Tick Season in Durham Region — What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Tick season has arrived in Durham Region, putting your pets at risk whether you are hiking local trails, visiting conservation areas, or simply hanging out in your grassy backyard. Every spring and summer at Newcastle Pet Supply in Newcastle, Ontario, we answer numerous tick-related questions from pet owners across Bowmanville, Oshawa, Courtice, Clarington, and Orono. This comprehensive guide will help you keep your dog and cat safe from ticks this season.
When Does Tick Season Start in Ontario?
While many believe ticks are only a summer problem, tick season in Ontario kicks off much earlier than people expect. The blacklegged tick, which is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in Canada, becomes active when temperatures consistently reach above 4 degrees Celsius.
For residents of Durham Region, this means you can expect tick activity to begin in March or April and continue right through November. The highest risk periods are the spring months (April to June) and the fall months (September to November). The bottom line is that if your pet is spending time outdoors in Durham Region from early spring through late fall, tick prevention must be part of your routine.
Common Ticks in Durham Region
Blacklegged ticks have expanded significantly across southern Ontario and are now well established in Durham Region, but they aren't the only species to watch out for. Here is a breakdown of the ticks you might encounter:
| Tick Species | Appearance | Disease Risks | Habitat & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick) | Reddish-brown to dark brown; about the size of a sesame seed unfed. | Transmits Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. | Well established in Durham Region. |
| American Dog Tick (Wood Tick) | Dark brown with white/grey back markings; roughly the size of an apple seed. | Carries Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. | Frequently found in grassy fields, trails, and roadsides. |
| Lone Star Tick | Reddish-brown and aggressive; females have a single silvery-white spot on their back. | Transmits Ehrlichiosis and is linked to Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy). | Populations are being introduced by migratory birds. |
| Brown Dog Tick | Uniformly reddish-brown with no distinct markings. | Transmits Canine Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis to dogs. | Prefers warm, dry indoor environments like homes and kennels, where it can complete its life cycle. |
Where Do Ticks Hide in Durham Region?
Ticks do not fly or jump. Instead, they "quest" by waiting on the tips of leaf litter, shrubs, and grasses to reach out and grab onto passing hosts. High-risk areas in and around Durham Region include:
- Wooded trails and forest edges throughout Clarington and the Oak Ridges Moraine.
- Long grass along fields and roadsides.
- Brush piles and leaf litter in backyards.
- Ravines and conservation areas throughout Courtice, Bowmanville, and Oshawa.
- Darlington Provincial Park and the surrounding areas near Newcastle.
- Trails bordering the Soper Creek and Bowmanville Creek.
- Well-maintained parks and yards in Port Hope, Orono, and Newcastle that sit adjacent to wildlife or vegetation.
How to Check Your Pet for Ticks
Run your hands slowly through your pet's coat after every outdoor excursion during tick season. Pay close attention to the specific areas where ticks prefer to attach:
- Between the toes and around the paw pads.
- Inside and around the ears.
- Around the neck, chin, and face.
- Under the collar.
- Around the tail base.
- In the armpit and groin areas.
- Along the belly.
Ticks can be very small, with spring nymphs being roughly the size of a poppy seed. Feel for any small bumps on the skin by running your fingers slowly over your pet. For cats, pay extra attention to the neck and head areas since they are less able to groom themselves there effectively.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Important: Stay calm and remove the tick as quickly as possible, as the longer a tick is attached, the greater the risk of disease transmission.
Safe Tick Removal Steps
- Use a dedicated tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers, but never use heat, petroleum jelly, or your bare fingers.
- Grasp the tick as close to your pet's skin surface as possible.
- Pull upward with even, steady pressure without jerking or twisting.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Place the tick in a sealed bag in case identification is needed later.
When to Contact Your Vet
- Reach out if the head remains stuck in the skin or you cannot fully remove the tick.
- Seek veterinary care if your pet develops swollen joints, lameness, lethargy, fever, or a bullseye rash in the days or weeks following the bite.
- Contact your vet if you want to have the tick tested for Lyme disease.
Tick Prevention Options for Dogs and Cats
Prevention is far easier than treatment, and Newcastle Pet Supply carries a range of tick prevention products for dogs and cats to suit your lifestyle.
Decision Cheat Sheet: Which Product is Right for Your Pet?
- High Exposure (Trails, Provincial Parks, Tall Grass): Conventional preventatives are your best, most reliable line of defence against Lyme disease.
- Low Exposure (Urban Walks, Maintained Backyards): Natural repellents are a fantastic, chemical-free option or can be used alongside conventional treatments.
- Feline Friends (All Cats): We carry both conventional treatments and natural sprays specifically formulated for cats. Never apply a dog product to a cat, as many ingredients are highly toxic to them.
Conventional Preventatives
Pharmaceutical flea and tick preventatives are highly effective, offering protection through tick collars, oral medications, and topical spot-on treatments. Reliable products for dogs include K9 Advantix II for dogs, which provide broad-spectrum protection. Always speak with your vet before starting a new preventative, particularly for pets with existing health conditions, senior pets, or puppies.
Natural Preventatives
If you prefer a more natural approach, we stock several plant-based options. These include products like and PureGard (Formerly AtlanTick) repellent spray for dogs. While great for a layered prevention strategy, natural products generally require more frequent application than conventional products.
Tick Prevention for Cats
Indoor-outdoor cats in Durham Region also face real tick exposure risks. As mentioned, never apply a dog product to a cat. We carry feline-appropriate conventional and natural options in-store, and our team can help you find the perfect, safe fit for your cat.
Understanding Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. With infection rates rising in Durham Region ticks, the risk to your pet is real. Symptoms typically appear two to five months after a bite and may include:
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Decreased activity and lethargy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Recurring lameness due to joint inflammation.
Because many infected dogs hide symptoms for months or years, annual blood testing by your vet is recommended for dogs in high-risk areas to check for exposure. You can also discuss the Lyme disease vaccine with your vet if your dog spends significant time in Durham Region tick habitats.
Shop Flea and Tick Prevention Locally
We carry a wide range of flea and tick prevention products for dogs and cats in-store at 361 King Ave East, Unit 2 in Newcastle, Ontario. You can also shop online with free local delivery to Courtice, Orono, Port Hope, Bowmanville, Oshawa, and Clarington on orders over $100. Our team is happy to help you find the right product for your pet's age, weight, health status, and lifestyle.
(Newcastle Pet Supply is an independent premium pet boutique proudly serving pet owners across Durham Region. Enjoy free local delivery on orders of $100 or more.)