A veterinary clinic in the Halifax area is urging pet owners to be vigilant after removing a staggering 85 ticks from a single dog. The incident occurred earlier this week, highlighting the severe tick infestation affecting the region this spring.
Clinic reports extreme case
Staff at the clinic said the dog, a medium-sized breed, was brought in by its owner after showing signs of discomfort. Upon examination, veterinarians found ticks embedded across the animal's body, from its ears to its paws. The removal process took over an hour, and the dog is now recovering.
Rising tick populations
Experts attribute the high tick numbers to a mild winter and early spring warmth, which allowed ticks to thrive. The clinic warns that ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to both pets and humans.
Prevention tips for pet owners
Veterinarians recommend using tick prevention medications, checking pets after outdoor activities, and removing ticks promptly with tweezers. Owners should also keep grass short and avoid wooded areas where ticks are common.
The clinic hopes this case serves as a wake-up call for pet owners to take proactive measures during tick season.
