow recommended tick-prevention practices.

Do jeans protect you from ticks?

Jeans provide a layer of clothing over your legs, but they do not guarantee protection from tick bites. How you wear them, the coverage they provide and whether ticks can get underneath them all matter. Combine long pants with other prevention measures.

Should I tuck my pants into my socks when walking my dog?

Canadian public health guidance recommends tucking pants into socks when spending time in areas where ticks may be present. This helps reduce the opportunity for ticks to crawl underneath your clothing.

Are tick-protective pants only for hiking and camping?

No. Clothing designed with tick-conscious features can be useful for everyday outdoor activities, including dog walking, gardening and exploring local parks. Choose clothing that suits your routine and combine it with other recommended precautions.

Do tick-protective pants replace insect repellent?

No. Clothing is one part of tick prevention. Use an approved repellent according to its label, stay on cleared paths when possible and check yourself and your dog after outdoor activities.

Enjoy Your Walk. Make Tick Prevention Part of the Routine.

Your daily dog walk should be something you enjoy, whether you're exploring a local ravine or taking a quick stroll around the block.

Choosing clothing that offers good coverage, using appropriate repellent and checking yourself and your dog after outdoor activities are simple ways to make tick prevention part of your routine.

At TickOffTicks, we're rethinking outdoor clothing to help people spend more time outside with thoughtful, practical design.

Stay covered. Stay protected. Keep exploring.