Last year, researchers warned Ottawa residents of an early start to tick season thanks to mild winter temperatures.
As we move through another mild winter, it's time to start thinking about tick awareness in Ottawa. In fact, fluctuating winter temperatures may create a greater risk for tick exposure.
Our four-legged family members can't practice tick prevention alone, and it's up to pet owners to help.
While not all ticks carry Lyme disease, the best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. Read on for our guide to pet care and tick prevention in Ottawa.
Avoid Ticks
One of the best tools in your tick prevention tool belt is to avoid ticks as much as possible.
Stick to clear paths with limited leaf litter in late winter and spring. Try not to let your pet stray into tall grass or overgrowth, where they're more likely to come into contact with ticks.
Remember, ticks aren't just a concern in rural areas. Ticks may be present in suburban and urban areas, particularly in parks or woods.
Remove Ticks
If you're unable to avoid leaf litter or overgrowth, the next step is to check your pet for ticks often. To do so, comb your fingers through their fur to feel for small bumps.
If you find ticks on your pet, properly remove the tick by gripping it (use tweezers if necessary) around the head and pull it in a straight, even motion away from your pet's skin. Take a photo of the tick to show your vet if necessary, and kill the tick by submerging it in rubbing alcohol.
If you find a tick bite on your pet, don't panic. It is not a guarantee that the tick in question is a Lyme disease carrier. However, you may want to talk to your vet about diagnostics and when to take additional steps.
Use Tick Control Products
At your pet's next vet appointment, ask your vet about tick control products. Many of these products require a prescription so your pet gets the right medication and dosage.
Tick control products work to kill ticks that bite your pet before they can do much damage. While no medication is 100% guaranteed to prevent Lyme disease, they are very useful tools for tick prevention.
Please note that you should not give one pet's tick control medication to another pet without consulting your vet. Many owners don't realise that some tick control products designed for dogs are actually dangerous for cats. Always follow the product instructions and vet guidelines.
Ask Your Vet About Tick Awareness in Ottawa
As we move through the final months of winter, it's time to start spreading tick awareness in Ottawa. By avoiding ticks as much as possible, removing ticks when you find them, and giving your pet vet-recommended tick control products, you can help keep your pets safe through tick season.
Are you looking for a pet clinic in Ottawa? Chapel Hill Veterinary Clinic provides advanced equipment and one-on-one care from our trained and licensed staff. Call Chapel Hill Veterinary Clinic to schedule your next appointment.