Sooner or later, you’re going to have to let your dog go outside — and once you do, you’ll expose him to a legion of insects that are just waiting to chomp on his flesh and suck his blood.
Among the worst of these nasty bugs are ticks. They’re absolutely repulsive — and they can spread all kinds of horrible diseases, so keeping them off your dog is of paramount importance.
If you’ve done any shopping for tick repellent for dogs, you’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of options on the market, ranging from incredibly cheap to surprisingly expensive. However, they don’t all work — and the price isn’t necessarily a trustworthy indicator as to the product’s quality.
In the reviews below, we’ll reveal which repellents actually keep bugs at bay, and which ones will merely drain your bank account while the ticks drain your dog.
A Quick Comparison of our Favorites for 2022
TevraPet Activate II Flea & Tick Prevention
Contains three different tick killers
Also kills fleas and repels mosquitoes
Eliminates ticks in every stage of life
Vet’s Best Tick Spray
Uses natural oils instead of pesticides
Convenient spray bottle
Can be used on surfaces inside home
Bayer K9 Advantix II Tick Prevention
Contains three separate pesticides
Kills ticks in every life cycle
Equally effective as our top pick
Seresto Flea And Tick Collar
Uses two effective pesticides
Releases chemicals in low, sustained doses
Works for up to 8 months
Wondercide Natural Products Tick Control
Uses essential oils
Comes in a variety of sizes
Capable of handling large-scale infestations
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten by a Tick
Ticks are small parasites that can cause serious health problems for dogs.
They feed on blood and may carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
If you find a tick on your dog, it is important to act quickly and correctly to reduce the risk of infection.
How to Identify a Tick on Your Dog
Ticks are usually small, round, and dark-colored. After feeding, they become larger and swollen with blood.
They are commonly found around the ears, neck, belly, armpits, and between the toes.
Signs that your dog may have a tick include:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Redness or swelling on the skin
- Small bumps
- Fatigue or loss of appetite
- Fever in more serious cases
Step 1: Stay Calm and Prepare Tools
Before removing the tick, prepare the following:
- Disposable gloves
- Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool
- Antiseptic solution
- Small container with alcohol
- Clean cloth or cotton pads
Avoid using oil, petroleum jelly, or burning the tick. These methods may increase the risk of disease transmission.
Step 2: Remove the Tick Properly
Carefully part your dog’s fur to expose the tick. Using tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it out slowly and steadily without twisting or crushing it.
Make sure the entire tick is removed, including the head. If any parts remain in the skin, contact your veterinarian.
Place the tick into a container with alcohol to kill it safely.
Step 3: Clean the Area
After removing the tick, disinfect the bite area with antiseptic. Wash your hands thoroughly, even if you wore gloves.
Monitor the bite site over the next few days for redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Step 4: Watch for Symptoms
Some tick-borne diseases may not appear immediately. Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops any of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
Prevention is the best way to protect your dog from ticks. Here are several helpful tips:
- Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention products
- Check your dog after walks, especially in forests and tall grass
- Keep your yard clean and trimmed
- Wash your dog’s bedding regularly
- Avoid areas with high tick activity during peak seasons
When to Visit a Veterinarian
You should contact a veterinarian if:
- You cannot remove the tick completely
- The bite area becomes infected
- Your dog shows unusual symptoms
- Multiple ticks are found on the body
Professional care may include blood tests and preventive treatment against tick-borne diseases.
Final Thoughts
Finding a tick on your dog can be stressful, but quick action helps protect your pet’s health. Proper removal, cleaning, and monitoring are essential steps after a tick bite. Regular prevention and routine checks can greatly reduce the risk of dangerous infections and keep your dog safe and healthy.
24-hour emergency veterinary service in London
Medivet 24 Hour Richmond +44 20 4638 8669
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Wolfe Vets 24 hour Fulham Hospital +44 20 3011 1205
Veteris Shoreditch 24 Hour Animal Hospital & Urgent Care +44 20 3808 0100
Medivet 24 Hour Camberwell - The London Animal Hospital +44 20 4638 9017
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