Ugh, ticks. As much as we despise these revolting pests, they’re unfortunately a part of life for dogs everywhere, especially those that spend much of their time outdoors. Ticks on dogs are not only a creepy sight, they are also the cause of many parasitic diseases, some of which are deadly.
So what can we do when ticks attack our furry friends, and what can we possibly do to prevent that from happening in the first place? Read more as we go through practical tick prevention measures as well as the methods to effectively get rid of ticks.
What Is A Tick?
It’s hard to pinpoint what a tick is because there are more than 900 species of these parasitic arachnids. Going by classification, two main tick types are most common: Hard and soft-bodied. Ticks are littered across the world, but they mostly thrive in warm and humid environments, like Malaysia.
Depending on their geographical location and species type, ticks can be carriers of diseases. The ones that dogs get caught with are commonly Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All of these have serious health consequences, resulting in death if untreated.
How To Remove Ticks On Dogs
Tweezers
The key to removing ticks on dogs is promptness. If possible, ticks should be removed within 24 to 36 hours after a bite. If you frequently bring your dog out for walks, then you should check them often. Otherwise, check them after they’ve been out and about. Here’s how to manually remove ticks using a tweezer:
- Part your dog’s fur so the tick is visible.
- Use tweezers and firmly clench the head of the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible.
- Gently pull the tweezers in an upward motion, adding pressure until the tick detaches itself from the skin. Don’t crush the tick as its body fluids can cause contamination.
- Clean the bite area thoroughly with iodine cotton swab or soap and water.
- Kill the tick with alcohol solution or immediately flush it down the toilet bowl.
Spot Treatments
These pet healthcare products are commonly used to weed off ticks on dogs. Dosages vary based on your canine’s size, breed, and weight. They last for as long as a month, depending on the active ingredients used. Generally, Frontline and Advantix are two more popular tick medicine for dogs.
However, we must underline the potency and toxicity of these treatments, meaning some dogs may experience serious side effects including nausea and depression. For peace of mind, it’s best to consult a veterinarian beforehand.
Sprays
If you prefer a more targeted approach to eradicate ticks, opt for a spray instead. Rather than covering your dog’s entire body, you can spray at tick-prone areas such as in-between paws and under the leash or collar. The efficiency of this tick medicine for dogs varies, so make sure to read the label carefully for information and use it in well-ventilated areas.
Shampoos
Although these shampoos are manufactured to remove ticks on dogs, they aren’t as aggressive as spot treatments and sprays. In fact, most come with conditioning properties to ensure your dog’s coat remains smooth and shiny. That said, be careful not to get shampoo into their eyes and ears. To use, work up a good lather, leave it for up to 10 minutes, and rinse from top to bottom.
Tick Collars
A tick collar is another option you have to eliminate ticks on your dog. By periodically releasing low dosages of active ingredients, tick collars consistently remove ticks for up to many months. When fitting a tick collar, make sure it’s snug with enough room to stick two fingers between it and your dog’s neck. Like with spot treatments, some dogs have adverse reactions to tick collars. When in doubt, please consult a veterinarian to help you make an informed decision.
How To Prevent Ticks On Dogs
Watch Your Surroundings
Ticks like to lie low and hide at the bottom of tall forage. Hence, it’s worth avoiding these areas and be sure to walk your dog on pathways away from vegetation. If your dog has a tendency to roam around tall grass, walk them next to you with a leash so you can get hold of them when they get too close. Nonetheless, because ticks are hardy creatures (like cockroaches) that can survive in many environments, your dog can also pick them up at public places like the park.
Keep Your Garden Area Clean And Tidy
As mentioned in the previous point, ticks love hanging out near long grass and organic debris. To provide a safe environment for your dog to roam around, consistently mow the lawn and don’t let piles of brush and leaves build up. Separately, make a habit of inspecting fences, wall cracks, and tight shady corners where ticks love to hide.
Check Your Dog Regularly
Prevention is better than cure. The most effective way to stop a tick infestation in its track is to spot it early. Checking your dog for ticks once or even multiple times daily prevents them from spreading to other parts of the body. Be methodical with the checks too as ticks can be easily overlooked because of their size. Also, don’t forget to groom them!
Knowing How To Manage Ticks On Dogs Guarantees The Good Health Of Your Pet
It’s not fun removing ticks from your pet as a dog owner. Not only is your furry friend hurting, but these pesky critters are also nasty to look at and carry deadly diseases. Thankfully, there are ways for you to shield your canine from these critters, and effective tick medicine for dogs that work.
Your dog’s diet is also an important component of their overall wellness. If you’ve been looking for ideas for homemade and healthy dog treats, why not give these recipes a go?
