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From forest hikes to backyard playtime, ticks are lurking in many places your dog loves to roam. Here’s what every pet parent needs to know about keeping your furry family member safe.
Ticks might be tiny, but they can cause big problems for your dog. These little hitchhikers don’t just latch on; they can also affect your furry friend’s health. And because tick activity has been on the rise across Canada, it’s more important than ever to be informed. Here’s a guide to help you understand the risks, spot signs of trouble, and keep ticks at bay all season long.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are small arachnids that attach to mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles to feed on their blood. They like to hang out in wooded areas and tall grass, and they can be found anywhere from national parks to your local park or even your backyard. Once they find a host—like your dog—they’ll latch on, often without being noticed at first.
Why Are Ticks a Problem for Dogs?
Ticks are potential carriers of serious illnesses. When a tick bites your dog, it can pass on bacteria and other pathogens that lead to diseases like:
- Lyme disease – One of the most common tick-borne illnesses, it can cause joint pain, lethargy, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney or neurological problems.
- Anaplasmosis – Causes symptoms similar to Lyme disease, such as lethargy and loss of appetite.
- Ehrlichiosis – A bacterial infection that can cause fever, bruising, and weight loss.
- Babesiosis – Affects red blood cells and can lead to anemia and weakness.
How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
After any walk in wooded or grassy areas, give your dog a thorough check. Run your fingers slowly over their body and feel for any small, hard bumps. Places to pay special attention to include behind the ears, around the eyes and neck, between the toes, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the groin.
How to Remove a Tick
You can remove a tick with a specialty tick removal tool or simply a pair of fine-tipped tweezers by following these steps:
- Grasp the tick as close as possible to your dog’s skin.
- Pull upward with steady and even pressure. Don’t use a twisting or jerking motion.
- Drown the tick in rubbing alcohol and throw it in the garbage.
- Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
When to See Your Vet
If you’re not sure that you were able to get the whole tick out, it’s always worth having your veterinarian take a look. Unfortunately, even if you did remove it, symptoms can still develop days or weeks later. See your doctor right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness after a tick bite, such as limping, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
The best way to protect your dog is to prevent tick bites in the first place. Ask your veterinarian about recommended preventatives, such as monthly topical or chewable treatments, that will protect your dog wherever you go. At home, keep your yard tick-free by trimming the grass and cleaning out leaves and brush to limit places for these pesky parasites to hide.
At the end of the day, ticks are a part of outdoor life. With a little knowledge and regular prevention, you can keep your pup safe, healthy, and ready for the next adventure.
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