Spring has arrived and ticks are out in full force. The incidence of tick-borne disease continues to increase across Ontario. If your pet is not already protected, now is the time to start prevention.
What are ticks and where are they found?
– Ticks are parasites that bite and attach themselves to the skin of a host and feed on their blood.
– There are many types of ticks, but the deer tick is the one responsible for transmitting Lyme disease.
– Ticks are found in wooded areas and in areas with tall grasses such as hiking trails, campgrounds and cottages, and start to become active once the temperature reaches 4C.
Lyme disease
– Lyme Disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted by the deer tick.
– The most common symptoms in dogs are lethargy, fever and limping. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal.
– The best way to prevent Lyme disease is by protecting your dog against ticks.
How can I protect my pet?
– If possible, avoid walking your dog in high-risk areas such as tall grass, shrubs and leaf litter.
– If you spend time with your dog in these areas, thoroughly check your dog (and yourself) for ticks after a walk.
– Consider using a prescription preventive product throughout the entire tick season, which is typically from early spring to late fall. These products either prevent ticks from biting or kill ticks as soon as they latch on, preventing transmission of disease to your pet.
Submitted by Dr. Nicole Stone, Arthur Veterinary Clinic
