Key Takeaways
- Vet-prescribed treatments, tick-specific products, and pest control treatments can kill ticks.
- Natural remedies, such as citrus and vinegar, can be somewhat effective.
- You can prevent ticks by keeping up with yard maintenance and having regular treatments from professionals.
You protect your pets from ticks by taking precautions, such as avoiding tick-infested areas and applying treatments on your pets, and bringing in tick exterminators.
Spring is in the air. This means it’s not only time to enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s also tick season. Ticks are most active on Long Island during the spring and fall months. This means it is important to dress appropriately when going out in areas where ticks are known to inhabit, as well as thoroughly check for ticks. Not just for yourself and the people you love, but your pets as well.
While many diseases that humans get aren’t necessarily transferable to animals in the same ways, cats and dogs are all too vulnerable to tick bites. Our furry companions are just as susceptible to some of the worst results of a bite, including contracting Lyme disease and Tularemia.
What Kills Ticks on Dogs and Cats?
If you do find a tick on your furry friend, don’t panic, but do act quickly.
For dogs, oral medications and topical treatments prescribed by your vet are among the most effective options. For cats, topically spot-on treatments specifically formulated for felines are typically your safest bet. Never use a dog product on your cat, as this can lead to serious health complications.
Tick shampoos and dips can also be effective for both dogs and cats when used as directed. These products kill ticks during the bathing process, though they don’t offer long-lasting protection like monthly treatments do.
If you spot a tick already latched to your pet, carefully remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
What Can I Put On My Pet So It Doesn’t Get Ticks?
There are a number of natural remedies you can implement to naturally repel ticks from your dog. By combining certain essential oils with water and vodka, you can create a natural tick-repellent spray to apply to your pooch.
Please keep in mind that many essential oils are not safe to use with your cat, so this method will not apply to them. And regardless, you should discuss this with your veterinarian before applying any essential oils to your dog.
Citrus can also repel ticks. A similar concoction could be made by combining citrus elements (such as lime juice) with water and witch hazel and then using that as a spray instead. This should be safe for cats, but it’s still important to consult with a veterinarian before implementing this tick-warding tactic.
Does Vinegar Work?
Apple cider vinegar is another natural tick repellent you can use with your dog. You can either add a small amount to your dog’s water or make a similar kind of repellent spray as described above. A spray like that could be applied in the morning before going on a walk. It’s important to keep in mind that while apple cider vinegar might help to repel ticks, this and other natural methods do not kill them.
While you should always be vigilant about checking for ticks when your pet has been exposed to a high-risk tick area. The only way to truly have peace of mind is to consult with pest protection professionals who can remove the risk of ticks from your property.
How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs and Cats
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to protecting your beloved companions from these persistent parasites. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Keep up with preventative medications. Year-round tick prevention is recommended by most vets, even during winter months.
- Maintain your yard. Ticks thrive in tall grass, leaf litter, and overgrown brush.
- Perform daily tick checks. After walks or outdoor playtime (especially in wooded areas or tall grass), look through your pet’s fur, paying special attention to their ears, neck, between toes, and under the collar.
- Limit exposure in high-risk areas. When possible, keep your pets on designated trails and away from dense vegetation.
- Consider your landscaping choices. Certain plants, like lavender, rosemary, and chrysanthemums, have natural tick-repelling properties.
When to Call Pest Control
Sometimes, ticks become more than a manageable nuisance. Here’s when it’s time to bring in the professionals:
- You’re finding ticks regularly on your pets or family members despite taking preventive measures.
- You’ve noticed an increase in tick activity around your property.
- You live near wooded areas or fields where tick populations are naturally higher.
- You want to enjoy your outdoor spaces without constantly worrying about these bloodsucking pests.
- You’re preparing for outdoor gatherings and want to make sure your guests (two and four-legged) stay safe.
Pest professionals can treat your entire property, targeting the areas where ticks live and breed.
East End Tick & Mosquito Control® Can Protect You and Your Family: Including Your Pets!
Ticks are not only a menace to people, but to pets as well. We here at East End Tick & Mosquito Control® understand that your pets are your family, and we provide quality pest protection that’s mindful of the health of the animals you love.
Comfort and peace of mind are just a phone call away. You can also send us a message through our website, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
