Lyme Disease Prevention In Dogs

by Jenn Smith April 01, 2020

Over 500 dogs have tested positively for Lyme Disease in Canada so far this year. This number is quite low compared to the 58,000 dogs confirmed with Lyme in the States. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that dogs can get Lyme Disease; but this is just one type of tick-borne illness that affects dogs across Canada. Nevertheless, there are several methods to reduce the sight of ticks in yards and spread of Lyme Disease to pets. Here's how to do it:

The best method to reduce the sight of ticks in yards is to keep out deer. White-tailed deer are the number one carriers of ticks with Lyme Disease. If pet owners can keep out deer, then they will reduce the amount of deer damage in gardens while keeping their pets protected against the spread of tick diseases.

During the spring into fall, both deer and ticks will travel to find their next food source. March is when this activity will begin to rise (makes sense); and it's recommended that homeowners install deer fence during this time to re-route deer movements. (A 7.5-8' foot high fence is most effective for deer management.)

In the meantime, groom pets regular after outdoor playtime; and check for ticks in hidden spots: underneath collars; around the ankles; under ears; and tails. Lastly, know how to remove a tick with the proper tick removal tools and take dogs to vets for Lyme Disease testing, if necessary.