CBC News reports (link: CBC News) from veterinary clinics across Nova Scotia suggest an increase in tick-borne illnesses affecting dogs and other pets. As tick populations continue to grow throughout the province, more pet owners are discovering the risks that these tiny parasites can pose to the health of their furry family members.
Why Tick-Borne Diseases Are a Growing Concern
Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can carry and transmit several diseases that affect both pets and people. One of the most well-known is Lyme disease, but veterinarians are also seeing other tick-borne illnesses that can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
Common symptoms of tick-borne illness in dogs may include:
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Joint pain or limping
- Swollen lymph nodes
- General discomfort or changes in behavior
Because symptoms can vary and may not appear immediately after a tick bite, prevention remains one of the most effective strategies.
Tick Activity Is Increasing Across Nova Scotia
Blacklegged ticks (commonly known as deer ticks) are now established throughout many areas of Nova Scotia. Ticks thrive in wooded areas, leaf litter, tall grass, and along property edges where wildlife frequently travel.
While many people associate ticks with spring, they can remain active throughout much of the year whenever temperatures are above freezing.
Protecting Your Pets From Ticks
Pet owners can reduce the risk of tick encounters by:
- Performing daily tick checks after outdoor activities
- Following veterinarian-recommended tick prevention programs
- Keeping grass cut short
- Removing excess leaf litter and brush piles
- Creating barriers between wooded areas and frequently used outdoor spaces
A well-maintained property can significantly reduce the number of ticks that find their way into your yard.
Professional Tick Control Can Help
Even with regular yard maintenance, ticks can continue to migrate onto properties from surrounding wooded areas and wildlife corridors.
Professional tick control treatments target areas where ticks live and hide, helping to reduce tick populations around your home and creating a safer outdoor environment for your family and pets.
At TickGuard Atlantic, we provide professional tick control services throughout Nova Scotia to help homeowners enjoy their yards with greater peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
The recent increase in tick-borne illnesses being reported by veterinary clinics serves as an important reminder that tick prevention matters. Protecting your pets starts with awareness, regular checks, and reducing tick habitat around your property.
If you’re concerned about ticks on your property, now is a great time to take action before populations continue to build throughout the season.
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