Ticks are small external parasites that feed on the blood of dogs. They latch onto dogs’ skin and embed their mouthparts to extract blood for several days at a time. Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis to dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures to prevent and get rid of ticks on dogs. While there is no permanent 100% effective way to repel ticks forever, there are several effective options to significantly reduce ticks on dogs for the long-term.
How do ticks get on my dog?
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas. They wait on the tips of grasses and shrubs for a host to brush up against them. When that happens, they quickly climb aboard. Ticks can’t fly or jump. They only crawl. So ticks end up on dogs when dogs walk through or lie down in tick-infested areas. Areas likely to contain ticks include:
- Woods
- Trails
- Tall grass
- Brush
- Leaves/leaf litter
Ticks wait in these areas for a host, like a dog, to walk by. They sense carbon dioxide, movement, warmth, and smell to find hosts. Some ticks will attach quickly while others will wander on the host for up to several hours before settling down to feed.
Why is it important to get rid of ticks on my dog?
It is crucial to remove ticks from dogs as soon as possible because ticks transmit diseases while feeding. The longer an infected tick stays attached and feeds, the higher the risk it will transmit disease.
Some dangerous tick-borne diseases dogs can get include:
- Lyme Disease – Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Transmitted by deer ticks. Symptoms may include fever, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen joints.
- Anaplasmosis – Caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Transmitted by deer ticks. Symptoms may include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen joints.
- Ehrlichiosis – Caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis. Transmitted by brown dog ticks. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, eye discharge, lethargy, bruising.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – Caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. Transmitted by dog ticks. Symptoms may include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, bruising, bleeding.
These diseases can range from mild to fatal if left untreated. It’s important to remove ticks promptly to decrease disease transmission risk and keep dogs healthy.
How do I find ticks on my dog?
Ticks can crawl and attach anywhere on a dog’s body but are commonly found around these areas:
- Around head, ears, and neck
- Armpits
- Between toes
- Groin
- Under tail
- Belly
When checking for ticks, look closely as ticks can be very tiny. Especially young nymph stage ticks can be as small as a poppy seed.
Run fingers through the fur and feel for any lumps. Part the fur to expose the skin and look for ticks attached to the skin. Also check these common hiding spots:
- Inside ear flaps
- Around eyelids and eyes
- Under collar
- Armpit area
- Between toes
- Under tail
- Groin area
- Belly
Check the entire body carefully. Remember that ticks can be very small and hard to spot.
How do I safely remove ticks from my dog?
It’s important to remove ticks correctly to avoid leaving mouthparts embedded in the skin or squeezing the tick’s body and risking disease transmission. Here are some recommended ways to safely remove ticks:
Fine-point tweezers
Use fine-tip tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick. Once removed, clean the area thoroughly. Wash hands and sterilize tweezers.
Tick removal tools
Special tick removal tools like the Tick Twister or Tick Key can be purchased. They work by slipping between the tick and skin and twisting gently to remove. This prevents squeezing or crushing the tick.
Ask your veterinarian
If you are unable to remove all parts of the tick, take your dog to the vet. They can numb the area, remove the tick completely and reduce infection risk.
Natural ways to repel ticks and prevent them from biting
While there is no guaranteed way to permanently repel ticks, there are some effective natural options to significantly reduce ticks on dogs.
Essential oil sprays
Some research shows certain natural essential oils may help repel ticks. Oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, lavender, geraniol and thyme have shown repellent activity. Make a spray by adding several drops of oil to water in a spray bottle. Spray onto the dog’s coat before going outside. Reapply every few hours. Do not spray directly on face orsensitive areas.
Neem oil
Derived from the Neem tree, this natural oil contains azadirachtin which seems to disrupt ticks’ normal functioning. Mix with water and spray onto the dog. Can also be found in shampoo formulas to wash the dog with.
Apple cider vinegar
The scent of apple cider vinegar may deter ticks from latching on. Wipe your dog down with a rag soaked in diluted apple cider vinegar before outdoor activities. Can also be added to food or water. Only use diluted.
Diatomaceous earth
This powdery natural substance can help dry out and kill ticks. Sprinkle on your dog’s coat and brush in. Can also apply in the yard. Food-grade only.
Sawyer Permethrin spray
Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that repels and kills ticks. It binds to fabric and remains effective through washes. Buy the Sawyer concentrated formula and dilute to apply to dog beds, collars, leashes. Do not apply directly on dogs.
Prescription medications to kill and prevent ticks
There are highly effective prescription medications available from your vet to kill and/or repel ticks. These options should be discussed with your vet to determine what is right for your dog.
NexGard (afoxolaner)
NexGard is an oral chewable tablet that kills ticks and fleas. It is given monthly. Afoxolaner enters the bloodstream and kills ticks that bite the dog. It is effective for a month with a new dose.
Bravecto (fluralaner)
Bravecto provides 12 weeks of tick and flea protection with a single chewable tablet. Like NexGard, fluralaner enters the bloodstream and kills ticks that bite. One tablet provides 3 months protection.
Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner)
Revolution Plus is a topical solution applied to skin on the back of the neck monthly. It enters the bloodstream and kills fleas and ticks. It also prevents heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm infections.
Simparica Trio
This monthly chewable tablet protects against ticks and fleas while also preventing heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm infections. It contains sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.
Seresto Collar
This collar slowly releases the active ingredients imidacloprid and flumethrin over 8 months. The scent repels and kills ticks and fleas that come in contact with it. It is water-resistant.
Limit tick exposure
In addition to on-dog preventatives, you can reduce tick exposure by taking steps to avoid tick-prone areas. Here are some tips:
- Avoid areas with tall grass, brush, and leaf litter
- Keep lawns and trails trimmed and clear of debris
- Place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
- Keep dogs in the center of trails when hiking
- Check dogs thoroughly after being outdoors
- Bathe dogs after being in wooded/grassy areas
- Treat yards and kennels with sprays containing pyrethrin
The less contact dogs have with tick-infested areas, the lower the chances of bringing ticks home. But it’s unrealistic to prevent all outdoor time, so on-dog preventatives are still important.
Daily tick checks
Check your dog thoroughly for ticks every day during tick season. Spring through fall is peak tick time in most areas. Do a visual scan and feel with fingers through the coat during these key times:
- Before going outside
- When coming back inside
- Before bedtime
- After spending time in wooded/grassy areas
Prompt tick removal is critical to prevent disease transmission. Finding and detaching ticks quickly can help provide long-term protection against tick-borne illnesses. Discuss a tick-borne disease testing protocol with your veterinarian.
How do I know if my dog has a tick-borne disease?
It’s recommended to have dogs tested for tick diseases at least yearly. Some signs your dog may have a tick-borne illness include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Lameness
- Swollen joints
- Bruising
- Bleeding
But signs vary based on the disease. Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can initially cause vague symptoms. Get prompt veterinary help if concerned.
Blood tests can check for:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Ask your vet to discuss a tick panel to test for the main diseases in your area. Early detection allows for better treatment outcomes.
What is the best tick prevention plan for dogs?
An integrative plan works best to protect dogs against ticks long-term. Follow these tips:
- Ask your vet about prescription medications like chewables, collars, spot-ons
- Use EPA approved sprays/powders in your home and yard
- Limit exposure to tick habitats
- Apply natural repellents during outdoor time
- Do thorough daily tick checks
- Promptly remove any found ticks
- Have your dog tested for tick diseases yearly
Layering different products, vigilance, and awareness offers the best protection. Be especially diligent during peak tick times in your area.
Conclusion
While ticks can never be prevented 100%, there are many effective options to significantly reduce ticks on your dog. Prescription medications, natural repellents, limiting exposure, and daily checks work together to protect dogs from tick-borne diseases. Talk to your vet to develop the best tick prevention protocol. Consistency is key—use preventives year-round and avoid skipping doses. With smart prevention, you can help keep your dog tick-free and healthy.