 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:
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.  As a dog owner, the health and well-being of my companions, Mia and Keziah, are my top priorities. I want them to live as long as possible so that we can spend as much time together as possible. With my years of experience working in veterinary clinics and my background as an underwriter and claims adjuster for pet insurance, I've gained a deep understanding of pet health care. This knowledge has led me to question the necessity of certain vaccinations and explore the benefits of titre testing—a method that aligns more closely with my philosophy of natural care.
What is Titre Testing? Titre testing measures the presence of specific antibodies in the blood, helping us determine whether a dog is still protected against certain diseases. Instead of automatically vaccinating, titre testing provides a look into a dog’s immunity levels, allowing us to make informed decisions about their health care. This approach feels gentler, especially for my dog Mia, who has environmental allergies. I believe that we should aim to avoid overloading their systems when it isn't necessary. Before making any health decisions, I cannot stress the importance of working with a veterinarian you trust. I have the pleasure of being Dr. Honda’s client (of South Side Pet Hospital) and was pleased to have her provide professional insights on the topic of titre testing. Anna Marie’s Questions for Dr. Honda: What is a titre test? A titre is a measure of antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are produced in the body either from vaccination or, in some cases, infection. No, in dogs we can measure titres for Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies. In cats, you can check for Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies. Is there a titre test for all vaccines? No, in dogs we can measure titres for Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies. In cats, you can check for Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies. How often should we run a titre test, or how long does a vaccine provide protection? This is where things get more complicated: Antibody titres do not confer disease protection automatically. A higher titre might indicate protection, but a lower one might as well. A positive titre doesn't guarantee disease protection; just because there are antibodies in the blood doesn't mean they are effective. Titre levels have been set by diagnostic labs, but this is based on limited, older data and comes with a disclaimer that it may not be sufficient. Dr. Honda referenced the 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines: “…, at best, the determination of “protective titres” has been based on limited data. These data were thoroughly reviewed 20 years ago. Nothing more substantive has become available since then. ELISA-based in-clinic antibody detection tests have been available for CPV and CDV for more than 20 years. HI and VN tests, respectively, were used as “gold standards” to determine their sensitivity and specificity, as it relates to a “protective titre.” Commercial ELISAs have been applied in shelter populations outside of the laboratory and further compared with HI and VN tests. Such applications have provided no further basis for a determination of “protective titres,” primarily because the titres or amounts of antibody were not correlated with clinical outcomes. Recognizing these limitations, no values for “protective titres” are indicated in these guidelines, although some commercial laboratories will provide them.” “Altogether, a titre, almost regardless of the amount, is not necessarily indicative of protection or susceptibility. Rather, it is more complicated than that. Disease in the individual animal results from the interaction of host, pathogen, and environmental cofactors. It can be misleading to forecast an outcome on the basis of one cofactor: a titre. When should we choose titre testing over traditional vaccinations? You can titre if you want some idea if a pet might be protected, especially if vaccines might be high-risk (e.g., previous adverse reactions). However, take the information for what it is—you can't use it as a guarantee. Rabies titres might be required for international travel, but at home, only vaccination counts. Rabies titres are very expensive, so if a pet can't receive a Rabies vaccine, we can write a letter of exemption, but we need a good reason to do this; it's not a letter of convenience, but a true medical exemption. Is titre testing more expensive than routine vaccination? There is a Distemper/Parvo test I can run that is about $300. I don't recommend it unless there are no other options, as it only tells me what's going on at that point in time. If the pet isn't vaccinated, I have no idea how long it could have a protective titre and how often to check. The randomness can be costly and not very scientific! Vaccination for these diseases is much less expensive, very effective, and with boosters every three years, it is generally the better option. As a veterinarian, I will have a discussion with every pet owner to establish the best plan for their pet(s) that ensures they are adequately protected. If they can't have vaccines, we explore how to reduce the risks in their lives. Many people assume that if they come to the vet, they will be "forced" to vaccinate, but no one should ever feel that way. We always have a discussion together, assessing each pet's risks while considering the health and safety of the owner and the community around them. I really appreciate Dr. Honda for taking the time to respond to these questions and help us understand this care option in more depth. In addition to titre testing, I prioritize routine bloodwork for Mia and Keziah. This typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel, which assess organ function (like liver and kidney health), electrolyte balance, and blood sugar levels. Establishing a solid baseline through blood work allows for quick identification of any potential issues down the line, ensuring that we stay proactive about their health. Regular veterinary visits are essential whether you choose to titre test or vaccinate your dog. I recommend taking dogs for overall check-ups at least once a year as part of your ongoing care routine. As they age, these visits should increase to twice a year to catch any health concerns early. I hope you found the information on titre testing and its benefits for natural care insightful! If this content is useful to someone you know, please consider sharing it with them. |
Meet the authorAnna Marie Stewart, DTTA-CPDT, is the owner and founder of Instinct Canine Training in Burlington, Ontario. Her passion and love of dogs is evident to anyone who works with her, and is an experienced trainer who works with a variety of clients to achieve a well-mannered dog. Categories
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