Ticks remain active into fall, pet owners urged to stay alert

Dr. Karen Woodard checks for fleas and ticks. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Summer may be winding down, but warmer fall temperatures mean tick season is far from over. Pet owners should be aware that ticks remain active well into the fall season.

“Ticks love hiding in hard-to-see spots on your dog,” stated members of the Orillia and District Veterinary Services over social media.

Staff at the Orillia vet remind pet owners to carefully check in these areas for the mischievous tiny bug:

• Ears and around the ears
• Under the collar and neck
• Between the toes
• Under the front legs (armpits)
• Around and under the tail
• Groin area (inner thighs and belly)
• Along the shoulders and back
• Under the chin and neck

Regular tick prevention is key, and local veterinarians stress the importance of keeping up with monthly treatments.

Where are ticks found?

People spending time outdoors whether for work or recreation should also be cautious in forests, tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter, where ticks are often found.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority also reminds pet owners that while dogs and cats cannot spread Lyme disease themselves, they can carry infected ticks into your home.

Found a tick on your pet?

If a tick is found, it should be taken to a veterinarian for identification. To reduce risk, avoid letting pets roam off-leash outside designated off-leash areas, and talk to your vet about prevention tools such as tick collars.

The authority states that Black-legged ticks are expanding into new parts of the province, a trend linked to climate change and the movement of birds and deer.

While the risk of encountering an infected tick varies, experts caution that it’s possible to come across one almost anywhere in Ontario.