How to Keep Dog Ticks Under Control

Dog ticks, a species of arachnid, feed on blood and can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick fever to dog and people. They also cause skin irritation, and if an infestation gets out of control, anaemia could result.

To manage dog ticks, ask your vet about dog ticks removal treatment designed to be applied monthly to an area your dog cannot reach by licking (usually around the skin between the shoulder blades). Such treatments kill dog ticks within hours of contact on the dog’s coat.

Because ticks also live and lay eggs in places such as field, under rocks and in crevices, treat surroundings, furniture and dog bedding occasionally with an insecticide control. After taking dogs on walks, check thoroughly to make sure no parasites have attached themselves.

Whenever you find a tick, regardless or its size, whether it is one of the small reddish-brown ones or a bloated grayish one, do not attempt to squeeze or crush it. This may release its eggs and any viruses it is carrying into the environment.

Most importantly, do not even attempt to kill the ticks using hot matches. Believe it or not, this is the most unsound and dangerous advise from one ignorant dog owner to another. For all you know, you may accidentally burn your dog instead, if not setting yourself on fire!

While some dog owners or professional dog groomers would advise removing attached dog ticks by killing them with a residual spray, then picking the dead ticks off with tweezers, or use Ticked Off Tick Remover (highly recommended; cheap and super easy to use), or just pulling them out with your bare fingers. However, the latter method often means that the tick’s mouth parts remain embedded in the dog’s skin, irritating it.

Whichever method you use, remember to clean the bite and apply anti-itch medicated spray or cream on the affected areas. Some readers wrote in and asked my opinions on flea and tick shampoo and collar. Here’s what I said to them and will always advocate.

Only use tick shampoo for dogs during hot seasons on badly infected dogs, otherwise regular dog shampoo is pretty sufficient to get rid of dog ticks provided you follow the above steps.

As for flea and tick collars, personally I never have any success with them. And I rarely hear any positive results from groomers, vets and show dog judges either. Again, if you use these items I listed below religiously, not only could you get rid on dog ticks efficiently but also keep them well under control. And should you ever have to leave your dear friend in a dog boarding kennel for a few days while you are on summer vacations, no problem.

Remember, your goal is to kill dog ticks not killing yourself with endless chores.

Secrets to keeping dog ticks under control

• Dog Ticks Removal Treatment: BioSPOT Flea & Tick Control. Kills and repels adult fleas, ticks and mosquitoes stops the development of immature fleas. One application prevents reinfestation up to 1 month.
• Insecticide Control: All in One Flea Remedy. A natural and odorless solution for your dogs and your home that is safe and effective.
• Residual Spray: Neem “Protect” Spray. Protects against flea and tick infestations through repellence, deterrence, and growth inhibition.
• Anti-itch Medicated Spray: Healthy Skin Itch Relief for Dogs by PNP. Developed to provide fast, effective, and safe relief of itching associated with insect bites, abrasions, hot spots, cuts and allergic dermatitis. Veterinarian formulated!
• Tick Shampoo for Dogs: Neem “Protect” Shampoo. Specially formulated for Ark Naturals by a team of chemists and herbal scientists using premium natural botanical extracts.