Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can pose significant health risks to both pets and humans. When a tick attaches to the skin, it can be difficult to remove effectively because the tick “cements” itself into the skin. Here are some key points to consider if you find a tick embedded in your pet's skin.

  1. Identification: Make sure you identify the tick correctly. Different species carry different diseases. Common ticks include the deer tick, the American dog tick, and the brown dog tick. Your veterinarian can recommend follow up testing to ensure your pet is free from disease.

  2. Removal: Use a tick twister to grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Pull upward and twist 360 degrees with steady, even pressure. If you prefer, your veterinarian and staff can remove the tick for you to ensure the whole tick is removed. If there are parts left in the skin, these should be removed by your veterinarian or they can cause infections at the site.

  3. Cleaning the Bite Area: After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

  4. Observation: Monitor your pet for signs of illness, including lethargy, loss of appetite, soreness, changes in drinking or urination, or unusual behavior, over the next few weeks.

  5. Veterinary Consultation: If you have concerns or if the tick was on your pet for an extended period, consult your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian will recommend testing for tick-borne diseases which will require a blood test.

Preventative measures, such as regular tick checks and using veterinary-recommended tick prevention products as well as vaccination can help keep your pet safe

Call us today to find out how to prevent ticks on your pet!

Stages of the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

Stages of the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

Black Legged Deer Tick Risk Map and Infographic

2024: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/O/24/ontario-blacklegged-tick-established-risk-areas-2024.pdf?rev=d7dafd390245466483d51e910f02c882&sc_lang=en

2024: https://www.oahn.ca/resources/ticks-and-lyme-disease-in-ontario-whats-the-real-risk-infographic-and-references/

Lyme Disease Risk Map

2022: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/O/2022/lyme-disease-risk-area-map-2022.pdf