I found a tick on my dog. What do I do?
Found a tick on your dog? Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, save it for eTick.ca, and book a 4DX test 6–8 weeks later. Here's the full step-by-step from a Halton vet.
Read moreIs anaplasmosis spreading in Ontario?
Yes. Anaplasmosis became reportable in Ontario in February 2023, and Halton's first locally-detected cases came in 2025. Same vector as Lyme, similar symptoms in dogs. Here's what you need to know.
Read moreIs K9 Advantix II safe for cats?
No. K9 Advantix II contains permethrin, which is severely toxic to cats. Even cuddling a recently treated dog can poison a cat. Here's why, and what to use instead in a multi-pet home.
Read moreShould my dog get the Lyme vaccine?
It depends. The Lyme vaccine is genuinely contested — even within veterinary medicine. Here's the honest, evidence-based answer for Halton dogs in 2026, including who should and shouldn't get it.
Read moreWhat is cytauxzoonosis (bobcat fever) in cats?
Cytauxzoonosis is a fast-moving, often-fatal tick-borne disease that affects cats. It kills 40% of treated cats. Not yet established in Ontario, but the vector ticks are moving north.
Read moreWhat is eTick.ca, and how do I submit a tick?
eTick.ca is a free Canadian tick identification platform. Upload three photos, get an expert species ID in 1–2 business days. Pet ticks count too. Here's exactly how it works.
Read moreWhat is Lyme nephritis in dogs?
Lyme nephritis is an immune-mediated kidney disease that affects a small subset of Lyme-exposed dogs. It's frequently fatal and can damage kidneys before any outward signs appear. Here's why screening matters.
Read moreWhat is the 4DX test for dogs?
The 4DX is a quick blood test that screens dogs for heartworm, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Done annually in late spring. Here's what it tests, what a positive means, and why it matters.
Read moreWhy are there so many ticks this year?
Halton's blacklegged tick infection rate jumped from 0% in 2018 to 38% in spring 2025. Here's why ticks are surging in Oakville and Ontario in 2026, and what it means for your pets.
Read moreWhere are the worst tick spots in Oakville?
Bronte Creek, Iroquois Shoreline Woods, Lions Valley, and the Conservation Halton parks are Oakville's highest-tick dog walks. Plus the spot most pet parents miss: their own backyard.
Read moreTicks in Oakville and Halton Region 2026: A Field Guide for Dog and Cat Households
Halton's blacklegged tick infection rate jumped from 0% in 2018 to 38% in spring 2025. Here's the 2026 field guide for Oakville households with dogs and cats: surveillance numbers, hotspots, prevention, and the cat-specific dangers most pet parents miss.
Read more
Dr. Sarah Bishop Joins Sixteen Mile Veterinary Clinic in Oakville
Your trusted Oakville veterinarian, formerly at Abbey Animal Hospital, is now at Sixteen Mile Veterinary Clinic. Request an appointment with Dr. Sarah Bishop today.
Read moreHave Pet Health Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our veterinary team is here to answer your questions and provide personalized advice for your pet's health needs.