The Best Tick Prevention Methods for Dogs

Preventing your dog from collecting ticks is the best way to avoid the illnesses and complications that can result from tick bites. The level of protection you need depends on where you live. If you live in a city and walk your dog in local parks, a monthly topical treatment may suffice. If you live in a rural area known for its high tick population, more stringent measures are needed.

  1. Shampoos and Dips

    • Wash your dog with a shampoo that discourages ticks and fleas. Look for shampoos and dips that contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide derived from flowers that kills ticks and leaves no residue behind. Look for a shampoo mild enough to use regularly on your dog. Follow up with an effective tick dip. Chemical-based dips should not be used more than two or three times a year, but there are herbal dips you can make that are gentler. All these measures get rid of existing ticks and protect your dog from getting them in the future.

    Topical Treatments

    • Liquid topical treatments in small containers can be applied to the skin on the dog's shoulders. The liquid mixes with the oil in the skin and spreads throughout the dog's coat. The majority of these products contain permethrin, a synthetic chemical that lasts longer than the natural pyrethrum. They are also waterproof, and will protect your dog from fleas and mosquitoes, as well as ticks. The treatments are applied monthly and are usually sufficient to protect city dogs.

    Tick Collars

    • Tick collars are treated with Amitraz. If you spread it in the oil of the dog's skin and hair, within 24 hours it begins to kill existing ticks. It also will prevent new ticks for up to 90 days. Tick collars should be removed before bathing your dog, but are rainfall resistant.

    Control the Environment

    • Make sure your dog's sleeping quarters are clean and free of ticks. Use a chemical room fogger to kill existing ticks, and vacuum the area thoroughly to eliminate any dead matter. Treat the dog's sleeping area with a tick repellent spray or powder. For a natural tick repellent that can be used directly on bedding, scatter pine needles, fennel, rue or rosemary.

    Brush Your Dog

    • Brushing or combing your dog's coat regularly is a good way to check for any rogue ticks you might otherwise miss. If you find a tick, pull it off firmly, but gently with a pair of tweezers, making sure the mouth parts are not still lodged in the dog's skin. Treat the bite with a dab of antiseptic ointment to control the itch.