How do I stop my dog from getting ticks?

Stop ticks from biting your pet by using a tick treatment that either kills or repels them if they attach themselves. There are different types of treatments, such as spot-on treatments and tablets. Ask your vet for the best tick treatment. Be careful, never use dog tick medicine on cats or vice versa. Some dog tick treatments contain chemicals that are toxic to cats, and can even be fatal to them. When walking your dog, take precautions and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover your skin. You can also use insect repellent to stop ticks. If you're taking your dog on holiday with you, ask your vet about preventative treatments needed to protect your pet from ticks, sandflies, heartworms and tapeworms. Treatments may be different depending on where you're going, so it's best to talk to your vet well before going on holiday.

There’s no way to completely stop your dog from getting ticks, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk. Avoid places known for them In the warmer months, avoid long grass. Stick to paths and open spaces instead. Use the tick risk map to check how common ticks are in any new areas you visit. Check your dog regularly If you regularly check your dog for ticks after walks, you may find them before they have had the chance to attach. Regular parasite control If you use a regular parasite treatment that covers for ticks, any ticks that attaches to your dog should die, and drop off within 24-48 hours. Use repellents If you live in a high-risk area, or your dog is prone to picking up ticks, you may want to consider using a tick repellent collar during the summer months, to prevent any from attaching in the first place. Tick repellents often also provide protection against other parasites such as fleas so it’s best to speak to your vet to find the right treatment for you and your dog.

Check pets daily for ticks and remove any you find to keep your pet healthy. Check pets who go outdoors daily for ticks. Daily checks to find and remove ticks that are crawling on or biting your pets helps to keep them healthy. It also may prevent crawling ticks from getting onto and biting a person. Use a tick preventive product. For these reasons, it's important to use a tick preventive product on your dog. Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away. Reduce tick habitat in your yard.