Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they’re dangerous parasites that can carry serious diseases affecting both dogs and humans. If you’re a dog owner, learning how to control ticks is essential to keeping your pet safe and healthy, especially during warmer months when tick populations thrive. In this blog, we’ll walk through practical, effective ways to control ticks in dogs—from prevention to removal and treatment.
Why Tick Control Matters
Ticks latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on their blood, often hiding under fur where they’re hard to detect. The danger lies in the diseases they can transmit, including:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
These diseases can cause symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to more serious complications like kidney failure or long-term joint pain. That’s why preventing ticks is far easier—and cheaper—than treating these illnesses.
1. Use Veterinary-Approved Tick Preventatives
The first line of defense in controlling ticks is using tick prevention treatments. These come in various forms:
- Topical treatments (spot-ons): Applied between the shoulder blades monthly. Popular brands include Frontline and K9 Advantix.
- Oral medications: Chewable pills given once a month or every three months. These not only kill ticks but also fleas and sometimes intestinal parasites.
- Tick collars: These emit chemicals that repel or kill ticks. Brands like Seresto offer long-lasting protection (up to 8 months).
Talk to your veterinarian to choose the right option based on your dog’s size, age, health status, and lifestyle.
2. Regular Tick Checks
Even with preventatives, no method is 100% foolproof. Make a habit of checking your dog daily—especially after walks in wooded, grassy, or bushy areas.
Focus on these high-risk areas:
- Inside and around the ears
- Under the collar
- Between the toes
- Around the eyes and mouth
- Under the tail and legs
If you find a tick, don’t panic. Remove it carefully using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp it close to the skin and pull upward steadily without twisting. Clean the area afterward with alcohol or soap and water.
3. Keep Your Yard Tick-Free
A well-maintained yard can drastically reduce tick populations. If you’re looking for Newtown tick control, we recommend reaching out to us for consultation. Here’s how to create a tick-unfriendly environment:
- Mow your lawn regularly. Ticks love tall grass and shaded areas.
- Trim shrubs and remove leaf litter. Keep walkways and dog play areas clear.
- Create a barrier. Use gravel or wood chips between your lawn and wooded areas.
- Discourage wildlife. Deer, rodents, and stray animals can carry ticks. Use fencing or repellents to keep them out.
- Consider yard treatments. Pesticide sprays or natural tick control agents (like diatomaceous earth) can help. Always choose pet-safe options.
4. Limit Exposure in High-Risk Areas
Ticks thrive in wooded areas, tall grass, and leaf piles. If possible:
- Stick to clear trails on hikes
- Avoid areas known for tick infestations
- Keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from wandering into tick-prone spots
If your dog frequents dog parks or kennels, make sure those places follow proper tick control practices too.
5. Bathe and Groom Your Dog Regularly
Bathing helps wash off loose ticks before they attach. Tick shampoos can kill existing ticks on contact. Use them periodically, especially after trips to high-risk areas. Brushing your dog after walks also helps dislodge any hitchhiking parasites.
Long-haired dogs may need trims during tick season to make spotting and removing ticks easier.
6. Know the Signs of Tick-Borne Illness
Despite your best efforts, a tick might still bite your dog. Watch for symptoms that may indicate a tick-borne illness:
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints or lameness
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially after recent tick exposure, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment improves outcomes significantly.
7. Consider Natural Remedies (With Caution)
Some pet owners prefer natural tick control methods. Essential oils like cedarwood, lavender, or lemongrass may repel ticks, but they can be toxic if not used properly. Always dilute oils and never apply without veterinary guidance.
Other options include:
- Apple cider vinegar sprays
- Garlic supplements (only in vet-approved doses)
- Herbal tick collars
While these may help, they’re typically less effective than conventional preventatives. Use natural remedies as a complement—not a replacement—for veterinary-grade treatments.
Final Thoughts
Controlling ticks in dogs requires a multi-pronged approach: preventative medications, routine checks, environmental management, and quick response to bites. Your vet is your best partner in this fight, so schedule regular checkups and ask questions if you’re unsure what product or strategy is right for your pet.
Ticks aren’t just annoying—they’re a real threat to your dog’s health. With the right steps, you can reduce that risk and keep your furry friend happy, active, and protected all year round.
