About Ticks in Ontario

Blacklegged ticks are active at temperatures above 4°C, which means they can be found all year round in Ontario and are becoming increasingly prevalent due to climate change. The GTA is an estimated risk area for Lyme disease, and the number of Lyme-positive ticks is increasing rapidly. Although pets are most at risk in wooded and brushy areas with established tick populations, such as the Rouge Valley, ticks can migrate on birds and deer and are not confined to these areas.

My Dog has just been bitten by a tick…now what?

These options are best discussed with a doctor or registered technician. Generally speaking, the following steps should be taken:

1. The whole tick should be removed immediately at home or by hospital staff.

2. Schedule a clinical examination. Although this is recommended, it is not necessary if your dog has received an examination by a doctor within the last 12 months.

3. Lyme Antibody Testing (4Dx blood test)
   *It takes 4–6 weeks for a patient to develop antibodies against Lyme that are detectable by blood tests, so testing is typically performed after this time interval.

4. Monitor for clinical signs of Lyme disease for the
   next 6 months.

5. Get your dog on preventative medications for the remainder of the season!

About Lyme Disease

5–10% of dogs that test positive for exposure to the Lyme bacteria develop Lyme disease.

Once the bacterium has been transmitted, it is 2–5 months before the symptoms of Lyme disease begin to show. Common symptoms include arthritis in one or more joints, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and lethargy. 

Although most cases of Lyme disease respond well to early antibiotic treatment, PREVENTION is the best way to manage Lyme disease.

Lyme nephritis is a rare but serious complication of Lyme disease where the kidneys are affected by the immune system as it attempts to get rid of the bacteria. Monitoring for the presence of protein in the urine helps us screen our patients for the presence of kidney disease, and treat appropriately. Frequent urinalyses are an important part of monitoring for our Lyme positive patients.

Prevention is Key

Preventing a tick from feeding on your dog is the best way to prevent transmission of Lyme bacteria. There are many safe and reliable medications available that provide excellent protection against ticks for up to 3 months as a single dose.

There is also a Lyme vaccine available (Nobivac ® LYME) that may be used alongside tick control medication for added protection. Consult with your veterinarian to decide if this is the right option for you.

There is no control program that is 100% successful, therefore, performing a yearly blood test to assess general health and screen for tick borne diseases and heartworm is an important part of your pet’s health care routine.