Veterinary Treatment of Tick Infestation

Veterinarians prefer to prevent tick infestation whenever possible, especially because of the tick-borne bacterial infection borreliosis, or Lyme disease. When ticks already infest the dog, veterinarians test for Lyme disease in conjunction with eliminating the ticks. The tick-killing treatments of choice are topical solutions, but there are many alternative methods of eliminating infestation.

  1. Topical Solutions

    • Topical solutions are the easiest tick control products to use. Their powers of elimination and prevention usually last the longest. The insecticides are applied monthly to a small area on the dog's back, between his shoulder blades. Most kill ticks and fleas within 48 hours. According to PetEducation.com, ingredients generally include permethrin, pyrethrin, imidacloprid or fipronil. Veterinarians have a choice among Bio Spot-Spot On for Dogs, K9 Advantix for Dogs and Frontline Top Spot. Revolution controls American dog ticks only and contains selamectin.

    Sprays

    • Veterinarians apply flea and tick sprays from aerosol or pump bottles. Spray applications don't soak the dog, however, they coat all parts of his body. His eyes and ears are protected when veterinarians apply small amounts of the spray around them using cotton balls. Dogs are sprayed in well-ventilated areas. Frequency of treatment varies with the product. According to PetEducation.com, sprays often contain permethrin or pyrethrin.

    Powders

    • Veterinarians may choose to apply tick control powders. Although they're easy to administer, they tend to create a mess. If the dog has asthma, a powder insecticide is not used, since there is a chance it could be inhaled. Like sprays, powders are applied in well-ventilated areas. According to PetEducation.com, they usually contain pyrethrin.

    Dips

    • Veterinarians apply dips and rinses to the entire dog. These generally have some residual activity and, as a precaution, are applied in well-ventilated areas. To protect the dog further from harmful side effects, vets usually place cotton balls in the dog's ears and ophthalmic ointment in his eyes prior to application. Dips and rinses usually contain permethrin or pyrethrin, according to PetEducation.com.

    Shampoos

    • Dog shampoos primarily rid the dog of the ticks he already has on his body. Some shampoos, however, do have residual effects. Veterinarians work the shampoo in over the dog's entire body and usually leave it on for at least 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off. PetEducation.com notes that shampoos normally contain pyrethrin.

    Collars

    • Occasionally veterinarians will fit the dog with a tick control collar. To get the correct degree of snugness, they ensure they're able to get two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. So the dog or other animals doesn't chew on the collar, the veterinarian snips off the excess with a pair of scissors. Collars vary in their duration of effectiveness. Many lose effectiveness when they get wet. According to PetEducation.com, some dogs experience irritation under the collar. If this occurs, a different tick control product must be used.