If you’re a dog owner in the Okanagan, you’ve likely heard more chatter than usual about parasites this year—and for good reason. At Kelowna Veterinary Hospital, we’ve seen a record number of cases of bite-related illness, including more instances of tick paralysis than ever before. It’s something we don’t take lightly, and we want to make sure you’re informed and equipped to protect your pet this parasite season.
🕷 Why Is Tick Season So Bad This Year?
This season’s parasite surge isn’t your imagination. Several factors have contributed to the spike:
- A mild winter allowed more of them to survive and become active earlier.
- Increased humidity and rainfall this spring created ideal breeding conditions.
- Expanding populations in BC are moving into higher elevations and more urban areas, including dog parks, trails, and even backyards.
All of this means your dog is more likely to pick up one even on a short walk. And with tick season in full swing, the risk is higher than ever.
❗ Tick Paralysis: A Serious Threat
Tick paralysis is caused by a toxin released in the saliva of certain species as they feed. It can lead to:
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty breathing
- In severe cases, collapse
The scary part? It can come on suddenly, and without visible warning signs unless you’re checking your dog regularly.
We’ve treated more dogs for this condition this year than in any previous year—and early prevention really does make a difference during tick season.
👀 What to Watch Out For
After any outdoor adventure, give your dog a thorough check. Pay special attention to:
- Under the collar
- Around the ears
- Between the toes
- Under the tail and around the groin
They can be as small as a sesame seed and often go unnoticed until they’ve been attached for a day or more.
If you find one, don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Call us for advice on safe removal and follow-up care. Quick action is key in tick season.
💊 Prevention: Your First Line of Defense During
Preventive treatments don’t just kill parasites—they work in several ways depending on the product:
- Repel them before they bite
- Eliminate them after attachment, often before disease transmission
- Break the lifecycle to reduce long-term exposure
At KVH, we use a targeted, Okanagan-specific approach. That means we select products that are proven to be effective against the specific species we see most often here in the Valley.
💡 Flexible, Year-Round Protection
We know finances can be tight, and that’s why we offer monthly wellness plans that allow you to spread the cost of protection over the year—no big lump-sum payments required.
Our pricing is based on your dog’s weight, and we’re happy to walk you through options that fit your pet and your budget.
📞 Let’s Keep Your Dog Safe
We’re here to help. Whether you need advice, want to know what prevention is right for your pet, or you’re worried about something you found—call or text us today.
📱 Call or text now for advice or a quote tailored to your dog’s weight and lifestyle.
Let’s make sure this tick season doesn’t come between you and a healthy, happy summer with your dog.
Kelowna Veterinary Hospital
📍 Local, experienced, and focused on what matters most: your pet’s wellbeing.