Having to worry about ticks and mites on your dog throughout the spring and summer months is not enjoyable. These pests can cause fatal infections if left unchecked for an extended period of time.
So, what can you do to prevent ticks and mites from infesting your dog this season? There are several techniques we have listed below to help deal with these pests.
How to Get Rid of Ticks and Mites in Dogs?
The best way to get rid of ticks and mites in dogs is with over the counter meds, oral meds, shampoo, collars, tip dips, powder, and spray.
Over the counter tick and mite treatment
Using an over-the-counter spot-on medicine from your vet, pet store, or internet can be a highly effective way to control ticks and mites. These treatments are helpful for up to a month in keeping pests at bay. While these medicines are beneficial, you must exercise extreme caution while selecting one. Make sure to read all labels thoroughly, and if you have any questions, get guidance from your veterinarian before applying. One of the best is K9 Advantix Canada, is very effective for getting rid of ticks.
Oral medication
Dogs can also get pills that are administered once a month. These drugs can kill ticks and mites while also disrupting the life cycle of fleas. They are simple to administer, and you won’t have to worry about young children or cats coming into contact with dogs right after application, as you may with spot-on remedies.
If your dog suffers from heartworm infestations, you should check out my article on the best dog heartworm flea tick medication.
Shampoos and Conditioners
Tick and mites are often killed on contact when your dog is bathed with a shampoo containing medicinal chemicals. This can be a low-cost (albeit labor-intensive) means of safeguarding your dog during peak tick and mite season. Because the beneficial chemicals will not stay as long as a spot-on or oral medicine, you will need to repeat the treatment every two weeks. Some of my favorite tick and mite shampoo is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care.
Tick Dips
A dip is a potent chemical that must be diluted with water before being sponged or poured over the animal’s back. This treatment is not intended to be washed off after use. Dips include chemicals that can be quite powerful, so check the labels carefully before using them. A dip should not be used on extremely young animals (those under four months old) or pregnant or nursing dogs. Before treating puppies, pregnant or nursing pets, consult your vet.
Collars for Ticks
Tick repellent collars are another option, albeit they are usually more costly. The tick collar must come into touch with your dog’s skin for the chemicals to be transferred to the dog’s fur and skin. When placing this sort of collar on your dog, make sure there is just sufficient room for two fingers to fit under the collar when it is wrapped around the dog’s neck. To keep your dog from chewing on the collar, trim any excess length. Keep an eye out for symptoms of discomfort (e.g., increased scratching) in case of an allergic response to the collar. When selecting a collar, be sure to read the labelling thoroughly.
Powder
Tick powder is another type of topical treatment that works to both kill and repel ticks off your dog. They also work well for prevention of mites. During application, these powders should be handled with caution. Check the label to ensure that the product is intended to kill ticks as well as mites. If inhaled, this very fine powder might irritate the mouth or lungs, so apply little quantities and gently rub it into the skin.
When you use powders, keep them away from the face and eyes. During peak periods, you’ll need to use the product roughly once a week. Some powders can also be used in places where your dog rests and in other sections of the house where your dog spends time.
Tick Repellent Spray
Tick spray, another topical drug treatment, kills ticks immediately and gives long-term protection. Sprays can be used in between shampooing and dips, as well as when you intend to spend time with your dog in forested regions, where ticks are most common. This is a great option if you intend on taking your dog on a hike. Use caution when you apply this and other tick control treatments to your dog’s face. Also make sure not use it on or near any other animals in the house.
Take Care of the House and Lawn
Keeping your lawn, shrubs, and trees maintained will help minimize the number of mites and ticks in your yard. There will be less of these parasites to worry about if there are fewer places to dwell and breed. If the problem persists, see your veterinarian, pet store, or local garden shop about utilizing one of the several household and yard sprays or granular treatment options. Use these items with caution, as they can be dangerous to animals and humans.
If you have a severe infestation or are worried about the safe use of these chemicals, you might probably hire an exterminator to administer yard and area applications to control ticks and fleas.
Examine your dog regularly
After a walk outside in tick-infested regions, make sure to inspect your dog for ticks thoroughly. Examine the fur between the toes, inside the ears, between the knees (in the “armpits”), and around the neck. If you detect any ticks or mites before they can attach and get swollen, you may have saved your pet from severe illness. If you locate a tick on your dog, remove it promptly and gently. Be sure to remove all components of the tick’s body from the skin.
Keep your dog(s) inside
While you must take your dog outdoors a few times a day, allowing him to stay outside for lengthy amounts of time during tick season is not a brilliant idea. Keeping your dog from roaming into grasslands where ticks are likely to lurk is a highly efficient means of keeping your pet safe from infection.
