How To Keep Ticks Off Dogs

Dogs are susceptible to ticks just like humans, and if left unchecked, they can quickly transfer fleas and other parasites from one dog to another.

Ticks are pests that can transmit harmful diseases to dogs, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from attaching themselves to your dog.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to keep ticks off dogs using our 9 practical tips. We also share with you simple but effective treatments to keep the little critters away from your furry friend for good!

Read on to learn everything about ticks and your dog!

Facts About Dog Ticks – What Is A Tick?

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

There are over 850 different species of ticks around the world, and they vary in size depending on their age and stage of life.

The female tick can grow to be twice as large as the male tick when engorged with blood.

How Does A Tick Bite?

Ticks have barbed mouths that they use to pierce the skin of their host. Once they’ve attached themselves, they will insert their mouthparts and start to feed.

The tick’s saliva contains anticoagulants that help keep the blood flowing so they can gorge themselves. A single tick can consume up to 100 times its body weight in blood!

Where Do Ticks Hide?

Ticks are most often found in long grass, bushes, and trees. They will attach themselves to their host (i.e. your dog) as they walk by, or they can drop down from above onto their unsuspecting victim.

Ticks can also be found in your home if you have pets that go outside. They will hide in nooks and crannies, waiting to attach themselves to a passing animal or human.

Ticks can be tricky to spot on your dog since they’re small and their color can vary depending on their species.

The best way to check for ticks is to run your hands through your dog’s fur, feeling for any bumps or lumps. Ticks are often found around the head, neck, and ears since these are areas that offer easy access to the blood vessels.

Do Ticks Transmit Diseases?

Yes, ticks are known to transmit a variety of diseases to both humans and animals including:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Anaplasmosis

These diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild fevers and headaches to more serious problems like neurological damage and organ failure.

In some cases, these diseases can even be fatal. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to prevent ticks from attaching themselves to you or your dog in the first place.

How To Keep Ticks Off Dogs – 9 Practical Tips

#1 – Groom Your Dog Regularly (Use Proper Grooming Tools)

Regular grooming is a great way to prevent ticks from attaching themselves to your dog in the first place.

Make sure to use a good quality brush that can reach all the way down to the skin. This will help remove any ticks that are already on your dog’s fur, as well as loosen any that are about to attach themselves.

If you’re not sure which brush to use, ask your veterinarian or groomer for recommendations.

#2 – Perform A Thorough Daily Tick Inspection

Even if you groom your dog regularly, it’s still a good idea to perform a thorough tick inspection every day.

This is especially important if your dog spends time in areas where ticks are known to live (e.g. long grass, woods, etc.).

To do a tick inspection, use your hands to feel for any bumps or lumps on your dog’s skin. Pay close attention to the head, neck, and ears since these are the areas where ticks are most likely to attach themselves.

If you find a tick, don’t panic! We’ll show you how to remove it safely in the next section.

#3 – Keep Your Lawn Short

Ticks love long grass, so it’s important to keep your lawn short and tidy if you want to prevent them from taking up residence in your yard.

If you have a lot of trees or bushes in your yard, make sure to trim them back regularly as well. Ticks can drop down from above onto their victim, so it’s important to remove any potential hiding spots.

The shorter the grass, the less likely it is that ticks will be able to hide in it and attack your dog (or you!).

#4 – Vacuum Your Home Frequently

Ticks can also live inside your home, so it’s important to vacuum regularly if you have pets that go outside.

Make sure to vacuum all the floors and furniture, paying close attention to any nooks and crannies where ticks might hide. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum bag after each use!

#5 – Wash Your Dog With Anti-flea And Tick Shampoo

There are a variety of anti-flea and tick shampoos available that can help keep your dog tick-free.

These shampoos usually contain ingredients like pyrethrin or permethrin, which are effective at killing ticks (and fleas).

When using any type of shampoo, it’s important to follow the directions carefully. Some shampoos are only meant to be used once a week, while others can be used more frequently.

#6 – Wash Your Dog’s Bed Regularly (Once A Week)

If you have a dog bed, make sure to wash it once a week in hot water (at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit).

This will kill any ticks that might be hiding in the bedding. If the bed is not machine-washable, you can also use a steam cleaner to kill any ticks.

#7 – Use Natural Tick Predators If Possible (Chicken, Birds, Etc)

One of the best ways to keep ticks away from your home is to encourage natural tick predators to live in your yard.

Some of the most effective tick predators include chickens, guinea fowl, and certain types of birds. If you have the space, consider getting a few of these animals to help keep the tick population under control.

The more diverse the ecosystem in your yard, the less appealing it will be to ticks.

#8 – Use A Tick Repellent Collar

There are a variety of tick repellents available that can help keep ticks away from your dog.

Collar options include those that release small amounts of insecticide (e.g. permethrin) and those that emit ultrasonic soundwaves (these are safe for dogs and humans, but effective only against certain types of ticks).

There are also a few natural tick repellents that you can make at home using ingredients like vinegar and essential oils.

If you’re not sure which type of collar to use, ask your veterinarian for advice.

#9 – Avoid Heavily Wooded Areas

If possible, try to avoid taking your dog to heavily wooded or overgrown areas.

These are the types of places where ticks are most likely to live, so it’s best to stay away if you can.

Of course, this isn’t always possible (e.g. if you live in a rural area), but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a hike or camping trip with your dog.

Keep Ticks Off Your Dogs With These 7 Treatments

#1 – Use Preventative Oral Medications

There are a few different oral medications that can help prevent ticks from attaching to your dog.

The most common type is called an acaricide, and it works by killing ticks that come into contact with your dog’s skin.

Another option is a vaccine that helps create immunity to Lyme disease (this disease is often transmitted by ticks).

Talk to your veterinarian about which type of medication is right for your dog.

#2 – Use An Anti-tick Spray

There are a variety of anti-tick sprays available that can help keep ticks away from your dog.

These sprays usually contain ingredients like pyrethrin or permethrin, which are effective at killing ticks (and fleas).

When using any type of spray, it’s important to follow the directions carefully. Some sprays are only meant to be used once a week, while others can be used more frequently.

#3 – Apply A Liquid Spot-on Treatment

Liquid spot-on treatments are another option for preventing ticks. These products are applied to a small area on your dog’s back, and they work by releasing a small amount of insecticide into the skin.

This type of treatment is usually effective for about a month, but it can vary depending on the product.

#4 – Use Anti-tick Powder

Anti-tick powder is another option for preventing ticks. This powder is usually applied to your dog’s coat, and it works by creating a barrier that ticks can’t cross.

The powder can also be used on your dog’s bedding to help keep ticks away.

#5 – Use Natural Remedies Like Essential Oils

Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella are all effective at repelling ticks (and fleas).

You can either add these oils to your dog’s shampoo or make a spray using a few drops of oil and water.

Be sure to test the spray on a small area of your dog’s skin before using it all over, as some dogs can be sensitive to essential oils.

#6 – Carefully Remove The Ticks With Tweezers

If your dog does get a tick, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.

The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers to grab the tick by the head and pull it straight out.

Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the head to break off and stay in your dog’s skin.

Once the tick is removed, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

#7 – Visit The Vet If Your Dog Has Multiple Ticks

If your dog has more than one tick, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet.

This is especially true if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common. The vet will be able to remove the ticks and test your dog for the disease.

Treating Lyme disease can be difficult, so it’s best to catch it early.

People Also Ask

Conclusion

There are a few things you can do to keep ticks off your dog. Try using a tick repellent spray or powder, applying a liquid spot-on treatment, or using anti-tick powder.

You can also use natural remedies like essential oils or citronella candles. If your dog does get a tick, be sure to remove it carefully with tweezers.

And finally, if your dog has more than one tick, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. This will help ensure that they don’t have Lyme disease or any other tick-borne illnesses.

How do you keep ticks off your dog? Let us know your preferred methods.