Introduction
Ticks are common external parasites that can infest dogs and pose a health threat if not controlled. Ticks live in grass and brush and attach themselves to dogs when they brush by. Once on a dog, ticks embed their mouths into the skin and feed on blood. According to one study, the prevalence of tick infestation in dogs visiting veterinary clinics was 96 cases per 10,000 visits (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17417959/).
Ticks are concerning because they can transmit a number of dangerous diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, tick-borne illnesses are some of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs in the United States (https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/sporting-field-dogs/tick-borne-disease.html).
Therefore, tick control and prevention are very important in dogs. This article will discuss different repellents and preventatives that can help protect dogs from ticks and the diseases they carry.
Types of Ticks
There are over 800 species of ticks worldwide, but only a handful commonly affect dogs in the United States. The most common tick species that infest dogs include:
- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Found east of the Rocky Mountains and also along the Pacific Coast. Transmits diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis. PetMD
- Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – Found worldwide in warmer climates. Can transmit diseases like canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. VCA Animal Hospitals
- Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis) – Found in the eastern half of the US and some parts of the west. Known for transmitting Lyme disease. Daily Paws
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) – Found throughout southeastern and eastern US. Transmits diseases like ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. PetMD
Other less common species like the Gulf Coast tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and western black-legged tick may also occasionally affect dogs in certain geographical regions.
Diseases Ticks Transmit
Ticks can transmit a number of dangerous diseases to dogs that pet owners should be aware of. Some of the most common and concerning tick-borne diseases include:
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by blacklegged ticks. It is one of the most well-known tick-borne diseases in dogs. Symptoms include fever, lameness, swelling in the joints, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious kidney disease in dogs. fortunately, several antibiotics are effective in treating Lyme if diagnosed early. See [1]
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria and spread by deer ticks. Symptoms are similar to Lyme disease and include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Anaplasmosis attacks white blood cells and causes anemia. Doxycycline is the most common antibiotic treatment. See [2]
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by brown dog ticks and lone star ticks. Early signs include fever, runny nose, eye discharge, and lethargy. As the disease progresses it can cause lameness, neurological disorders, and bleeding disorders. Doxycycline is used to treat Ehrlichiosis. See [3]
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria and spread by dog ticks, wood ticks, and lone star ticks. Symptoms begin with fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and muscle pain, and can progress to neurological problems if untreated. Doxycycline is the primary treatment. Prompt treatment is essential for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. See [2]
Signs of Tick-Borne Illness
When ticks bite dogs, they can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites which cause illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Some common signs of tick-borne diseases in dogs include:
Fever – Many tick-borne illnesses can cause a fever in dogs. According to Westport Veterinary, fever is a hallmark symptom of diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis (source).
Lameness – Diseases like Lyme often cause lameness, joint pain, and swelling. Lameness from Lyme disease usually affects one leg initially and may shift between legs over time. According to Prairie View Animal Hospital, lameness is the most common symptom of Lyme disease in dogs (source).
Neurological Issues – Some tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause neurological symptoms in dogs, including seizures, circling, head tilting, and more. Tick diseases may also damage the kidneys and other organs (source).
Rash – Certain tick-borne illnesses can produce rashes on dogs’ skin. For example, Rocky Mountain spotted fever causes a distinctive rash on a dog’s belly, inside surface of legs and mouth (source).
Tick Prevention Methods
There are several effective methods for preventing ticks on dogs:
Physical Tick Removal
Checking your dog’s coat thoroughly and removing any attached ticks is the first line of defense. Ticks often attach in hard to see places like the ears, between toes, and underside of the tail. Removing ticks quickly can prevent transmission of disease (CDC).
Environmental Control
Reducing overgrown vegetation and cleared areas of leaf litter where ticks congregate can help reduce tick populations around your home. Mowing the lawn frequently, removing brush, and creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your lawn can discourage ticks (The Strategist).
Tick Collars
Tick collars like the Seresto collar gradually release small amounts of repellent and can discourage tick attachment for up to 8 months. However, tick collars don’t repel 100% of ticks and regular tick checks are still needed (PetMD).
Spot-On Repellents
Spot-on liquid repellents like Frontline Plus, applied monthly, can kill and repel ticks and fleas before they bite. Some combinations like Simparica Trio also prevent heartworm disease. Spot-ons spread over the body from the application point (PetMD).
Oral/Injectable Repellents
Oral tablets like Nexgard, Bravecto, or Simparica contain medications that spread through the bloodstream to kill fleas and ticks. Some also prevent internal parasites. They provide 1-3 months protection with a single dose (The Strategist).
Topical Tick Repellents
Topical tick repellents applied directly to your dog’s skin and coat are a popular and effective option for preventing ticks. Some of the most common active ingredients in topical tick treatments include:
- Permethrin – Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that kills ticks on contact. It provides fast-acting tick protection that lasts for several weeks after application. According to a study cited on TractorSupplyRx.com, topical treatments containing permethrin were 100% effective at repelling and killing multiple tick species after a 48 hour exposure period.1
- Fipronil – Fipronil is another common pesticide used in topical tick prevention products. It works by disrupting the central nervous system of ticks to provide rapid knockdown and lasting protection. Fipronil is waterproof and provides tick defense for about one month, according to WoofCreek.com.2
- Pyriproxyfen – Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator that stops the development of immature fleas and ticks. It is often combined with other ingredients for comprehensive protection. Chewy.com states that pyriproxyfen can kill ticks for up to a month after application.3
The efficacy and duration of topical tick repellents can vary depending on the specific product and active ingredients used. Typically, they provide tick protection for 1-3 months. Topical treatments are applied by squeezing or spraying the liquid medication onto a dog’s skin, as directed on the product label. They should be applied monthly or as recommended by your veterinarian for the most reliable tick defense.
Oral/Injectable Tick Repellents
Oral and injectable tick repellents for dogs typically contain active ingredients like afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner that provide systemic protection against ticks and fleas. These medications are dispensed through chewable tablets, treats, or topical solutions that get absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and provide efficacy for 1-3 months depending on the product.
Some of the most popular oral tick repellents for dogs include Simparica, which contains sarolaner and protects against ticks and fleas for 35 days, and Nexgard, which contains afoxolaner and protects against ticks for at least one month. Both products have proven over 90% efficacy in clinical trials and are generally safe and effective options.
The main advantage of oral/injectable tick repellents is the prolonged protection and convenience of not having to frequently reapply a topical product. However, they are typically more expensive than topical repellents. It’s important to consult your veterinarian before using any systemic tick prevention medication.
Homemade/Natural Tick Repellents
There are some homemade and natural options dog owners can try to repel ticks. Using natural ingredients can be a safer alternative compared to chemical-based repellents. Some popular natural tick repellents for dogs include:
Essential oils like lavender oil and turmeric oil can be used as natural tick repellents. Lavender oil has a pleasant scent that repels ticks without irritating dogs’ sensitive noses. Turmeric oil contains compounds that have been shown in studies to repel and kill ticks.
Herbal sprays using ingredients like peppermint, rosemary, garlic, and thyme can be applied to a dog’s coat to create a natural barrier. These strong herbal scents help mask the smell of the dog to ticks and deter them from latching on.
Some dietary supplements like brewer’s yeast, garlic, and vitamin B can be added to a dog’s food. When ingested, these supplements can cause a dog’s skin to emit a more unpleasant scent to ticks. However, owners should consult a vet before giving any oral supplement.
Tick Removal
Properly removing ticks from your dog is crucial to protect their health. Using the right technique and tools helps ensure the tick’s mouthparts are completely removed.
To safely remove a tick:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the dog’s skin surface.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking motions that may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
- Clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water after removal.
Tick removal tools such as the Tick Twister or TickCheck Card provide an easy-to-use alternative to tweezers. These tools slide under the tick and let you lift it straight out. Popular tick keys are NOT recommended, as they may squeeze the tick and force infectious fluids into the bite wound.
Never use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or a hot match to try removing ticks. These home remedies don’t work and may cause the tick to burrow deeper or regurgitate into the bite.
After tick removal, monitor your dog closely for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal. Prompt removal within 24 hours greatly reduces disease transmission risk.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several key steps dog owners can take to protect their pets from ticks and the diseases they carry. Using topical or oral/injectable tick preventatives is the most effective way to repel ticks. Products with active ingredients like fipronil, permethrin, and pyrethrins have been proven to kill and repel ticks. Natural options like essential oils can provide some repellent effects, but are not as reliable as commercial preventatives. Thoroughly checking dogs for ticks after being outside, especially in wooded, brushy areas, is also critical for early detection. Promptly removing any attached ticks can prevent disease transmission.
Tick prevention is crucial for every dog owner. Ticks can transmit several harmful, even deadly, illnesses to dogs, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Stopping tick bites prevents these diseases. Through vigilant prevention measures, testing for tick-borne diseases, and prompt treatment if needed, dog owners can protect the health and wellbeing of their beloved pets.