Ticks are external parasites that feed on your pet’s blood and are capable of transmitting dangerous diseases. Tick bites and tick-borne diseases can be difficult to detect in animals, and symptoms of tick-borne diseases may not appear for seven to 21 days or longer after a tick bite. 

“Dogs in particular are susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for most of the tickborne diseases that dogs get and hence, prevention is the best medicine,” said Lesley Rogers, Executive Director, New Brunswick SPCA.

“Pet owners should ensure the ticks are removed as soon as possible to reduce the chance of disease transmission. Traditional methods like burning the tick out or attempting to suffocate it with oil should never be used,” Rogers said.

Lyme disease is spread by the bite of the black-legged tick or deer tick to both humans and dogs. These ticks are often found in and near areas with trees, shrubs, tall grass, and piles of leaves. Watch your pet closely for changes in behaviour or appetite. Signs that your dog has Lyme disease can be fever, lameness, lethargy, bruising, or bleeding. Your veterinarian can also do a blood test to determine if your pet has been exposed to Lyme disease. 

Ways to protect your pet from ticks:

• Check your pet for ticks after being outdoors. Ticks often attach to the head, neck, and ears of cats and dogs.
• Carefully remove attached ticks immediately with clean fine-point tweezers and wash the bite area with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick-prevention products for pets.
• Reduce tick habitat in your yard.

About New Brunswick SPCA

Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only province-wide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws. A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or recommend court orders to persons suspected of abuse and cruelty to animals. 

The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide province-wide leadership in the humane treatment of animals. We enforce relevant legislation, ensure shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provide public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives. 

To learn more visit nbsp​ca​.ca