Tick Prevention in Dogs

Ticks are blood sucking ectoparasites (a parasite that lives on the exterior of an animal). There are hundreds of species of ticks worldwide. Australia has around 70 species of ticks.

Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) affect cats and dogs in Australia. They live on the east coast from North Queensland to Northern Victoria. In northern parts of Australia, ticks can be found all year around. In the cooler southern areas, tick season is generally from spring through to late autumn. 

Lyme disease is another disease, most commonly caused by the Deer tick, this disease is prevalent in the United States.

Naturally, it is a sensible idea to avoid ticks in the first place than face the risk of potentially life threatening problems caused by ticks. There are several ways ticks can be prevented in dogs.

Avoidance:

Avoiding areas that harbor ticks such as woodlands & long grasses.

Clipping long haired breeds;

This makes finding ticks easier, especially in the summer months when ticks are more prevalent.

Checking for ticks:

Even if you are using the above treatments, it is still important to check your dog for ticks every day.

Begin with the head. Carefully check (by looking and feeling with your hands). Don't forget to check inside the ears & under the chin/throat areas.

Move down to the front legs, not forgetting to check between the toes.

Feel along the dog's body, including the belly. Move down to the rear legs, again checking between the toes.

Inspect the dog's genital region as ticks can sometimes be found there, & finish with the tail.

Insecticides:

There are many products available on the market to help control ticks. Topical products are applied to the back of the neck.

Some products include; Frontline Plus Top Spot, Frontline Spray, Fidos Fre-Itch Rinse Concentrate, Proban Tablets or Oral Liquid.

Tick collars

are another option. They contain chemicals that are slowly released & migrate over the body.