Pet owners warned to beware amid rising cases of deer ticks

After a warning by Toronto Public Health for residents to beaware of ticks and the threat they poseto peopleand pets, one veterinariansays are on the risein some of the city's green spaces.

Dr. Bikram Dayed, owner ofthe Dundas Dovercourt Veterinary hospital says he's seen an increase in the number ofcases involving deer ticks, which carrythe disease, in High Park and Trinity Bellwoods.

And he's also seen an increase in pet owners who are taking notice.

"The people are very serious about it these days. Most of my clients are aware of it we send letters to them as well," said Dr. Dayed.

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Nicole Araujo, a pet owner who spends time at local parks like Trinity Bellwoodswith Bruce herBernese Mountain Dog saysshe's become very careful with ticks.

One year agoAruajo'sdog was bitten by a tick andsuffered fromLymedisease.

"We're pretty good with him like checking him with a comb and going through his fur if we're out in nature or in a park," she said.

While the rise in tick cases is cause for concern, Dr. Dayedsays there are preventative measures pet owners can take.

As the weather warms up and owners take their furry friendsoutdoors he recommends combing pets every day and feeling through their fur for ticks.

If that doesn't work, Dr. Dayedsays using a topical cream for ticks from a veterinarian should keep the critters off of pets.

To get more information on ticks, Toronto Public Health has awebsiteresidents can visit to learn tips and at-risk locations to avoid.

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