Tick Awareness and Prevention for Pets in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Ticks have become an increasingly common concern in Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and much of Ontario. Warmer winters and longer active seasons mean that pet parents need to be vigilant about tick safety year-round — not just in the summer.
If you’ve never had to deal with ticks before, it can be surprising to learn how widespread they are in our area and how much they can impact both pets and people. This guide will walk you through where ticks are found locally, the risks they pose, how to check for them, and practical steps for prevention.
Ticks in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
In our region, the most common tick of concern is the blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick), which is known to carry Lyme disease. These ticks thrive in:
- Tall grass and overgrown fields along rural roads and trails
- Forested areas and wooded paths including popular walking spots like Jackson Park, Trent University trails, and the Rotary Greenway Trail
- Leaf litter and brush piles in backyards, especially shady and damp corners
- Cottage properties near lakes or rivers, where wildlife can bring ticks closer to your yard
Ticks are most active from early spring through late fall, but in mild winters they can be active on any day above 4°C.
Why Ticks Are a Risk
Ticks can transmit several diseases to pets and humans, the most well-known being Lyme disease. For pets, this can lead to:
- Fever
- Lethargy or weakness
- Swollen joints and lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Behaviour changes or discomfort
Not every tick carries disease, but because you can’t tell just by looking, prevention is always better than treatment.
How to Check Your Pet for Ticks
After spending time outdoors — whether on a trail, at the dog park, or even in your backyard — make it a habit to check your pet thoroughly.
- Run your hands over their entire body, feeling for small bumps.
- Pay close attention to hidden areas: between toes, under the tail, behind ears, under collars, and in armpits.
- If you find a tick, remove it carefully using a tick removal tool, gripping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out.
Daily checks are especially important during peak tick months in Ontario.
Preventing Ticks in Our Area
Here are some practical steps to reduce tick risk in Peterborough and the Kawarthas:
- Keep grass trimmed and clear brush around your home or cottage.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid letting pets roam through tall grass or thick vegetation.
- Use veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention.
- Consider chemical-free prevention tools as part of an integrated approach.
Tickless: Chemical-Free Tick Prevention at Jade’s Pet Boutique
For pet parents looking for a safe, scent-free, and chemical-free way to help protect their pets, Jade’s Pet Boutique carries the Tickless tick and flea prevention device.
What Is Tickless?
Tickless is a small, lightweight device that attaches directly to your pet’s collar. It works by emitting ultrasonic pulses that are completely harmless and inaudible to pets and humans, but that deter ticks and fleas from latching on. Here’s why pet parents in Peterborough love it:
- Chemical-free — safe for all pets, including young puppies and kittens.
- No odours and no need for monthly reapplication.
- Weather-resistant for year-round use, even in the Kawarthas’ changing seasons.
- Lightweight and comfortable so pets barely notice it’s there.
- 94% efficiency against ticks
- Made in Hungary
- Tested and proven effective in a clinical study at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy
Available in styles for both dogs and cats, Tickless can also be used alongside traditional prevention methods for added protection.
Fun fact: Tickless even has products for humans as well, so everyone in the family can enjoy the outdoors, worry-free, together!
How to Get It
You can find Tickless devices at Jade’s Pet Boutique, located inside the Peterborough Humane Society. Our team can show you how to attach it, explain how it works, and help you choose the right size and style for your pet.
Keeping Pets Tick-Safe Year-Round
Ticks are here to stay in Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and much of Ontario — but with consistent prevention and regular checks, you can greatly reduce the risk to your pets. Whether you’re out hiking in Jackson Park, enjoying your backyard in Lakefield, or spending weekends at the cottage in Bobcaygeon, a few simple steps can help keep your furry friends safe.
Stop by Jade’s Pet Boutique at the Peterborough Humane Society to learn more about Tickless and other tick prevention tools, and keep your pets protected in every season.