Tick Prevention
Six Popular Preventative Treatments
Here in Minnesota, nothing puts a damper on springtime like ticks. While we can’t eliminate ticks altogether, it is important to reduce a dog’s exposure because of tick-related diseases. Potentially dangerous medical conditions can arise from tick bites including blood loss, anemia, tick paralysis, skin irritation, infection, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease.
Dogs must be receiving tick preventative care to attend Wagging Tails. Fortunately, a variety of tick control programs are available, so it’s easy to select the best option for your dog in partnership with your veterinarian.
- Once-a-Month Topicals. Applied to your dog monthly, topical insecticides are an easy product to use and last a long time. Frontline® and Bio Spot® are popular brands for flea and tick control.
- Sprays. Simply spray your dog with anti-flea and tick spray to protect them from infestation. A variety of sprays are available and are a great option for dogs that do not tolerate once-a-month topicals.
- Collars. Flea & Tick collars are popular options and highly effective when used correctly. Be sure to monitor your dog’s skin for irritation and replace more often if your dog is a swimmer.
- Dips, Rinses, and Shampoos. Applied to the entire dog, these are great options especially when dogs have had a high level of tick exposure. Use great care with these products and follow their instructions closely.
- Environmental Tick Control. Sprays exist for treating yards and kennel areas. If you opt for this option, consider using an environmentally-safe spray containing fenvalerate. During peak tick season, sprays are often reapplied multiple times, be sure to follow the directions closely.
- Vaccination. A Lyme disease vaccination is available for dogs; speak to your veterinarian to see if it is right for you.
Remember, no tick preventatives are 100% effective. Even if your dog receives tick treatments, be sure to check them regularly for ticks especially after spending time in the woods or grassy areas. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to find the best treatment for your dog, and follow instructions closely to ensure safe application.