Ticks used to be considered a problem only for pets that spent time in forests, fields, or rural properties. But in recent years, ticks have been making their way into cities, and that means even strictly urban pets are at risk. If you live in Vancouver and walk your dog in local parks or have a cat that enjoys the backyard, it’s important to understand why ticks are showing up in urban spaces and how to protect your pet.
Why ticks are spreading into cities
Several factors are contributing to ticks becoming more common in urban environments:
- Climate change: Milder winters and longer warm seasons give ticks more time to reproduce and survive in areas they previously couldn’t.
- Urban green spaces: Parks, community gardens, and even residential yards provide the vegetation ticks need to thrive.
- Wildlife in cities: Animals like raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and even birds can carry ticks into urban neighborhoods.
- Pet mobility: Dogs that visit off-leash areas or travel with their owners can pick up ticks and bring them back into the city.
This shift means that city pets now face many of the same risks as rural pets.
Diseases ticks can spread to pets
Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry serious diseases that affect both dogs and cats. Some of the most concerning include:
- Lyme disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, it can lead to joint pain, lameness, fever, and kidney complications.
- Anaplasmosis: This tick-borne illness can cause lethargy, fever, and low platelet counts, leading to bleeding disorders.
- Babesiosis: Less common but serious, it affects red blood cells and can cause anemia.
- Cytauxzoonosis in cats: Although rare in Canada, it is a deadly disease that can be spread by ticks in some regions.
Even if your pet doesn’t leave the city, these diseases can pose a real threat.
Signs your pet may have a tick or tick-borne illness
Spotting a tick on your pet isn’t always easy, especially if they have thick fur. After spending time outdoors, it’s a good idea to check areas where ticks often attach, such as around the ears, between toes, under the collar, or in the groin area.
Symptoms of tick-borne illness may include:
- Sudden lameness or shifting leg pain
- Fever or lethargy
- Swollen joints or stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums (a sign of anemia)
If you notice these signs, a veterinary exam is recommended as early treatment improves outcomes.
Protecting urban pets from ticks
Even in a city setting, preventive care is the best defense. Some effective strategies include:
- Tick prevention products: Spot-on treatments, oral medications, or tick collars prescribed by your veterinarian can keep ticks from attaching.
- Regular checks: After every walk or outdoor play session, inspect your pet for ticks and remove them promptly if found.
- Yard care: Keeping grass trimmed and clearing leaf litter reduces tick habitats around your home.
- Seasonal awareness: Ticks are most active in spring and fall but can be present year-round in milder climates.
- Vaccinations: In some cases, a Lyme disease vaccine may be recommended for dogs in higher-risk areas.
When to call your veterinarian
If you find a tick on your pet, or if they develop signs of illness after spending time outdoors, it’s best to contact your veterinarian. Removing a tick improperly can leave parts behind and increase infection risk, and testing may be needed if your pet shows symptoms of tick-borne disease.
At Killarney Animal Hospital, we understand that urban pets face evolving health challenges. Our team can recommend the best tick prevention plan, perform thorough exams, and help keep your dog or cat safe in the city.
Call us today at 604-433-5500 to schedule an appointment and protect your pet from hidden urban tick dangers.
