Tick FAQ'S

​With the warm weather and the promise of spring, we have been receiving a lot of questions regarding ticks - which is great! We love that pet parents are being proactive in keeping their pets tick free. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we have received. If you can't find what you are looking for, please refer back to one of our previous tick blogs from last year, or feel free to contact us.
 
Should I be worried about ticks?
 
For residents and guests of Norfolk and Haldimand counties ? YES! This area has been referred to as a tick hot spot and ticks are not sticking to only the trails and waterways. They can now be found at parks, in the forest and even in your own backyard. Ticks can attach to birds and squirrels - animals that can frequent your property - and the ticks will drop off and look for their next meal. Their next meal could be you, a family member or one of your pets. Ticks carry diseases that are transferred when they are taking a blood meal. These diseases include lyme, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, all of which are found in our area.
 
Where are the ticks?
 
Ticks like to hang out in long grass or piles of leaves/debris, but they aren't limited to only those areas. In the past, ticks were found near waterways or trails, but that isn't the case now. Clients are reporting ticks being found on pets that only frequent their backyard or only walk along the sidewalk. So where are these ticks coming from? Ticks can attach to birds and squirrels - animals that can frequent your property or any area of town - and the ticks wil drop off and look for their next meal.
 
How can I protect my family/pet?
 
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your pet.
 

• If possible, avoid any long grass or piles of leaves.
• Always check yourself and your pet for ticks after being outdoors.
• Learn how to remove a tick properly in case you do find one. Using tweezers, pull the tick at the spot closest to the body, straight up. Be sure to remove the head. Contact a healthcare professional or your veterinary team (depending on who the tick was on!) and they can make sure the tick is all out. Side note: we do have tick twisters available that easily remove ticks.
• If you find an embedded tick, remove it as above, and contact either your healthcare professional or your veterinary team to identify the type of tick. If it is a deer tick, and it was found on you or someone you know, take it to the local Health Unit and they will test it for lyme disease.
• Use a tick preventive for your pet. We have many options available, both topicals (liquids that are applied to your pet's skin) and oral medication. Each preventive is fitted towards your pet's lifestyle (tick risk, swimmer, other pets in home, etc.), so feel free to contact us today to discuss which is best for your pet and family!

 
What does a tick look like?
 
The tick talk is becoming more common in this area, but it can be hard to know what a tick actually looks like. You can refer to the diagram posted along with this blog to determine different types of ticks.
 
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via phone, email, Facebook, or even feel free to stop in! We're always here to help you and your fur family members.