- Dog chews from Bravecto.
- Canine NexGard Chewables.
- Dogs can take Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets.
- Dogs, 6 Doses of K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Prevention.
- Seresto 8 Month Collar for Flea and Tick Prevention.
- Ingrown Hair Splintertweeze by Tweezerman.
- The Original Tick Key to Remove Ticks
Check Regularly
Knowing that ticks are present is the first step in eliminating them from dogs. You may prevent a tick problem by frequently checking your dog for ticks. It is best to identify any tick breeding early and endeavor to keep your property tick-free for your dog.
Around the House/Yard
There are various steps you may take to keep ticks out of your home.
The greatest long-term remedy is always prevention, and in the case of tick prevention, this begins with the environment a dog is in.
Make sure your dog is not exposed to any regions of dense foliage or thick undergrowth. Ticks scale tall grasses and bushes to latch onto a passing host.
When tick season is at its worst, stay away from areas that could be dangerous. Do your best to stay away from the area and look for a different spot to take your dog for exercise if you discovered ticks on your dog after visiting it.
Nematodes
Ticks can be killed in your yard by spraying tiny microscopic organisms known as nematodes. They themselves are parasites, but they only cause harm to the small insects and arthropods that they select as hosts. They can live in your soil for up to a year and can be used seldom because they kill ticks by releasing a toxin inside of them once.
Make sure you purchase the nematodes intended for use on ticks because there are many nematodes for use on various pests.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatom skeletons that have been preserved as fossils are used to create diatomaceous earth. It can be applied throughout your yard to kill any little pests with an exoskeleton and is natural, safe for pets and kids.
Since these fossils are harder than the pests’ exoskeletons, which are made up of billions of microscopic fragments, the powder soon kills the pests by making tiny slits in them and drying them out.
Chemical sprays
Several chemical sprays are available for use in your yard. Use cautious when applying these chemicals to locations where your pet and children frequently go, especially when using these sprays. Some of the less potent sprays are available in pet stores and online, but before using these kinds of sprays, speak with a specialist and your doctor.
The CCSPCA advises locals to choose a reputable pest control company. By doing this, it is possible to handle chemicals safely, thoroughly saturate the affected areas, and increase the likelihood of eradication.
Oral Medications
Oral treatments are among the most often used ways to get rid of ticks on dogs. There are several options, and they usually last for about a month, so dosing isn’t a hassle. Bravecto, a more recent pet pesticide, can last up to 120 days, making it even more convenient for pet owners.
As long as the drug is in the dog’s bloodstream, it promptly eliminates any parasites that are already there and deters the establishment of new ones. Although most of these drugs are quite efficient, some of them have undesirable side effects for particular dog breeds, so always talk to your vet before giving your dog any drugs.
Spot-on Treatments
Another highly common method for getting rid of ticks on dogs is spot-on treatments. Usually, the liquid or gel used for treatment is put between your dog’s shoulder blades, out of their reach. When the drug enters the dog’s system, it swiftly kills any ticks the dog may have and deters the development of new parasites, much like oral medications do.
There are some products that can irritate or inflame the skin of some animals, so be aware of any skin sensitivities your dog may have. In order to prevent any hazardous contamination, keep your hands—as well as the hands of your family—away from the application zone for the advised amount of time (at least a few days).
The CCSPCA wishes to alert you about the dangers of inexpensive over-the-counter topical medicines. Numerous canines have shown negative reactions, as we have witnessed. Before making a purchase, make sure to consult your veterinarian about the best topical spot treatments.
Tick Collars
Dogs may easily get rid of ticks by wearing tick collars. Similar to a standard collar, they are fastened around the dog’s neck and contain a drug that kills any ticks that come into touch with the area near the head and neck. Tick collar durability varies, however Seresto Flea and Tick Collars, the only one the CCSPCA advises, can last up to 8 months.
The drug also makes its way into the dog’s system, reducing the likelihood of re-infestation. If you do come in contact with the collar, make sure to wash your hands immediately.
Tick Sprays
Another typical item you may find in most pet stores are tick repellents. Not only do they advise using them topically on dogs, but many of them are also designed to be sprayed inside the home to help control other pests like fleas.
Before using, carefully read the directions. Apply with caution and, if at all possible, keep the spray away from your skin and your dog’s respiratory system. Think twice before purchasing this item, especially if you have young children.
What rapidly kills ticks on dogs?
It is advised to physically remove the tick off your dog if you see one or more of them already attached. A tick can be killed promptly by putting it in original Listerine or rubbing alcohol. The tick may be killed by using these things, but it will still remain affixed to your dog’s skin. It’s crucial to be aware that dogs can contract the same potentially fatal infections as humans from harmful species like deer ticks, American dog ticks, and wood ticks. Not to be forgotten are the dreaded dog tick and its relative, the brown dog tick, which prefers to live indoors.
Best Practices To Remove A Tick From Your Dog
The steps listed below should be used to remove a tick from your dog safely:
- Grip the tick closely to the dog’s skin with clean, fine-tipped tweezers.
- Pull the tick slowly upwards while applying constant pressure.
- When removing the tick from the skin, do not twist, jerk, or squeeze it. The head could remain stuck in the dog’s skin or fur, making it more difficult to remove.
- Use the tweezers to carefully remove the head if it becomes separated.
- Leave the mouthpieces to emerge naturally if they do not.
- Use alcohol or soap and water to properly clean your hands and the afflicted area.
- If the tick is still alive when it is removed, you can either use alcohol or the original Listerine in an amber color to kill it, or you can put it in a sealed plastic bag or container, wrap it in adhesive tape, or flush it down the toilet.
It’s crucial to remember that a lot of DIY solutions fail. What’s more, some cures might even be unhealthy or detrimental to your dog or other pets. For instance, some herbal treatments might be okay for your dog but dangerous for your cats! Additionally, some DIY cures are not just risky but downright hazardous.
It is not advised to use the following home methods to remove a tick from your dog:
- nails polished
- Hand soap
- Useful substances
- flammable substances, such as gasoline
- High heat, flame, or fire
- corrosive substances such as bleach
We must emphasize again and again that ticks should never be killed with fire, flame, or highly combustible objects. Many of these items could also be harmful for your dog to consume. Use only substances that a reputable veterinarian has approved for use on your dog.
When To Take Your Dog To The Veterinarian
There are times when having your dog’s ticks removed by a veterinarian is preferable to doing it yourself. Additionally, some tick species might infect your dog with dangerous infections. A severe tick infestation is also a problem that can endanger the life of any pet. For both adult dogs and young puppies, this is true. We implore you to take any pet that has several ticks to the doctor right away.
When should you bring your dog to the vet?
- Your dog has a significant number of ticks. Large tick infestations should only be handled by a licensed veterinarian. Your dog could suffer if you try to remove a lot of ticks, and several ticks can need more medical attention.
- The area around or close to the bite has reddish skin.
- There are rashes, listlessness, or feverish signs.
- There are more signs of sickness.
Keep in mind that the finest and most reliable person to turn to for answers to any health questions is your veterinarian. Any sickness related to a tick bite, no matter how minor the symptom, should be evaluated with your veterinarian. When there are numerous ticks present, a trip to the vet is very important. Recall that ticks are parasites that feed on blood!
Products Available That Kill Ticks On Dogs
There are numerous commercially available items that can both kill adult ticks and their eggs on your dog. This frequently has the additional benefit of eliminating ticks on whatever surfaces your dog comes in contact with. Additionally, you can take action to get rid of ticks in your yard and on you!
commercial tick and flea remedies consist of:
- Apply monthly spot treatments, such as Frontline, to kill ticks and fleas.
- Oral drugs that remove ticks and fleas on a monthly basis without exposing the dog to the drugs through their skin.
- Ticks can remain on your dog for up to two weeks, but flea and tick shampoos for dogs rapidly eliminate them.
- dips for ticks that adhere to the skin and fur. For puppies, pregnant dogs, and nursing dogs, this procedure is not suggested.
- tick-repelling collars for your pet’s head and neck. Ticks on the body may still appear even using this treatment.
- products designed to kill ticks instantaneously and last up to a week, such as tick powders and sprays for dogs.
Always make sure that any product or chemical you use on your dog has been reviewed by a veterinarian and is safe. Check out our pages on where ticks reside, how long they live, and what ticks look like for more information on how to deal with ticks.
Is it cause for concern if my dog has a tick?
In the UK, ticks are a common pest. Adult ticks have 8 legs and can range in size from 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter, making them arachnids rather than insects. Tick eggs hatch into larvae, then nymphs, and eventually adult ticks. Ticks must attach to and feed on an animal (their host) in order to advance to the next stage at each step. Tick larvae, which are the ticks’ infancy stages, prefer to feed on tiny animals like rodents and birds. The latter stages, however, can adhere to and feed on larger creatures, including humans, dogs, and cats. You should be wary of these unwanted hitchhikers because of this.
How do animals get ticks?
Ticks are most frequently found in vegetation in places like woodlands, meadows, and moors, while they can be found in some gardens, especially in more rural regions. They are known as “questing” when they are hunting for a new host to attach to and will wait on low branches and leaves to attach to any animal brushing through.
Is there a particular time of year that my pet is likely to be affected?
The peak tick season is in the spring and early summer, followed by early autumn. In the winter, they typically go into dormancy. They will probably be active for a larger period of the year, though, as global temperatures rise.
Why should I worry about ticks biting my pet?
Tick bites usually have no negative effects on your pet. At the site of a bite, bacterial infections or abscesses rarely form. This is more likely to happen if a tick was not completely removed, leaving some of it in the skin. Ticks may act as carriers (spreaders) of infectious diseases, which is the major reason for wishing to avoid tick bites in dogs.
What diseases can be spread by ticks?
The most prevalent illness that ticks in the UK spread is Lyme disease, which is brought on by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. When a dog is bitten by an infected tick, they don’t always get sick. We are aware of this because many dogs in the UK have antibodies to the bacterium in their blood, indicating exposure, yet never displaying any symptoms of illness. Although this can happen weeks to months after being bitten, some dogs do get sick. Dogs who have Lyme disease may exhibit fever, lethargy, and painful, swollen joints. Additionally, it can lead to glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease.
Humans are susceptible to Lyme disease, which frequently manifests as the ‘bulls-eye’ rash in the region of the bite. Dogs do not frequently develop this rash. Humans can first experience a flu-like disease, but they can also experience arthritis, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological issues. This may progress to a chronic condition in certain individuals. Although there is no proof that dogs bearing Lyme disease may infect humans directly, dogs may transport infected ticks into your home and garden.
Another parasite that ticks can spread to your dog is babesia. It may result in organ failure, bleeding issues, and severe anemia (low red blood cell count), and it may even be fatal. It can harm and destroy red blood cells in the bloodstream. Babesiosis was formerly just a condition that affected dogs that had crossed into the UK from continental Europe. However, many Babesiosis cases have been reported in dogs in the South East of England recently who had never traveled outside of the country, raising worries that this condition is already starting to spread among ticks in this nation.
Ehrlichiosis is a disease that ticks can transmit to humans and dogs, albeit it is uncommon in the UK.
How can I prevent my pet from getting ticks?
Every day, especially during tick season and after your dog has been walking in high-risk areas, you should check your dog for ticks and remove any that you find. Check them thoroughly, paying special attention to their feet, groin, and armpits. Ticks can also cause problems for cats, although they can be effectively removed by brushing. Ticks are most likely to be found on sections of your cat’s body that are difficult for them to clean, such the head.
Different preventative tick treatments are available that can either kill ticks before they attach or repel them. Ticks that are infected do not transmit diseases like Lyme disease to hosts until they have been attached for about 48 hours. Ticks will be eliminated far more quickly by effective tick treatments than this, preventing them from infecting your pet with disease. The majority of these medicines also stop infestations of fleas and other parasites. Please get in contact with our practice staff if you have any questions about the best treatment to use for your pet as part of routine parasite prevention.
What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?
Using a specific tick remover to twist the tick off is the simplest way to get rid of it. The possibility of leaving the tick’s mouthparts attached is decreased when a tick is properly removed in this manner. By tugging, squeezing, or burning, ticks should never be removed.
Make an appointment with your neighborhood Goddard veterinarian if you are unclear or concerned that your pet may have a tick.
