Ticks are present almost everywhere. It’s almost impossible to prevent your dog from running into ticks, and so it is essential to safeguard them against these ugly bloodsuckers. A single tick bite can put your dog at risk of getting multiple tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. In this article, we have discussed some simple precautionary measures that you, as a dog parent, can follow to prevent ticks on your dog.
1. Regularly Scan Your Dog for Ticks
Veterinarians recommend performing a tick check on your dog every day in order to prevent them. You can scan for ticks by parting the hair and slowly running your fingers over your dog’s coat. Ticks generally burrow their heads into the dog’s skin to feed on them. Look for bumps (the tick’s head), especially if they’re red, swollen, or for a black “dot” (the tick’s body).
If you are not sure where to check the dog for ticks, refer to the above image. Ticks commonly hide in spots such as around the eyes, between toes, armpits, groins, and tail bases.
2. Immediately Remove Ticks from Dogs if Spotted
Ticks multiply quickly and can result in a tick infestation in no time. If you find a tick on your dog, removing it promptly should be your top priority.
Steps to remove ticks at home:
- Grasp the tick with a tick removal tool or pointed tweezers without squeezing its body.
- Pull the tick steadily and gently straight upwards to remove the embedded tick from the skin.
- Dispose of the tick properly by dropping it into a bowl of soapy water or hot water to prevent reinfestation.
- Clean the area with a mild disinfectant or rubbing alcohol with the help of a cotton ball.
3. Use an Effective Tick Prevention Treatment
Along with regular checks and prompt tick removal, consider keeping your dog on trusted preventative measures that come in oral or topical forms. Here are some popular options:
Top Flea & Tick Topical Treatment for Dogs
1. Frontline Plus
Millions of dogs across the world stay safe from fleas and ticks with this fast-acting, topical treatment.
Frontline Plus is a trusted monthly tick preventative indicated for dogs from 8 weeks of age and weighing 5 lbs.
Targeted parasites: Brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, deer ticks, adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, chewing lice
Active ingredients: Fipronil, (s)-methoprene
2. Bravecto Topical
Bravecto for Dogs offer 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. The treatment comes in an easy applicator for easy administration. Bravecto is safe for use in dogs and puppies from 6 months of age and older and weighing 4.4 lbs or greater.
Targeted parasites: Black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and adult fleas
Active ingredients: Fluralaner
3. Revolution for Dogs
Revolution kills fleas and ticks for one full month, and treats or prevents other parasites, including ear mites and mange. Revolution is safe for use on dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older.
Targeted parasites: American dog ticks, adult fleas, flea eggs, sarcoptic mange, hookworms, heartworm larvae
Active ingredients: Selamectin
4. Bob Martin Clear Ticks & Fleas Spot On
Bob Martin Clear Flea & Tick Dog Spot-On is a powerful topical treatment for fleas and ticks. This spot-on treatment prevents fleas and ticks for five weeks and is suitable for use on dogs and puppies weighing more than 4.4lbs.
Targeted parasites: Adult fleas and ticks
Active ingredients: Permethrin
5. Vectra 3D
Vectra 3D for Dogs is a fast-acting treatment that effectively controls fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites (excluding mange), biting sand flies. It kills and prevents multiple tick species and multiple diseases caused by them.
Targeted parasites: Ticks, fleas, mites, mosquitoes, lice, and flies
Active ingredients: Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen and Permethrin
Read More: Is Seafood Healthy For Dogs?
Bottom Line
Ticks love to feed on your blood hosts (your dogs). They pose a threat to your dog year-round, and therefore, it is important to keep them active on a vet-recommended tick prevention treatment. Remember to consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your dog, including flea and tick treatments. They can advise the best option based on your dog’s age, breed, and individual needs.
