Tick Tock: What Gecko’s Rescue Teaches Us About Tick Prevention

Before Gecko could begin his new life, he needed relief.

When he arrived in our care he had clearly spent some time outdoors as the young dog was covered in ticks — so many that immediate treatment became one of our first priorities. What followed was slow, careful work.

At our Companion Animal Hospital, staff removed each tick one by one, carefully working through Gecko’s fur over several hours to ensure every tick was fully extracted. Tick removal requires precision: even a small portion left behind can increase the risk of irritation, infection, and exposure to diseases.

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For Gecko, it was uncomfortable. For our team, it was a matter of patience and care.

He was given breaks throughout the process to rest and stay calm, and by the time the final tick was gone, the change in him was immediate.

The tired boy became a playful puppy again.

He bounded around the room with unmistakable joy, romping happily and showing off the kind of exuberance only a relieved dog can express. A warm bath followed, along with soothing ointment for his skin, helping him settle comfortably after a long day of treatment.

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Soon after, Gecko was ready for his next chapter.

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Today, he has been adopted into a loving forever home, where regular prevention will help keep him healthy, comfortable, and free to enjoy the simple happiness every dog deserves.

His story is a reminder that healing often begins quietly — one step at a time.

And every careful step is made possible because donors choose to stand with animals when they need it most.

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What You Should Know About Ticks

Across Southern Ontario, blacklegged ticks — also called deer ticks — are becoming increasingly common, bringing a rising risk of Lyme disease for both pets and people. While other types of ticks exist, blacklegged ticks are the main carriers of Lyme disease, which can be dangerous for humans and dogs alike.

Although ticks are most active in spring and summer, they can now be found year-round in the Hamilton/Burlington area whenever temperatures rise above freezing.

Ticks can be very small. In their nymph stage, they are about the size of a poppy seed and can be hard to spot — yet they can still attach to your pet. They are most commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs, often jumping directly from vegetation onto you or your pet.

What to Watch for in Pets

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Limping or stiffness

Cats are less likely to develop Lyme disease but can still carry ticks indoors to other pets or people.

How to Protect Your Pets

• Use veterinarian-approved tick and flea prevention
• Keep grass trimmed and brush cleared
• Check pets daily after walks, especially around ears, paws, and belly

If You Find a Tick

• Remove it carefully using tweezers or a tick-removal tool
• Make sure the entire tick is removed
• Disinfect the bite area
• Monitor your pet for any symptoms
• Contact your veterinarian if concerns arise

A few minutes of prevention can make an enormous difference in keeping your pets safe. Talk to your vet about the options available.