Tick Season Is Already Here (and truthfully it never left)...

Anyone else feel their skin crawling at the mere mention of ticks? Because same. They’re gross and sneaky, and in the last decade, tick populations have (unfortunately) been thriving in Ontario. 

Why? Climate change provides more favourable conditions for their survival, while expanding host populations such as deer and mice allow ticks to hitchhike and spread with ease. 

Why Can Ticks Be Dangerous?

Ticks can transmit several diseases through their bite. As they feed, ticks may pass bacteria or parasites into the bloodstream. These diseases can lead to illnesses affecting your pet’s joints, blood cells, or overall health. The longer a tick has been feeding, the higher the risk of infection. Disease risk varies by region and season, but regular tick checks and preventative treatments can significantly reduce the chances of infection.

Did you know?

Ticks live underground until temperatures hit only four degrees Celsius. Since Ontario winters have periodic thaws, this means that our pets are at risk for tick-borne diseases such as Lyme, all year long. Spring and fall just happen to be the seasons when we see peak tick activity.

I’m not joking - I once took my dog to the vet in early February, and they had a monthly tick counter on the bulletin board in the waiting room. The tick count for that vet’s office was already up to 17. Did I mention it was early February? That number surprised (and maybe traumatized) me, but it was a great reminder to be vigilant.

Make tick checks part of every post-walk and post-backyard romp routine

Be sure to check:

• Around the eyes and ears

• Under the collar

• Between toes

• Under armpits and the belly

• Inner jowls and gums

• Rake your fingers through fur

Hot Tip: Using packing tape to “wax” ticks off your dog is helpful for those who have dogs with long/thick/dark fur. Ticks are black or brown and can range in size from a poppy seed to an appleseed before feeding, which makes them tricky to spot. Ticks are easier to spot when engorged as they can expand to the size of a plump raisin and change colour to resemble a skin tag. In fact, you might dismiss an engorged tick as a skin tag at first, so take a closer look and see if you can find tiny legs wriggling at the bite site (gag). 

Tick “keys” are great for removing attached ticks whole, and cost just a few bucks wherever you shop for your pets. Keep one in your car, one in your pet first aid kit at home, and one in your dog walking bag. For best success, use tools designated for tick removal. Make sure all adults in the household know how to use them for quick action when needed.

Contact Your Vet to Discuss Preventative Care

Preventatives allow your dog to enjoy all of Waterloo region’s many parks, trails, and green spaces, such as Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Huron Natural Area, the Walter Bean trail, Sudden Tract, Riverbluffs Park, and honestly, even your own backyard!

Avoid tick collars or cheap preventatives from the pet store. These can do more harm than good, and are not adequate replacements for proper vet-recommended preventatives. Trust your veterinarian!

True or False? Tick Preventatives Don’t Repel Ticks 

True. Unlike bug spray for humans, for example, tick preventatives don’t repel ticks. They work by killing the tick once the tick has bitten its host and begins feeding.

This means that protecting one pet does not protect everyone in the household, be they human or animal. Ticks are hitchhikers, and they aren’t picky. They can and will hitch a ride on you or your dog or cat, and straight into your home. Use vet-approved preventatives on all pets, and regularly practice proper tick mindfulness and precautions for yourself and your family. 

What If I Find a Tick on My Pet?

If you’re like me, give yourself a second to panic because bugs are gross. When you’re done panicking, come back here and read the next steps:

1. Remove the entire tick using a tick “key”/removal tool

2. Secure the tick in a ziplock bag, alive

3. Check for more ticks

4. Identify whether the tick is unfed or engorged

5. Identify the type of tick (i.e. dog tick, or deer tick)

6. Call your veterinarian for next steps

Final Thoughts: Be Vigilant, But Not Paranoid

Ticks are here to stay, but we have good awareness and good lines of defense against them. It’s important to be vigilant against ticks, but with a healthy dose of reality too. Being paranoid about ticks doesn’t actually protect your pets against them: veterinary-approved preventatives and practicing regular tick mindfulness do. 

Be proactive, and enjoy the outdoors!