A woman looking at her phone while holding her dog

Educational Content for Pet Owners

Showcase your animal health expertise and educate pet owners with these posts.

We’ve prepared a selection of ready-to-use posts that you can use as is, or adapt to suit your needs. We recommend using a computer to download and set up your posts.

To use these posts: 

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  1. Click the topic of your choice below to see related content.



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  1. Click the image you want to use and it will automatically download to your computer or mobile device.
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  1. Select and copy the text you want to share and publish it, along with the photo, on your social media page(s).
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  1. Use our Social Media Planner to help you view and map out your content for the year. 

These messages are intended to be used in your name only. We wish to remind you that it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that the messages, including their adaptation, display, distribution, communication, and use do not infringe any rule, including your code of ethics and the Canadian antispam legislation. To help minimize the risks of infringement of said rules, we suggest the following:

  • Use the messages as is, without modifications.
  • Do not add any product name or refer to any brand.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When using the social media posts, please include the following declaration of sponsorship: “This message was prepared with the support of Merck Animal Health.”

Bookmark this page and come back regularly for content and updates.

– All Seasons –

Illustration of a family with a dog and cat, on the right side there is a tick with this message : "Enjoy the outdoors while being tick aware!"

Contact us to learn how you can protect your pet, your family and yourself, from ticks.

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

Illustration of a paw a hand and a leaf with the one helth logo

Ticks feed on pets AND people. And some ticks can transmit disease-causing agents like the ones that cause Lyme disease. ONE HEALTH is the idea that multiple groups can work together to better protect the health of humans and animals, and the environment they share. Your veterinary team is the best resource if you have questions about ticks and Lyme disease and your pet. Ask your family doctor if you have questions about ticks, Lyme disease and your health.

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

Seasons illustration

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall: “Tick season can be every season!” Did you know that ticks can be active throughout the year as soon as temperatures reach 4°C?

Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com/seasonality-of-ticks/

#yourvetknowsticks #tickseasoncanbeeveryseason

An illustration representing a man with a dog and a tick, with 7 steps to help protect people and animals against ticks

There are ways to help protect your pets AND your family. Learn 7 simple steps to help protect yourself and your pets from ticks! Contact your veterinarian for more information.

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

Canada map

DID YOU KNOW? The greatest risk of acquiring Lyme disease in Canada occurs where populations of ticks that carry Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that cause Lyme disease), have become established. Ticks don’t want you to know where they hang out, so we’re going to tell you. Check out this map to see where ticks have been found in your province and talk to your vet about it.

Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com/geographic-expansion

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

Western tick image with a warning message

Post for Western Canada:

The Western blacklegged tick, the American Dog Tick, and the Rocky Mountain wood tick are commonly found in Western Canada. The Western blacklegged tick is found in British Columbia and is the species responsible for transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease to pets and people. Contact your vet or family doctor for more information about Lyme disease. Check the potential tick activity in your area today so you can help protect your pet and your family members!

Visit www.tickmaps.ca

Post for Eastern Canada:

The blacklegged tick is the most common tick species found from Ontario to Eastern Canada. It is the species responsible for transmitting the bacteria that cause Lyme disease to pets and people. Contact your vet or family doctor for more information about Lyme disease. Check the potential tick activity in your area today so you can help protect your pet and your family members!

Visit www.tickmaps.ca

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

Illustration of a woman and a cat

Both pets and people can be a target for ticks and the diseases they can carry. It is important to know how to protect your entire family (including the furry ones!). Talk to your vet or family doctor about it!

Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com/seasonality-of-ticks/

#yourvetknowsticks #tickseasoncanbeeveryseason

– National Tick Awareness Month (March) –

Illustration representing seasons with a text "OUTSMART TICKS! ANYTIME, ANYWHERE."

Today marks the first day of the National Tick Awareness Month. It is important to stay vigilant and know when ticks are active, where they can be found, and how to protect yourself and your pets. Together, we can Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere.

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam
Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com

Illustration of a women with her dog during all seasons

With temperature fluctuations at this time of year, checking your weather forecast helps you decide if you need sunglasses, snow boots, or a sweater! But what about ticks – could ticks be active in your area today? Check out your area’s tick risk “forecast” and be prepared to Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere.

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Link: https://www.tickmaps.ca

Image representing the e-tick website

Daily tick checks – do you know what to do if you find a tick on your pet? You can participate in Canadian tick monitoring by submitting tick photos to eTick.ca for identification by a professional. Not sure how to do it? We can help! The more we know, the better we can Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere.

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Link: https://www.etick.ca/etickapp/submit/report-index

Illustration with a cat dog and a tick outdoor representing the end of winter, with the text "TICK CAN BE ACTIVE WHEN TEMPERATURE REACH 4°C"

You may be itching to get out and enjoy the outdoors with your pet as spring approaches. But don’t forget – ticks can be active when temperatures reach 4°C, even when there is still snow on the ground! Make sure to do tick checks on yourself and your pets and promptly remove any found after being out and about! Also, be sure to talk to us about the best protection for your pet. Let’s Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere.

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Canada map

Did you know different tick species have preferences when it comes to geographic location and habitat? We can show you where and what kind of ticks have been found in your province! Avoiding the places where ticks like to hang out is an important step to help Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere. Check out the map here!

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com/geographic-expansion

Illustration with a ticks group on an orange background with a text "What do you really know about ticks?"

Ticktalkcanada.com has so much information about ticks! Armed with knowledge, we can Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere. Show us what you know and take the “Tick Talk” quiz!

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam
Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com/tick-facts/survey-form

Illustration of a tick with question mark with the text "What do ticks look like?"

We’ve talked about ticks being active in the spring, but the truth is ticks can be active in every season so it’s important to stay vigilant! Do you know how to recognize a tick? Watch this video to know more! Knowing what ticks look like can help you Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere.

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Link: https://youtu.be/ji5F_k59wgk

A father and daughter with their dog, with a text "Outsmart ticks! Anytime Anywhere"

Today is the last day of the National Tick Awareness Month. March may be over, but ticks are just getting started! Stay vigilant all year long so you can Outsmart Ticks! Anytime, Anywhere. Want to know more? You can find lots of useful tips, videos, and resources on ticktalkcanada.com. If you have any questions, we’re always here to help!

#outsmartticks #yourvetknowsticks #ntam

Link: https://ticktalkcanada.com

– Spring –

Illustration of a family with a dog and cat, on the right side there is a tick with this message : "Enjoy the outdoors while being tick aware!"

Spring is officially here, and so are warmer temperatures! Ticks are active in early spring. In fact, ticks can be active every season – any day when temperatures reach 4°C and above. Be prepared. Once a tick is on your pet, they can be hard to find.

#yourvetknowsticks #onehealth #checkforticks

3 section representing tick by province, tick habitats and tick species

Fields, forests, hiking trails, and parks. These are just a few places where ticks might want to be. Did you know that different tick species have preferred locations and habitats where they can establish and thrive? Discover the tick risk in your area!

Link:
https://ticktalkcanada.com/geographic-expansion/

#couldticksbethere #betickaware #yourvetknowsticks

Illustration of a forest and field

Quiz time! Ticks can be found in the following habitats:

a. Wooded areas
b. Leaf litter
c. Tall grasses
d. All of the above

#couldticksbethere #betickaware #yourvetknowsticks

Illustration showing tick habitats

Thanks for participating in our quiz! Ticks can be found in wooded areas, leaf litter, and tall  grasses. They can be found in rural, suburban, and even urban areas if the right habitats are present. Be tick aware wherever you are!

#couldticksbethere #betickaware #yourvetknowsticks

– Summer and Fall –

Muffin image comparing the size of a seed versus the size of a tick

Summer is the season when immature blacklegged ticks are active! Did you know that even with regular tick checks, they can be very hard to see (as small as a poppy seed)? That’s why it is important to keep your pet protected against ticks, even as the temperature climbs. Contact your veterinary team for more information.

Link:
https://ticktalkcanada.com/seasonality-of-ticks/

#tickseasoncanbeeveryseason #yourvetknowsticks

A dog and a cat under a blanket with ticks informations

All it takes is one unprotected pet in the house to allow a fall flea infestation to take hold. Treat all of your four-legged friends to help keep your house flea-free. Talk to your veterinarian about #FleaControl.

A cat scratching himself with a sofa and flea informations

Fall flea infestations can fill your home with thousands of flea eggs and larvae. It requires a minimum of 12 weeks of effective flea treatment to eliminate an infestation. Talk to your veterinarian about #FleaControl.

A dog walking in a forest with tick informations

Blacklegged ticks can be found in fall leaves. Make sure your dog is on #TickControl medication this fall to remain protected from September to November. Blacklegged ticks are the ticks associated with #LymeDisease. Ask your vet for more information.

A dog playing with a tennis ball with tick informations

Fall is a great time to play outside. Don’t forget that blacklegged ticks are still active in November in most of Canada. Ask your veterinarian about #TickControl that will help keep your dog protected.

– Puppy Protection –

A man playing with a puppy with a text "Protect Puppy Playtime"

Warmer weather means more outdoor play with your puppies. So when temperatures reach 4°C and above, connect with your vet about tick protection.

#petparent #dogparents #puppy #puppygram #dogsofinstagram #tickseason

A puppy laying in grass with a text "Early protection begins now"

It’s never too early to think about flea and tick protection for your puppies. Connect with your vet today.

#petparent #dogparents #puppy #puppygram #dogsofinstagram #tickseason

A woman sitting next to a puppy with a text "CHECK TREAT VACCINATE"

To help protect your puppies against Lyme disease, it’s best to take a three-pronged approach: do a manual tick check, treat for ticks and talk to your vet to see if vaccination against Lyme disease is right for your dog.

#petparent #dogparents #puppy #puppygram #dogsofinstagram #tickseason

A woman holding a puppy with a text "Puppy Love"

We all love our furry little friends. Ask your vet when you should start flea and tick protection.

#petparent #dogparents #puppy #puppygram #dogsofinstagram #tickseason

A puppy playing in a toy basket with a text "Puppies are full of surprises"

Don’t let fleas and ticks bother your furry little friend. Ask your vet about protection today.

#petparent #dogparents #puppy #puppygram #dogsofinstagram #tickseason

  • A woman hiking with her dog, the text says "Be Safe. Have your dog examined before hitting the trailsto assess their fitness level and to determinewhether parasite protection is suitable."
  • A woman and her dog on a hiking trail with the text "Be prepared. Bring a backpack with water for youand your pet, some treats, a small pet first aid kitand poop bags."
  • A dog standing in the mountains with the text "Check that the trailis pet friendly. Always check if your dog can accompanyyou before you head out."
  • Pet station waste with dog pictogram with a text "Practice good hiking etiquette. Bag your pet’s waste. Pick up all your trashand try not to disturb the surrounding ecosystem. Leash your pet and make sure your dog’s ID tagsare securely attached. Keep your eyes open for wildlife. Stay on the trail."
  • Someone checking if the dog have ticks with the text "After the hike. When you’re off the trail, check your dogfor ticks and any injuries, especially on theirpaw pads. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed,so be sure to do a thorough check! "

Hiking offers many physical and mental health benefits for people and pets. Walking on trails is a different experience than walking in your neighbourhood, so if you’re new to hiking, get started with these tips.

Women and her dog enjoying the mountain view with parasite control information "Before you go ask us about vaccination and parasite control for your pet"

Be sure to talk with us well in advance of your travel plans so we can help you determine the risk of parasites and diseases in places you pass through AND at your destination. We can help create an effective parasite control and vaccination plan to keep your pet safe during your travels.

A dog with bowl filled with food "Remember to keep your pet's diet consistent to help avoid digestive problems"

Remember to bring your pet’s food and treats so their diet remains as consistent as possible to help avoid digestive problems. Try and feed your pet at the same time as you usually do to maintain their daily routine.

A dog looking outside a car "Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle in warm weather"

Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle for even a few minutes in warm weather—even if you’re parked in a shaded area and the windows are partly open. Temperatures inside a car can quickly rise above what your pet can tolerate. It can take just a few minutes for them to become overheated, which can become life-threatening if not addressed quickly.

A cat laying on a luggage "Make sure you have all your pet health and paperwork requirements"

Are you travelling outside of Canada this summer? Talk to us before you leave, as there may be specific health and paperwork requirements. Give yourself ample time before you travel to gather your pet’s health travel documents.

A dog with a water bottle "Bring a water bowl and fresh water with you to keep your pet hydrated"

Always have a water bowl and fresh water with you. Travel arrangements can be unpredictable, so keep your pet hydrated by having access to plenty of water when those unforeseen delays occur.

A cat with a blue collar "Ensure your pet is microchipped and is always wearing a collar ID tag"

Having your pet microchipped, especially when you travel with them, greatly improves your chances of getting your pet back in case it gets lost. At the minimum, ensure your pet is always wearing a collar and ID tag. Make sure the contact information associated with your pet’s microchip and ID tags is current!

  • A dog walking on a leash "EXERCISE: Be sure to exercise your pet or take themon a walk so they burn off extra energybefore you leave them home alone."
  • A cat sleeping on his basket "CALMING SOUNDS: Leave relaxing music playing whenyou leave the home, like soundor music your animal is used to."
  • A dog looking by the window "START SLOW: Start with short periods of time awayto decrease separation anxiety (like just gettingthe mail!) and gradually increase the time."
  • A cat playing with his food "DISTRACT: Give your pet a high value treat or distraction, likea puzzle toy or a small portion of soft food, if you’llbe out of the home for a longer period of time."
  • A dog on his basket "SMOOTH EXITS: Do not make a big deal out of hellosor good-byes. Act calm and relaxedbecause pets can pick up on your energy."

After the ____ [summer break/holidays/etc.], returning to work may be stressful. Here are some tips to help your pets transition as you return to your daily routine.

Leptospirosis Protection

CIRDC Protection

A women with a dog and cat "Ask us about it"

November is Pet Diabetes Month and we want you to know the signs of diabetes in dogs and cats. If you seek help early and work with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s clinical signs and provide a healthy lifestyle, your pet has the best opportunity to live a happy and healthy life! If you think your dog or cat may show signs like increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, weight loss or a lower activity level, talk to us!

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth

Illustrated dogs back "A question for the DOGS"

November is Pet Diabetes Month—and we have a question for the dogs! Does AGE increase the risk of diabetes in dogs? The answer is YES! Dogs 5 years and older are more at risk to develop diabetes. This disease is on the rise in dogs, up 80% in ten years. It is estimated that 1 in 300 dogs has diabetes. Talk to us for more information on this manageable disease.

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth

Cat with his litter box "Learn the warning signs"

November is Pet Diabetes Month—let’s review the warning signs of diabetes in cats. Keep an eye on how often your cat urinates. Frequent urination along with increased thirst, increased appetite, sleeping more and weight loss can indicate your cat has diabetes. These same warning signs apply for dogs too! Early detection and veterinary care can help diabetic pets live a healthy, happy life. Ask us about it!

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth

Illustrated cat paws "A question for the CATS"

November is Pet Diabetes Month—and we have a question for the cats! Does OBESITY increase the risk of diabetes in cats? The answer is YES! Obese cats have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Other risk factors include age, physical inactivity, and certain breeds. It is estimated that 1 in 230 cats have diabetes. Talk to us for more information on this manageable disease.

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth

A dog drinking water "Learn the warning signs"

November is Pet Diabetes Month—do you know the warning signs for dogs? If your dog seems more thirsty than they used to be, it could be a sign of diabetes. Other signs include frequent urination, increased appetite, sleeping more and weight loss. These same warning signs apply for cats too! Diabetes is manageable in pets, just like in people. Ask us about it!

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth

Illustration of a veterinarian holding a dog, and a hand holding a phone that say "Monitor your pet!"

Pets with diabetes can live a healthy and active life. We can help you learn the skills you need to monitor your pet’s clinical signs and provide a healthy lifestyle for your pet. A special diet, insulin therapy, at-home monitoring and regular exercise are all possible strategies that could help your diabetic pet feel better and thrive for years to come. Ask us to review the plan for your diabetic pet!

#petdiabetesmonth #pethealth