Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy Canada’s incredible landscapes. Whether you are hiking a forest trail, relaxing in a grassy park, or working in your garden, the fresh air and sunshine are inviting.
But with this enjoyment comes a growing risk many Canadians are learning more about each year: Lyme disease. Transmitted by certain species of ticks, this infection can cause serious and long-lasting health problems if not addressed quickly.
Lyme disease is becoming more common in many regions of Canada, and tick populations are spreading into new areas. Knowing how to identify, prevent, and respond to tick bites is essential for protecting your health and your family’s well-being.
In this guide, we share the facts about ticks, how Lyme disease spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and the best ways to prevent and treat it. By understanding your risks and taking simple precautions, you can continue to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe.
What Is Lyme Disease and How Does It Spread?
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. These bacteria live in the gut of certain ticks and can be transmitted to humans when the tick feeds on blood.
Ticks spread Lyme disease through their bite, but transmission is not immediate.
In most cases, the tick must be attached to the skin for at least 24 hours before the bacteria can pass into the bloodstream. This is why prompt detection and removal of ticks is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
Once inside the body, Borrelia bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and affect multiple systems, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early removal of a tick can drastically reduce the likelihood of infection, making regular tick checks and proper removal techniques vital after outdoor activity.
Ticks 101 – What You Need to Know
Canada is home to more than 40 species of ticks, but only a few are known to spread Lyme disease.
According to a Government of Canada tick surveillance report, blacklegged ticks are most common in central and eastern Canada, while western blacklegged ticks are found in British Columbia, both of which are the primary carriers of Lyme disease.
These ticks are small, ranging from the size of a poppy seed in their nymph stage to a sesame seed or larger as adults.
Now that we know what ticks to watch for, let’s cover some important facts.
Where ticks thrive:
- Wooded regions and forest edges
- Tall grass, brush, and overgrown vegetation
- Leaf litter and shaded, humid areas
When ticks are active:
- Most active in spring, summer, and fall, but not limited to warm months
- According to Tick Talk Canada, ticks can be active whenever temperatures are above 4°C
- Some species survive under snow cover and can even emerge during mild winter days
How climate change has impacted tick populations:
- Climate Atlas of Canada reports that the milder winters and longer summers Canada has been experiencing are increasing tick survival rates and expanding their range
- Regions previously considered low-risk may now see higher tick activity
Common hiding spots on people and pets:
- Behind the knees
- Along the hairline or scalp
- In the armpits or groin
- On pets: around the ears, under collars, between toes, or in thick fur
In your yard, ticks may be found in:
- Leaf piles and mulch beds
- Overgrown shrubs or uncut grass
- Woodpiles and shaded garden edges
Recognizing Lyme Disease Symptoms at Every Stage
Lyme disease symptoms can vary widely and may appear in stages. Some people notice signs soon after infection, while others do not develop symptoms until weeks or months later.
Early signs often appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. These can include:
- An expanding rash, often circular or oval-shaped, sometimes resembling a bullseye
- Fatigue
- Fever, chills, and headaches
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
While the bullseye rash is the hallmark sign of Lyme disease in the early stages, it can be harder to detect on darker skin tones, making daily tick checks even more important for early detection.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Later symptoms can include:
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Additional skin rashes
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Nerve pain, tingling, or numbness in the limbs
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Cognitive issues such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
Not everyone develops the tell-tale rash, and symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions. This is why speaking to a healthcare provider promptly after a concerning tick bite is crucial.
Tick Removal and What to Do Immediately After a Bite
Finding a tick attached to your skin can be unsettling, but removing it quickly and correctly is essential.
Follow these steps for safe removal:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick.
- Place the tick in a sealed bag or container. You may submit it to a local identification program.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Record the location of the bite, the date, and your best estimate of how long the tick was attached. If you notice mouthparts left in the skin, leave them alone and seek medical help if necessary.
Contact your pharmacist or doctor if symptoms develop, if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, or if you are unsure of your risk.
Testing for Lyme Disease
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging because early symptoms overlap with other illnesses. Your healthcare provider will consider:
- Signs and symptoms
- Recent outdoor activity in high-risk areas
- Possible exposure to blacklegged or western blacklegged ticks
Blood tests are available but may not be ordered if you present with the characteristic rash and a known tick exposure. Testing is most reliable a few weeks after infection when antibodies have developed.
Effective Lyme Disease Treatment Options
Lyme disease treatment typically involves antibiotics. Common prescriptions include:
Treatment usually lasts 10 to 21 days, depending on the stage of the illness. Starting antibiotics early leads to better outcomes and can prevent serious complications.
Some individuals experience lingering symptoms after treatment, known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. While these symptoms can be frustrating, ongoing medical support can help manage them effectively.
Preventive Antibiotics After a High-Risk Bite (PEP)
In certain cases, preventive antibiotics may be offered to reduce the risk of developing Lyme disease. Your healthcare provider may recommend a single dose of doxycycline if:
- The tick is identified as a blacklegged or western blacklegged tick
- It has been attached for 24 hours or more
- Preventive treatment can begin within 72 hours of removal
- The bite occurred in an area where ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi
This option is not suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Preventing Tick Bites: Daily Habits and Special Considerations
Avoiding tick bites begins with awareness and preparation.
Practical prevention tips include:
- Wear long sleeves and pants, tucking pants into socks
- Choose light-coloured clothing to make ticks easier to spot
- Stay on marked trails and avoid walking through tall grass or dense shrubs
- Perform full-body tick checks after outdoor activities, paying attention to hidden areas like the scalp, groin, and behind the knees
- Use an effective repellent containing DEET or icaridin, applied according to safety instructions
For extra peace of mind, consider carrying an Option+ tick kit during hikes, camping trips, or cottage visits.
These kits contain the essentials for safe tick removal, so you can act quickly if you or a family member is bitten. You can pick one up at your local RxHealthMed pharmacy along with other prevention products and expert advice.
Pets should be checked regularly and may benefit from veterinary-recommended tick preventives. Children, pregnant individuals, and outdoor workers may require additional protective measures.
People Also Ask
Can Lyme go away on its own?
No. Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress to cause serious health complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.
What happens if Lyme is never treated?
Untreated Lyme disease can lead to chronic arthritis, neurological issues, and heart problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Can you feel a tick bite?
Not usually. Tick bites are often painless, which is why regular checks after outdoor activities are important.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected With RxHealthMed
Lyme disease is a serious but preventable illness. Understanding your local risk, checking your body and pets after outdoor time, and removing ticks quickly are simple but powerful steps toward protection.
By knowing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, you can reduce your risk of long-term health effects.
Visit your local RxHealthMed pharmacy for expert advice, trusted tick prevention products, and personalized support to help keep your family safe this season.
