Ticks on Dogs: Essential Insights for Pet Parents

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Ticks are tiny parasites that can cause big problems for your dog. These blood-sucking pests not only irritate your dog’s skin but can also spread serious diseases like Lyme diseases, Tick fever, etc. if left untreated and, can lead to long-term health issues. Understanding how ticks affect your dog and how to manage them is the first step toward keeping your canine companion healthy.

Let’s get started!

Ticks on Dogs

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that latch onto animals, including dogs and feed on their blood. They also release toxins that can harm your dog. Tick bites may lead to skin infections or infestations of other parasites.

Ticks aren’t insects-they are arachnids, related to spiders and mites. There are over 800 species of ticks, divided into families like hard ticks (Ixodidae) and soft ticks (Argasidae). Hard ticks are most common and feed continuously on the blood of their host, whereas soft ticks feed on the blood and tissues of their hosts.

Common Types of Ticks on Dogs

Common Areas for Ticks on Dogs

Here are the common areas where ticks are often found on dogs:

  • Head and ears
  • Toes
  • Tail
  • Groin
  • Eyelids
  • Under the collar
  • Under the arms
  • Elbows
  • Feet

Life Cycle of Ticks on Dogs

Diseases Caused By Ticks

Check out the most common tick-borne diseases that can affect dogs:

  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
  • Canine Ehrlichiosis
  • Anaplasma
  • Babesiosis
  • Bartonella

Symptoms of Tick Infestation in Dogs

Here are the symptoms caused by tick infestations in dogs:

  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain
  • Swelling in limbs
  • Seizures
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Weight loss
  • Discharge from nose or eyes
  • Skin lesions

Importance of Tick Protection

Keeping ticks away from dogs is important for their health as ticks may carry infections such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, etc. that can make your dog very sick. Ticks may also cause skin irritations and infections when they attach to your dog. Keeping your dog tick-free not only protects them from these health risks but also helps you avoid the spread of diseases to humans.

Products that Help Protect Dogs from Ticks

Take a look at the products that can help protect dogs from tick infestations:

Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio is a flavored chewable tablet for dogs aged 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 pounds. It contains three active ingredients, sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel and protects against fleas and various tick species, lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks. The oral treatment is indicated to prevent Lyme disease and also prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.

Bravecto Chewables

Bravecto Chews is a flavored chewable treatment for 6 months and older puppies and dogs, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. It kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks. It treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 12 weeks and lone-star ticks for 8 weeks.

NexGard Chewables

NexGard Chewables is a beef-flavoured, soft chewables. It is safe for dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks weighing at least 4 pounds. It contains an active ingredient, afoxolaner. The treatment kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations. It also treats and controls various tick species, including black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and long-horned ticks. Additionally, it is also indicated to prevent Lyme disease.

How to Safely Remove Ticks from Your Dog 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely remove ticks from dogs:

  • You will need tweezers and rubbing alcohol. Avoid using your hands or other methods like burning or smothering the tick, as they don’t work and can harm your dog.
  • Use a swab with rubbing alcohol on the ticks. This may irritate it enough to loosen its grip on your dog’s skin.
  • With tweezers, grip the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, right from its head. Avoid grabbing the body, as this can squeeze harmful fluids into your pet.
  • Slowly and steadily pull the tick straight out without twisting. Twisting can cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off and stay embedded in the skin.
  • Place the tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it. Avoid flushing it down the toilet or crushing it with your fingers, as this can spread diseases.
  • After removal, clean the tick-bite area with rubbing alcohol and apply an antibiotic ointment.
  • Keep an eye on the affected area for redness, swelling, or rashes. If you are worried about tick-borne diseases, consult your vet.

Effective Home Remedies for Preventing Ticks on Dogs 

Here are some effective home remedies for getting rid of ticks in dogs:

Tobacco: Tobacco contains nicotine, a natural insecticide. Rub tobacco leaves on your dog’s fur or prepare a water extract to spray as a natural insecticide

Mint Leaves: Mint has a strong smell that repels ticks. Mix juice of 2 lemons with 10 tsp apple cider vinegar and 10-15 mint leaves; spray on your dog’s fur for up to 2 months.

Bay leaves: Bay leaves are a natural tick repellent. Rub crushed bay leaves on your pet’s fur 3-4 times a week or place in bedding to deter ticks.

Neem Leaves or Oil: Neem is antibacterial and antiseptic. Apply neem oil directly or use neem leaves in bath water for ticks and skin care.

Final Words

Protecting your dog from ticks is important for their health and comfort.  A little care today can prevent severe health problems tomorrow. So, stay informed, keep your dog tick-free, and enjoy many happy moments together. After all, a healthy dog is a happy companion!