Summer Means Watching For Ticks

Summer is finally here!

At Signal Service Dogs, we need to ensure to keep our animals safe and healthy, to ensure we can keep up our service dog training

With the change of the season, protecting your dog from Fleas, Ticks and Worms is even more important.

Why Worry about Ticks?

Female black legged tick in various stages of feeding

Although there are no areas in Newfoundland and Labrador that are believed to have permanent populations of black-legged ticks. A low number of these variety have been found, mostly on pets, and it is thought these are carried into the province by migratory birds. Some of these ticks have been infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

When I lived in Ottawa, one of my dogs was diagnosed with Lyme disease! So I'm a firm believer of treatment no matter how small the risk. She presented with lameness that shifted from leg to leg. One day she'd limp on the front right, the next it would be rear right.

Thankfully, tick treatments are available with much success for our furry friends, so my dog recovered completely! For more information on how these pests may affect and present in your dog’s behaviour, please check out the website, below:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/lyme-disease-in-dogs/

“ Inspect and remove ticks after walks in the woods or grassy areas. Bring tick to your vet to be tested. And consider a tick prevention approved by your vet”

Black legged tick nymphs

These teeny nymph ticks are most active in the spring through the summer months, and it's about the size of a poppy seed.

“ Nymph ticks are actually the most likely to transmit Lyme disease ”

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends humans use a repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET or picaridin on your skin.

The NL government has some resources related to Ticks and Lyme disease worth checking out: https://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/lyme_disease.html

Other interesting articles:

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/poppyseed-size-ticks-spread-lyme-disease#1