How to Control Ticks

Ticks are tiny insects that burrow under the skin of animals and humans. These insects can be very dangerous because they can carry lyme disease. Ticks are unable to jump or fly, so they generally climb onto animals or people from tall fences, grass, trees, or plants. Dogs are especially vulnerable to ticks because they often venture into wooded areas tracing the scents of other animals. However, there are measures that owners can take to keep their dogs ticks free.

Chemical Treatments

One method of tick prevention that owners can try and keep the tick population down is by using chemical treatments. Owners should consider spraying shrubs, tall plants walls, the dog's bed, and fences where the dog will often play. This will help reduce the risk of having a dog pick up a tick. The chemical Permethrin is the most popular with regards to controlling ticks in the yard. This chemical is safe and effective. However, Permethrin cannot be shipped into certain states, so owners should make sure they can get the chemical. If they cannot, owners should research other safe sprays and dusts that could be substituted.

Owners may also consider a chemical treatment that can be applied directly to their dog. Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs and Frontline's Topspot treatment can be effective with regards to keeping a dog safe from ticks.

Non-Chemical Treatments

Owners should also consider using non-chemical treatments with regards to controlling ticks. One method is to keep grasses and weeds cut short. This is important because ticks thrive in tall grasses and weeds. Also, if the grasses and weeds are tall enough to reach the dog's body, then ticks will be able to climb from the grasses and weeds onto the dog.

Getting rid of old nests and keeping rodents off of the property will help reduce the likelihood that a dog attracts a tick. Old nests can be infested with ticks that have climbed off of animals or birds into the nest. It is important to get rid of the nests to keep the dog from discovering them and getting a tick.

Also, because rodents are so low to the ground, ticks that are living in short grass can climb onto them. Rodents can then transfer the ticks to sheds, dog houses, nests, and other parts of a dog's area. By reducing the amount of rodents in the dog's domain will reduce the tick risk for the dog. This can be done by covering the entrances to tunnels and nests. It can also be done by removing debris or garbage that could be stacked or piled where the dog roams.

Owners should also be sure to wash the dog and the dog's sleeping area frequently. This will keep the dog's bed and house from attracting ticks. If the dog's bedding becomes infested with ticks, owners should clean it thoroughly or consider disposing of it entirely to ensure that their dog is safe from ticks.

Tick Prevention

The best way to prevent a dog from getting a tick is to prevent the ticks from being near the dog in the first place. If it is tick season, consider keeping the dog out of the park or woods. Also, owners should consider a combination of both chemical and non-chemical prevention methods in order to keep ticks under control. Consulting with the dog's veterinarian could also be a smart way to learn how to keep a dog tick free.

Owners that live in areas where the climate is tick friendly should stay vigilant all year to be sure that they keep the ticks in their area under control.

More Dog Health

« How to Control Fleas | Only Dog Beds | How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks On Your Dog »