Why is my dog still getting ticks after treatment?

How do dogs get tick bites?

Dogs pick up ticks when they brush against long grass, plants or shrubs where these parasites are waiting. Ticks live in long grass, woodland, heathland or overgrown gardens. Ticks cannot jump or fly, they actually crawl and climb onto passing animals. This means even a short walk can lead to a tick bite. Wildlife can also bring ticks into gardens, where they stay so tick bites on your dog can also happen in winter. However, your pet is most likely to get ticks between spring and autumn.

What do ticks on dogs look like?

Ticks on dog skin can resemble tiny lumps or skin tags, especially before they have fed. Their colour varies, including brown, grey and pinkish shades. Look closely and you may see legs clustered near the head. Adult ticks and nymphs have eight legs, while larvae have six, although these can be difficult to see with the naked eye.

An engorged tick means the tick has fed on your dog’s blood and will be growing in size, looking like a small pea or bean. Smaller, unfed ticks are much easier to miss, especially under thick fur.

Click here for a picture of a tick on a dog!

How to check for ticks on dogs

Run your fingertips gently through your dog's coat, then part the hair to inspect any bumps. Check around the ears, head, armpits, groin and tummy. You should check after every walk with your dog, especially during summer time.

Why do ticks bite dogs?

Ticks bite dogs to feed on their blood, which supports the tick’s development and reproduction. This means that a dog can get bitten by a tick, regardless of how clean or well groomed they are.

Should I be worried if my dog has a tick?

Some ticks carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease, although being bitten does not automatically mean your dog will become infected. That’s why removing a tick quickly and using tick prevention treatment is important as it helps reduce the risk of infection. Don’t be fooled. Tick treatments don’t guarantee that a safe pet, tick-borne diseases can still be transmitted but it is less likely when your dog is on preventative treatment.

Tick treatment for dogs

Tick treatments include tablets, spot-on products and collars. How they work and their effectiveness differs. Some kill ticks after attachment, while certain products also repel them. The best tick treatment for your dog should be based on your dog's age, weight, health, lifestyle and travel plans. Tailored treatment, like Itch Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs ensures the preventative dose is safe and effective for your pet. 

Even if you’re using tick treatment on your dog, don’t leave a tick attached to your dog if you spot it. Always remove a tick quickly instead of waiting for medicine to work. The best tick removal tool is a tick hook, not tweezers as these can leave some of the tick left in your dog which increases the risk of infection. See How To Remove A Tick On Dog here!

How do I permanently get rid of ticks?

You cannot permanently get rid of ticks and stop them crawling onto your dog, forever. We promise you, no tick treatment will kill 100% of ticks and stop them coming back, so you never see a tick again. Trust us, it’s not going to happen. But you can prevent most tick bites with tick repellents and use vet-strength tick treatment, like Itch Spot-On Tick Treatment for Dogs to kill ticks if they do latch on your dog so you can limit the risk of infection.

To keep your dog tick-free, stay on top of your pet’s tick treatment schedule - The easiest way to do this is to have a tick treatment subscription for dogs which can deliver tick treatment, straight to your door, exactly when you need it so you never forget. Regardless of the tick medication your dog is on, always check your dog after walks and remove any attached ticks promptly. After removing a tick, watch for illness from the tick bite. Contact your vet if your dog develops lethargy, fever, reduced appetite, stiffness or limping, and mention the tick exposure. Lyme disease is one possible cause, and a vet should assess these symptoms even if your dog received tick treatment.