Introduction
It can be extremely frustrating when pet owners apply flea and tick treatment to their dogs, only to find the pests persisting despite repeated applications. Ticks are more than just a nuisance – they can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Understandably, finding ticks on a dog after administering preventatives leaves many owners wondering why the treatments aren’t working.
There are several potential reasons ticks may linger after treatment. Sometimes it’s as simple as reinfestation from the environment or resistance building up over time. But improper use, interactions with other medications, and health conditions affecting absorption can also impact efficacy. With so many factors at play, it’s important to understand why treatments can fail so you can take steps to get the problem under control.
This article will dive into the various causes of tick persistence after treatment and provide advice for keeping your dog protected. We’ll also discuss when to see the veterinarian if problems continue despite correct use of proven preventives. Arm yourself with knowledge so you and your pooch can put these pests behind you.
How Tick Treatments Work
Common tick treatments like collars, spot-ons, and oral pills contain active ingredients that kill or repel ticks. The key active ingredients in tick prevention products include:
– Fipronil – disrupts the tick’s central nervous system causing paralysis and death (https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-do-flea-collars-work/133)
– Permethrin – attacks the tick’s nervous system (https://yourpetandyou.elanco.com/us/parasites/fleas/how-flea-collars-work)
– Afoxolaner – overstimulates and kills ticks that bite the treated animal
– Fluralaner – disables the tick’s nervous system
Collars steadily release the active ingredient into the animal’s coat from the collar around the neck/shoulders. Spot-ons are applied topically, dispersing through the oils in the skin and coat. Oral treatments like pills or chews rely on absorption into the bloodstream for whole-body protection.
It’s important to carefully follow label directions when applying or giving tick treatments. Using the right dosage and application method helps ensure the product is effective and safe.
Why Ticks Can Persist
There are several reasons why ticks may persist on a dog even after treatment:
Reinfestation is common, as tick treatments do not create a forcefield around the dog. If new ticks crawl onto the dog from the environment, they can bite and attach. Ticks can be carried inside on clothing and multiplied in the backyard (1). Regular tick checks and follow-up treatments may be needed, especially during peak seasons.
Resistance to certain chemical treatments is on the rise (2). Ticks can genetically adapt to pesticide ingredients, rendering that product ineffective. Rotating between different active ingredients can help slow resistance. New treatment types are also being developed (3).
Incorrect use of a tick product may fail to fully protect the dog. Applying too little, missing spots, bathing too soon after application, or not following reapplication intervals can all reduce effectiveness. Always read and follow label directions.
While tick treatments do not guarantee 100% protection, reinfestation, resistance, and improper use are common reasons they may fall short. Preventatives combined with vigilant tick checks offer the best protection.
Reinfestation
Even after treatment, dogs can become reinfested with ticks if they come into contact with new ticks. Ticks live in grassy and wooded areas and can crawl onto dogs during walks or while playing outside. New ticks may also be carried inside on people’s clothing. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual (source), tick larvae are very tiny and can be hard to see, allowing them to easily get past preventatives.
It’s important to treat the dog’s environment as well as the dog itself. Ticks can live in grass, leaves, and outdoor kennels or dog houses. Treating the yard and surroundings with an acaricide (tick pesticide) can help reduce the tick population and prevent reinfestation. Keeping grass mowed short and clearing away brush also helps disrupt tick habitats. Even with these measures, reinfestation is common in tick-prone areas, so vigilance is key.
Resistance
Ticks can develop resistance to certain insecticides, making them less effective over time. One study found brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) across the U.S. have developed widespread resistance to permethrin, a common active ingredient in many topical tick treatments like Frontline and K9 Advantix II (1). Resistance has also been documented with other active ingredients like fipronil, amitraz, and pyrethroids in some regions (2).
Resistance tends to vary by location. For example, studies show permethrin resistance is especially high in ticks from California and the eastern U.S. compared to other regions (1). Your geographic area can influence which products ticks have built up resistance to over time.
Ticks can develop resistance through genetic mutations that allow them to break down or avoid absorbing insecticidal ingredients. They can also develop behaviors that allow them to avoid exposure. Repeated use of the same insecticide or ingredient type year after year contributes to resistance. Rotating between different product classes is recommended to combat this.
Incorrect Use
One common reason tick treatments may not be working effectively is incorrect use of the product. According to PetMD, the most common mistake dog owners make is incorrectly applying topical flea and tick prevention medication. It’s crucial to follow the directions exactly, applying the product directly to the skin in the amount specified for your dog’s weight. Missing spots when applying or not using the right dose for your dog’s size can allow ticks to persist.
Timing issues are another form of incorrect use. Some topical treatments recommend waiting a certain number of days in between baths or swimming. Not following this guidance can wash off the medication too soon and reduce effectiveness. Likewise, not reapplying at the right intervals can leave lapses in protection. Always carefully follow the timing recommendations on any flea and tick product.
To ensure you are using tick prevention correctly, have your veterinarian demonstrate proper application technique. Follow all instructions precisely, treat all pets in the household, maintain consistent timing of application, and check with your vet if you have any uncertainties.
Other Factors
Even when tick treatments are applied correctly, other factors can reduce their effectiveness and allow ticks to persist. Frequent bathing or swimming can wash off some topical treatments like fipronil (Frontline), permethrin, or pyrethroids before they have fully absorbed into the dog’s oils in the skin and coat (1). Dogs that swim or get baths more than monthly have an increased risk of tick reinfestation. Some oral treatments like fluralaner (Bravecto) and afoxolaner (Nexgard) are water-resistant and remain effective for 1-3 months, providing a longer-lasting alternative.
Outdoor dogs that frequently run through brush and thick undergrowth are also at higher risk of picking up new ticks before old ones have been killed off. Climate conditions like warmer winters and wetter springs allow ticks to be active for more months of the year (2). Ticks can latch onto dogs even on short walks. Using tick prevention year-round provides the best protection compared to sporadic use.
While no tick product is 100% effective, consistency is key. Work with your veterinarian to find the right long-lasting, water-resistant option for your dog’s lifestyle. Combine with thorough tick checks and prompt removal to keep your dog protected.
What To Do
If your dog is still getting ticks after treatment, there are several steps you can take:
- Reapply flea and tick medication frequently as directed, at least every 30 days. Ticks can persist if treatment wears off between applications. Stay diligent with monthly re-administration. [1]
- Treat your yard and outdoor areas to reduce tick populations. Keep the grass mowed short and remove brush and leaf litter where ticks live. Use pesticides labeled for tick control around your home. [2]
- Consider switching flea and tick products if reapplication isn’t working. Speak to your vet about prescription medications or natural preventatives like tick collars or shampoos. [3]
- Schedule a vet exam to check for underlying health issues or improper medication use. Persistent ticks could mean resistance is developing, warranting a change in treatment.
Addressing ticks requires diligence with prevention methods, both on your dog and around your home. But if problems continue, your vet can help identify any issues to ensure your dog stays protected.
Prevention
A proper preventative plan consists of both properly applying medications and controlling the dog’s environment.
It’s crucial to follow instructions carefully when applying any preventatives like spot-on topicals or oral medications. Dosing amounts and frequency matter, so stick to the package directions. Ensure the dog’s fur is parted down to the skin when applying any topical medications. Don’t bathe the dog soon before or after applying the medication. Also, check product efficacy dates, since older stock may lose effectiveness if stored improperly.
Environmental control can also help. Keep grass mowed short in your yard and avoid letting your dog into overgrown vegetation where ticks thrive. Inside the home, wash pet bedding regularly and use flea & tick collars or powders in your vacuum to control any issues. Limiting the habitats favorable to ticks will reduce your dog’s exposure.
When To See A Vet
If tick problems persist after you have correctly administered flea and tick treatments, it may be time to see your veterinarian for prescription medications or additional diagnostics. Some reasons to make a vet appointment include:
- Ticks continuing to live on your dog after applying monthly preventatives as directed
- Ticks attaching and biting your dog within a few days of applying a monthly preventative
- Noticing possible signs of a tick-borne disease like lethargy, fever, or limping
- Wanting prescription medications that may work better for resistant tick infestations
- Needing testing to check for tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease
Veterinarians have access to prescription-only preventatives like Bravecto and Simparica that have been proven effective against stubborn tick infestations. They can also perform diagnostics like the SNAP 4Dx test to check for exposure to tick-borne diseases. Getting to the root cause of why ticks are persisting will allow you to better protect your dog’s health.
According to PetCareRx, if over-the-counter flea and tick treatments are not working, prescription medications from your vet should be the next step [1].