Ticks are small parasites that can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and canine jaundice. Ticks feed on blood of humans and animals, most commonly dogs and cats. They use their mouth parts to inject into the skin of their host and remain until they are removed. If they are not removed they can cause anemia, eventually leading to death. Prevention is the safest way to control ticks on dogs.
Things You'll Need
- Monthly topical application
- Tick spray or powder
- Flea and tick shampoo
- Flea and tick dip
- Gloves
- Comb or brush
- Tree trimmer
- Lawn mower
Instructions
Keep grass cut, trim trees and shrubbery. If you have piled leaves on your lawn, remove them. Ticks live in high grasses, waiting for a host to pass by. Ticks can be found also in wooded and forest areas. If you have several trees and bushes around your house, keeping them trimmed will help control the tick's ability to latch onto a host.
Take your dog to a veterinarian for a checkup. Ask your veterinarian about a monthly topical to help safely control ticks. Products such as Frontline and Advantage will not only keep fleas off your pet, but ticks as well. You would need to apply the topical on the back of your dog's neck once a month.
Try other methods of controlling ticks, such as a powder or spray tick killer. Coat your dog's hair thoroughly, making sure your pet's body is completely covered. Repeat daily.
Check your dog daily for ticks after he/she has been outside. Brush through the hair and look for gray or black-colored ticks that will appear like a bump on your dog's skin.
Bathe and dip your dog to get rid of ticks. There are several shampoos and dips that are sold in pet stores that will help get rid of the ticks on your dog's body. Yet, these products will only get rid of the ticks that are on your pet at the time. Flea and tick shampoo and dip do not prevent your dog from getting ticks in the future.