Tick Talk: What every dog owner needs to know as tick season kicks off
Essential tips for protecting your pup from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
Every day, I enjoy taking my dog Huey for walks in the beautiful Squamish forest, regardless of the weather. With the arrival of spring, we are experiencing warmer and sunnier days, which we love, but it also means we need to be more cautious on the trails as tick season has officially begun.
These bugs might be small but can have big consequences. They carry serious diseases like Lyme disease. While the overall risk for this disease is considered lower in B.C. than in eastern Canada, it is on the rise as the province sees an expansion of black-legged ticks, which can carry Borrelia burgdorferi.
With a changing climate in B.C., ticks are becoming more common. Warmer temperatures and milder winters have allowed ticks to thrive in new areas of the province and remain active for a longer season, well into fall and in certain areas throughout the year as well.
As spring gets underway, pet owners need to be aware of ticks and the potential risks they pose. (The Weather Network)
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Ticks also thrive in the environment in B.C. The shaded moist forest creates the perfect habitat, and the lush vegetation creates the perfect hiding spot, allowing ticks to feed on animals like deer, birds, and even your pet dog.
Kailey Larson owns Wild Wood K9 Adventures. She takes groups of dogs on backcountry adventures and has been taking my dog Huey out for the last 3 years. She tells The Weather Network why it's important to avoid certain areas this time of year.
“I try and stay away from high grass and really bushy areas, but it’s one of those things; they are everywhere,” she says.
She adds that part of her process is when the dogs are done with the hikes, she towels them off, and during this time she will give them a once-over to see if she can spot any ticks.
“I lift up their leg and look between their toes because they can get in all the nooks and crannies,” Larson explains.
When I am out with Huey, I also check him closely after every walk. I check his ears, toes, and between his legs. I also take a pair of tick-removing tweezers with me on the walks just in case. I also give Huey monthly preventative medicine.
The bottom line: a little extra attention now means you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors safely all season long.