The longer days and mild conditions of spring make long walks and outdoor exploration a favourite activity for many pet owners, especially in areas like southwestern Ontario, which has lots of forests, trails and parks. 

Dr. Gwen Jeun is no stranger to the perks of living in this part of the province. She’s a veterinarian at Emeryville Animal Hospital in Windsor-Essex County. On her days off, she frequents Point Pelee National Park to hike its many trails and witness spring birding season. Ganatchio Trail in Windsor is one of her favourite walking routes, with views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. 

With a veterinary career spanning more than 20 years, Dr. Jeun has experience in many areas of animal health, but she finds one area of special interest: ticks and Lyme disease. All the beauty aside, living in this picturesque part of Ontario can pose some threats to pets—it’s among the identified risk areas for Lyme disease in the province. 

“Ticks and Lyme disease have been on the rise in recent years because of milder winters and heavily wooded areas surrounding the county,” says Dr. Jeun. “As a result, I have to make sure I’m constantly educating my clients on the topic. My goal is to promote more proactive prevention methods.” 

Ticks become active when temperatures are above zero, so early preventive measures for pets are important. The hardest part about treating ticks and Lyme disease is that bites aren’t always visible, which makes regular check-ups with your veterinarian important. 

“Animals can’t speak, but they will tell you everything you need to know through a physical exam,” says Dr. Jeun. 

Whether you’re headed to a national park, conservation area or just playing in your backyard, experience the outdoors with your pet with peace of mind—make an appointment with your veterinarian to talk about parasite prevention. And remember, when you’re out and about, your vet is just a phone call away.