How to Stay Safe from Ticks in Calgary: Dr. Helen Dion on Lyme Disease Prevention

A Message from Dr. Dion

As a family doctor in Calgary, I see firsthand how our outdoor lifestyle brings joy—but also seasonal health risks. Among them, tick bites and Lyme disease are becoming more common across Canada, including here in Calgary. With warming temperatures expanding tick habitats, I want to equip you and your family with the knowledge to enjoy nature safely this summer. As Albertans enjoy our beautiful parks, hiking trails, and dog-friendly greenspaces, the return of summer also marks the return of tick season. While tick bites may seem like a minor inconvenience, they carry real medical risks, including Lyme disease—an illness that’s rising in Canada as climate change expands tick habitats. As a Calgary-based family doctor, I want to help you enjoy the outdoors safely with a few practical steps and sound medical advice.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, most commonly spread through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. It’s important to understand that not all ticks carry this bacterium, but those that do can transmit it after remaining attached for 24 to 36 hours.

Early symptoms may include a red bull’s-eye rash at the bite site, fatigue, fever, headache, and joint or muscle pain. However, not everyone develops the rash, and symptoms can vary or go unnoticed. If untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, or nervous system, leading to more serious complications and long-term issues such as post-Lyme disease syndrome—marked by fatigue, cognitive changes, and depression.

How to Prevent Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

The best way to avoid Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites altogether. Ticks are typically found in wooded or grassy areas and can latch on as you brush past vegetation. Be especially careful during hikes, walks through meadows, or visits to off-leash dog parks.

As your family doctor, here’s what I personally recommend to help you avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors:

• Check the eTick map before you head out: This Canadian surveillance tool is regularly updated to show where ticks are most commonly found. You can access the Alberta section directly at etick.ca. Knowing your risk zone can help you plan smarter routes and pack accordingly.
  
• Dress for protection: Wear long-sleeved tops and light-colored pants to make spotting ticks easier. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a barrier that prevents ticks from crawling up underneath your clothing.
  
• Use trusted tick repellents: Apply insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Products with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work well—just follow label directions carefully.
  
• Stick to well-cleared trails: Ticks thrive in dense grass and low brush. Try to avoid walking through tall grasses, and always supervise children and pets when exploring nature.
  
• Do a thorough tick check: After returning home, inspect your body carefully. Ticks often hide in warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, behind the ears, and the scalp. Also check your clothing, backpack, and pets. A tick can be as small as a poppy seed, so take your time.
  

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight out with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting. Clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic. Save the tick in a sealed bag or container in case identification or testing is needed.

Monitor your health for the next 30 days. If you notice a rash, flu-like symptoms, or unusual fatigue, make an appointment right away. Your physician may recommend antibiotics based on your exposure risk and clinical signs.

Diagnosis and Care

Lyme disease is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and possible tick exposure. Blood tests can be helpful but are most reliable when performed 4–6 weeks after a bite. Two-stage testing is often required to confirm the diagnosis, and results should always be interpreted by a healthcare provider familiar with Lyme disease.

Protecting Your Family

Ticks are part of our changing environment, but they don’t need to interfere with your enjoyment of Alberta’s outdoor life. With the right precautions, you can reduce your risk and stay safe. If you’re concerned about a bite or want advice tailored to your situation, I’d be happy to see you in clinic.

How to Reach Me

I offering personalized, evidence-informed care at two convenient Medicentres locations. If you’ve been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms that could be related to Lyme disease, I can provide a clinical assessment and, when appropriate, arrange for blood testing or treatment based on your individual health needs.
Primary Practice Location:
Country Hills Medicentres
5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, Suite 220, Calgary, AB, T3A 5K8
📞 (403) 241-8848
🔗 https://www.medicentres.com/medicentre-locations/country-hills-medicentre/

Additional Practice Location:
Mount Royal Medicentres
1032 17 Ave SW, Suite 3, Calgary, AB, T2T 0A5
📞 (403) 229-1771
🔗 https://www.medicentres.com/medicentre-locations/mount-royal-medicentre/

Let’s Connect and Take the First Step

Visit Medicentres.com or drhelendion.ca to schedule your appointment at the location that works best for you.

For ongoing health tips, updates, and to connect with Dr. Dion, follow her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit https://www.drhelendion.ca/.

Additional Resources

·       Alberta Tick Surveillance & Identification
eTick Canada – Alberta Region: Upload tick photos and access real-time tick maps for your area.

·       Trusted Medical Guidance
Harvard Health – Lyme Disease Resource Center: Comprehensive information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

·       Alberta Health Services
MyHealth Alberta – Lyme Disease Overview: Provincial guidance on tick bites, symptoms, and care pathways.
Alberta Tick Surveillance Program: Report tick bites and view surveillance data collected across the province.

·       Need Help Now?
Call Health Link Alberta (811) any time to speak with a registered nurse about tick bite concerns or symptoms.

References

1.    Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Tick season is expanding: Protect yourself against Lyme disease. Harvard Medical School.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/tick-season-is-expanding-protect-yourself-against-lyme-disease-202108052564

2.    Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Lyme Disease Resource Center.
https://www.lyme.health.harvard.edu

3.    Government of Canada. (2023). Surveillance of Lyme disease. Public Health Agency of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/surveillance-lyme-disease.html

4.    eTick Canada. (n.d.). Public Tick Surveillance Map.
https://etick.ca/etickapp/en/ticks/public/map

5.    MyHealth Alberta. (n.d.). Tick bites and Lyme disease.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa60319

Disclaimer

The content on drhelendion.ca is intended for informational purposes only. No content on this site, regardless of its date, should be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician.