Warm weather means outdoor fun — but it also means fleas and ticks. These parasites thrive in areas like South Etobicoke and High Park, where our pets love to roam. At Roncesvalles Animal Hospital, we’re here to help protect your dog from the risks that come with even the shortest walk in the grass or trip to the park.
Why Flea & Tick Prevention Matters
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can pose serious health threats to your pet and your household. Here’s what every dog owner should know:
🦟 Ticks
Carry diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis
Thrive in wooded areas, tall grass, and even urban trails
Can attach without being noticed — and transmit disease within hours
🐜 Fleas
Cause itching, allergic reactions, and skin infections
Multiply rapidly — one flea can lay hundreds of eggs
Can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella (Cat Scratch Disease)
Local Risk is Real
In areas like South Etobicoke, High Park, and surrounding neighborhoods, urban wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and outdoor cats carry fleas and ticks into backyards and parks. Even dogs who don’t hike or camp are still at risk.
We’ve seen a rise in tick-borne illnesses in the Toronto area, including confirmed cases of Lyme disease — and prevention is far easier than treatment.
What We Recommend at Roncesvalles Animal Hospital
Our veterinary team recommends:
✅ Year-round prevention — ticks can be active even in winter
✅ Monthly chewables or topical treatments
✅ Annual Lyme and tick-borne disease testing for high-risk dogs
✅ Regular tick checks after outdoor play
Not sure which product is best for your pet? We offer personalized recommendations based on your dog’s lifestyle, age, and health status.
Tips for Prevention at Home
Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter
Avoid wooded trails during peak tick season (spring through fall)
Use vet-approved flea & tick control — not all over-the-counter products are safe
Wash your dog’s bedding regularly
Watch for signs of scratching or skin irritation
Call Us to Get Started
Protect your pet before the pests bite.
📍 Roncesvalles Animal Hospital
18 Roncesvalles Avenue
Toronto, ON M6R 2K3
📞 Call us today at (416) 538-8387 to schedule a flea & tick prevention consultation or refill your pet’s prescription.
You can also book online or visit us in person to talk through your options.
