Ticks are just as gross as they look. Ticks are arachnids, which are relatives of spiders, mites and scorpions. They are able to survive by feeding on the blood of animals as well as humans. They are only able to crawl and can’t jump or fly.
Ticks come in all sizes but during their immature stages and before feeding, they are barely visible to the human eye. Once they start feeding, they become engorged and can be noticeably larger.
There are 4 life stages of ticks:
- Egg
- Six-legged larvae → the stage where they can attach to a host, once they engorge they detach from the host and molt into nymphs.
- Eight-legged nymph → nymphs attach and feed on a larger host, once they engorge they detach from the host and molt in adults.
- Adult → Once the female tick becomes engorged, they fall off, lay thousands of eggs and then die.
There are over 40 tick species in Canada but a few of the common ones that cats and dogs are likely to encounter are the deer/blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).
Ticks are found in many areas but they prefer to be in and strive in wooded areas, grasses and underneath leaf litter. They can also be found in urban areas such as city parks, your backyard and green spaces. Avoiding these areas help reduce the risk of them on your pet(s).
Ticks are active in temperatures anywhere above 3-4°C and in these temperatures is when they start looking for an animal or human to feed on. Ticks will continue to remain active until the temperature is consistently below 3°C. Ticks can survive in the winter hiding under snow, leaf litter and brush, so even on our milder winter days, they can quickly become active.
A relatively known disease ticks transmit is Lyme disease and is the main tick borne disease although others do exist. Ticks are expanding in Canada and the risk for ticks and the diseases they carry – is growing.
Checking for ticks on your pet:
- Starting at your pet’s head, using the tips of your fingers, running your hands along your pet’s body – you will be looking for any lumps or bumps you haven’t noticed previously.
- Be sure to check the “hiding” places on your pet such as under their collar, under the armpits, in the groin area, under the tail, in, around and behind their ears and in between their toes.
If you find a tick, or multiple, they will need to be removed immediately. Doing so reduces the chance of disease transmission to your pet. The easiest way to remove a tick is to get tweezers or a tick removal tool if you have one and grasp the tick as close as possible to your pet’s skin and pull it straight out without squishing the body. Always ensure the head is still on the tick and not still in your pet’s body.
If you aren’t comfortable doing this, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Do NOT try to burn, squeeze or cover the tick in any vaseline, alcohol or household chemicals while still attached to your pet.
Just like fleas, prevention is best in order to ensure these critters aren’t feeding off your pet and possibly transmitting diseases.
Prevention comes in an oral form as well as topical. You can discuss with staff here at the clinic on what prevention we think is best for you and your pet. Prevention starts March and ends in November/December as long as temperatures are colder than 3°C in the winter months
