A Tick-y business...

Ticks are here to stay....

Confession time: until this year, I had never given my own dogs flea and tick medication from the veterinarian.

As many of my clients know, I am all about keeping things as natural as possible for my girls Mia and Keziah. We do raw diets, titer testing instead of yearly vaccinations, and more supplements than I care to admit. Honestly, my dogs eat better than I do. No offence taken... Mostly.
But things are changing out there. If you feel like you're hearing more about ticks and seeing more ticks on your dogs lately, you aren't imagining it. Public Health Ontario has confirmed these little hitchhikers are spreading across the province, and with over 28,000 human Lyme disease cases reported in Canada recently, it's starting to feel less like a "woodsy problem" and more like a "everywhere problem."

So, I decided it was time to add another layer of protection. I still have my hesitations, though. Many oral medications are systemic, meaning the medication is in our dog’s blood. The tick actually has to bite your dog to be killed. It's not an invisible force field; it's more like making the "blood meal" deadly for the tick. That's the part that always made me pause. I am putting an insecticide in my dog….

However, ticks are gross little disease-delivery systems that can hitch a ride into our homes and yards. This year, I'm choosing to be practical over perfect. I'm not just relying on one "magic" pill; I'm building a defense system. Because keeping my human family safe is important too.

My Tick Prevention Protocol

I view tick prevention like dressing for a Canadian winter: it’s all about the layers. Here is my dogs’ defensive "outfit" this season.

Layer 1: The "Pre-Game" Spray. This is my front-line defense, and I’ve been using essential oils sprays for both myself and my dogs for years. Recently I’ve become a huge fan of PureGuard. This year it has received official approval as a safe and effective option by Health Canada. While it’s my top pick because it lasts the longest before needing reapplication and scientifically proven to work, other high-quality, pet-safe essential oil sprays (like those based on cedarwood, lemongrass, or peppermint) are great alternatives. Just a friendly safety reminder: always double-check the label to ensure the spray is specifically formulated for canine use and is free from toxic ingredients—always prioritize products made for pets.

Layer 2: The Fashion & Tech Statement. Next up is a tick-deterrent collar or a stylish bandana soaked/sprayed with the previously mentioned sprays. It’s functional, it’s chic, and it adds that extra 'stay away' vibe to their wardrobe. I’ve also started adding an ultrasonic tag to the mix. I wouldn’t bet the farm on it being a total force field, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to add another layer of deterrence.

Layer 3: The Internal Backup. Finally, we have the oral medication. I’ve found that using it every other month is the sweet spot for my crew and provides plenty of coverage. This is against the recommended monthly dose… Now, Just a quick "I'm a trainer, not a vet" disclaimer: please talk to your vet about what works for your specific dog. My protocol is just what I'm doing to keep my pack safe. (If you want to do a little research - investigate what “half-life” of medication is)

Where Ticks Live

Ticks love the classics: tall grass, leaf litter, and shady spots. But here is the fun little nightmare: they aren't just deep in the woods anymore. They’ve branched out into our local parks, backyards, sports fields, and neighbourhood walking paths. Since they don't fly or jump, they simply wait on vegetation for you or your dog to brush past. Because they're effectively hitchhiking on anyone who passes by, prevention needs to start before you even head out the door.

Where Ticks Like to Hang Out

Even with the best meds, the "post-walk pat down" is mandatory. Be sure to check:

• Ears
• Eyelids
• Muzzle
• Under the collar
• Armpits
• Groin
• Between toes
• Under the tail
• EVERYWHERE

And after that thorough detective hunt, check yourself too. Your dog is a great taxi, but you don't want to be the final destination.

How to Remove a Tick Properly

If you find a hitchhiker, don't panic. To remove the tick, grab some fine-point tweezers or a tick key. Get close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure. If the mouthparts break off, leave them; the body will naturally recognize the remaining parts as a foreign object and push them out over a few days, much like a splinter. Digging usually causes more trouble and irritation. Clean the area with soap and water afterward, and consider saving the tick in a baggie or between two layers of packing tape so it can be tested if symptoms appear.

While it might be tempting to try old wives' tales, Please don't! Using things like lit matches, petroleum jelly, or essential oils will "annoy" the tick. Irritating the tick in these ways can trigger its gag reflex, causing it to regurgitate stomach contents directly into the host. This "vomit" is exactly how pathogens like Lyme disease are transmitted. For a safe removal, do not stress the tick out; just get it out quickly and cleanly using the mechanical method described above.

When to Call Your Vet

If your dog starts acting "off"—feverish, lethargic, or suddenly walking like they have stiff joints—give your vet a shout. Same goes for you! If you feel flu-like after a bite, check in with your doctor.

The Bottom Line

​I still believe in doing things naturally whenever we can, but being a responsible dog owner means adjusting when the risks change. This year, the risk has definitely changed. My goal isn't panic; it's just a solid, layered plan so we can keep enjoying the outdoors together.