Tick Prevention for Dogs: Paws, Prevention, and Proper Nutrition

As global temperatures rise, people are going outside more, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Even in October! This means, our dogs are going out more, too. Which also means they're at risk of getting ticks.

Tick prevention for dogs starts with knowing when ticks may be active, checking your dog after time outdoors, safely removing attached ticks, and discussing the right preventative product with your veterinarian. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, so prevention and prompt removal are important parts of keeping your dog protected.

Ticks require ~4C/39.2F to start “questing”; questing is when they reach their creepy little legs out and wait (or trek along the grasses) to find a blood meal. So, pending your geography, these creatures could still be out and you likely have already found one (or three!) on your dog or yourself.

Ticks on Dogs in North America and Tick-Borne Disease Risks

In North America, there are a variety of ticks on dogs to be aware of, such as the Brown Dog, American Dog, Deer/Blacklegged, Lone Star, and Gulf Coast. Different tick species carry their own potential risks of transmitting tick-borne diseases in dogs, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.

The longer a tick remains attached, the greater the risk of contacting a blood-borne disease.

These diseases can vary in severity, but, of course, it’s much better to prevent transmission than it is to treat them!

Checking your dog regularly after spending time outdoors can help you find attached ticks sooner, especially after walks through tall grasses, trails, wooded areas, and other places where ticks may be present.

How to Remove a Tick From a Dog Safely

If you're wondering how to remove a tick from a dog, the goal is to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull it away using steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, jerking, or squeezing the tick's body.

Firstly, if you do find a tick on your dog then you should do your best to remove it.

Follow these steps from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the best results in removing a tick (from yourself or your pet!):

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible using clean fine-tipped tweezers, or regular tweezers if needed. Grasp the tick close to the skin's surface to avoid squeezing the tick's body.
2. Pull the tick away from the skin with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick. This might cause the tick mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, the body will naturally push the mouthparts out over time as the skin heals. You can also remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouthparts easily with tweezers, leave them alone and call the vet!
3. Dispose of the live tick by taking one of these steps: place it in a sealed container; wrap it tightly in tape; flush it down the toilet; or put it in alcohol. Do not crush the tick with your fingers.
4. Thoroughly clean the bite area with a pet appropriate cleanser after removing the tick, and clean your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
5. If you find a tick attached to you, there may be other ticks on your body.

If you have a long-coated, or thick-coated, dog then sometimes the ticks are hard to find before they become engorged with blood. Not to mention that ticks are very small! They can range from the size of a pinhead to a pencil eraser.

Regular checks are especially important on dogs with thick coats, where ticks can be easy to miss.

If a tick happens to latch onto your dog, then having them on a product that kills the ticks before they can transmit anything (before 24 hrs) is ideal. Prevention is the key!

If you have removed a tick from your dog, please call your veterinarian as they might recommend testing them for tick borne diseases.

Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

Flea and tick prevention for dogs can include oral or topical products, but there isn’t one method that is going to be appropriate for all pets (and people!). Your veterinarian is the best person to ask about which option is most appropriate based on your dog's health, lifestyle, and parasite risks.

It’s important to protect your dog not only from ticks, but from fleas and heartworm. There are many products out there that can be helpful. There are both oral and topical prescription products that will kill, but not repel, these parasites.

There are differences between parasiticides (e.g., InterceptorⓇ RevolutionⓇ, Simparica TRIOⓇ, etc) and pesticides (e.g., AdvantageⓇ, AdvantixⓇ, ZodiacⓇ).

A parasiticide is a substance used to kill parasites (especially those other than bacteria or fungi).

A pesticide/insecticide is any substance or mixture of substances meant for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pests. Each has its own method of action.

Because these products work differently and individual pets have different needs, discuss your dog's prevention plan with your veterinarian rather than choosing a product based on convenience alone.

Natural Tick Prevention for Dogs: What to Consider

Natural tick prevention for dogs is something many pet parents are interested in, but “natural” does not automatically mean safe, effective, or appropriate for every household. Depending on your comfort level, and what is recommended by your veterinarian, there are other options that exist to help prevent or deter ticks.

For example, environmental control with Borax powder or diatomaceous earth are products that people often go to when they want “natural” protection against ticks (and fleas).

However, you should use caution before using these as not only can they potentially not be effective, they are toxic if inhaled so do not use these on your dogs or when your dogs are in the house. Please also wear a mask!

A mixture of diluted essential oils can actually be used as tick and flea repellents and can be sprayed or misted onto your dog every 30 minutes when out for a walk.

Diluted essential oils that can help deter ticks include:

• Citronella
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Cedarwood

But remember, essential oils are potent, volatile substances and they always need to be diluted before using them and should only be used under the supervision of your veterinarian.

Also, for people with cats at home, many essential oils are toxic to cats. Seek advice from a medical professional before bringing any home.

Remember, before considering any parasite prevention product, medicinal or natural, discuss what would be best for your dog, and family, with your veterinarian.

Can Nutrition Help With Tick Prevention in Dogs?

A complete and balanced diet cannot prevent a tick from attaching or replace an appropriate parasite prevention product. However, good nutrition supports skin health and your dog’s overall well being, making it an important part of their broader health and wellness routine.

An important part of a pet’s resilience to any invading parasites is a complete and balanced diet. To support skin health and your dog’s overall well being, ensure you are feeding a balanced diet and consider a fresh food diet that works well for your dog.

If you're interested in the nutritional side of fresh feeding, learn more about Gently-Cooked dog food and what to look for before choosing a meal.

Tom&Sawyer can help you in the fresh, Gently-Cooked meals department! Tom&Sawyer has meals designed by veterinarians, nutritionists, and chefs that are customized to your own dog.

Do you have a young healthy pup that can eat anything? Try our Italian Beef Pasta Dinner!

Does your pup require a low fat diet? We have a few super tasty options available like our Thai Coconut Chicken & Rice Recipe.

Do you have an aging pup? Our Fisherman’s Best Friend Supper is designed for senior dogs!

You can also explore our complete range of dog recipes when considering which meals may fit your pup's nutritional needs.

How Tom&Sawyer Supports Your Dog's Everyday Health

Keeping your dog tick-free requires a combination of regular tick checks, safe removal, appropriate preventative care, and guidance from your veterinarian. Nutrition can't replace those steps, but it can provide the complete and balanced foundation your dog needs for healthy skin and everyday wellbeing.

At Tom&Sawyer®, our Human Grade, Gently-Cooked meals make it easier to build high-quality nutrition into your dog's regular routine. If you're not sure which recipes or portions fit your pup, fill out our Meal Plan questionnaire and let us help you build a feeding plan around them.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What to do after a tick bite. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite/index.html