Best Ways to Get Rid of & Prevent Ticks on Dogs

by Akshay Mirchandani

The spring and summer breaks always have a mandated visit of the pet parents to the vet. Every one knows what ticks are and how nasty those blood-suckers can be. Not only do they suck out the blood but are also notoriously difficult to dislodge.

 

Getting them out is not an option because if they aren’t pulled out completely, they can cause serious diseases. To get rid of these and to also prevent them, here are ways you can adopt to keep your dog tick-free!

 

  • Oral Medications

There are pills manufactured specifically for dogs that work to kill and disrupt the life cycle of ticks and fleas. One thing to be kept in mind about these medications is that none of them should be given to the dog without a prescription by the vet. The major advantage of oral medications is that it is easier to give and one need not worry about children or other pets getting in touch with the dog post application.

 

  • Spot on medications

After getting the vet’s prescription, an effective method of controlling ticks is with spot on medications. These medications help to keep the parasites at bay for a certain period of time. What is even more important is to be careful before and while applying them. It is best to make it a point to read the labels carefully, contact the vet and clear doubts if any and then apply it on the dog.

 

  • Tick Shampoos

Bathing your dog can not only help to maintain hygiene but also to ensure the well being. Using tick shampoos, recommended by the vet will help to protect the dog from ticks as it contains medicated ingredients. Shampoos need to be used every two weeks as effective ingredients don’t last as long as a spot-on or oral medication.

 

  • Tick Dips

A dip is a concentrated chemical that needs to be diluted in water and applied to the dog’s fur with a sponge or poured over the back. When applied on the coats, it is not supposed to be rinsed off. The chemicals used are very strong hence the labels need to be read properly as to how much and how often to use the dip. The vet needs to be approached in case of doubts and while treating puppies, pregnant pets or nursing pets.

 

  • Tick Collars

One of the other ways to avoid ticks is making the dog wear a collar that repels them. It is mainly useful for protecting the neck and head. The collar has chemicals that are passed on the skin and fur of the dog when it gets in contact. While putting the collar on the dog, it has to be made sure that there is enough space to at least fit two fingers under the collar. To avoid the little one from chewing on the excess length of the collar, the extra part needs to be cut off. Make sure you read the labels carefully when choosing a collar.

 

  • Powders

Just like the collar, tick powders work to repel ticks. It also helps to kill ticks from your dog. Powders are available for different age groups of the dogs therefore it is necessary that the labels are read correctly before application. The label will also help to know if the powder is designed to kill ticks or fleas. There is a high possibility that the powder may irritate the mouth of the dog, the lungs (if inhaled), eyes etc, hence while using it, it is wise to take small amounts and then gently rubbed onto their skin.

 

  • Tick Sprays

Another application of medication, tick spray kills ticks quickly and provides residual protection. Sprays can be used in between shampoos and dips, and when you are planning to spend time out. Be careful while using it, and other tick control products around the dog’s face, and do not use it on or around any other pets at home.  

 

With these measures, killing and preventing ticks will be not a very difficult job.

Petscura wishes you a Happy Parenting!