Ticks aren’t just gross — they’re dangerous.
If your dog isn’t on a tick preventative, it’s only a matter of time before one latches on. And when that happens, your pup isn’t the only one at risk. Ticks can carry serious diseases and easily hitch a ride into your home, putting both pets and people in danger.
The good news? Tick prevention is simple, effective, and widely available.
Below is everything you need to know about why tick prevention matters and the best tick prevention products for dogs.
Why Tick Prevention Is So Important
Ticks are more than a nuisance. They can transmit serious illnesses to dogs and humans, including:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
Once a tick attaches, disease transmission can happen quickly. Even worse, dogs can bring ticks indoors, where they may detach and attach to other pets — or you.
Preventative medications and prompt tick removal dramatically reduce the risk of disease, making year-round protection essential.
How Dogs Pick Up Ticks
Ticks thrive in outdoor environments, especially areas with:
- Tall grass
- Brush and bushes
- Wooded or shaded areas
If ticks are common in your yard, trimming vegetation and removing debris can help reduce exposure. Ticks also rely on rodents as intermediate hosts, so an unexplained tick problem may indicate a rodent issue nearby.
Still, environmental control alone isn’t enough — preventative medication is the most reliable defense.
Best Tick Prevention Products for Dogs
Tick preventatives come in two main forms:
Oral (Systemic) Medications
- Given as a chew or tablet
- Work from the inside out
- Ideal for households with young children, since there’s no medication residue on fur
Topical Treatments
- Applied directly to the skin
- Include spot treatments, shampoos, and sprays
Both options are effective, but oral preventatives are often preferred in family households.
Top Vet-Recommended Tick Prevention Options
1. Bravecto Chew for Dogs
Bravecto stands out because it offers up to 12 weeks of protection, while most preventatives last only one month. It treats and controls fleas and ticks and kills Lone Star ticks for up to eight weeks.
2. NexGard Chew for Dogs
NexGard is FDA-approved to help prevent Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks. It also kills adult fleas and lasts for one month. The beef-flavored chew makes dosing easy — even for picky dogs.
3. Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet
This all-in-one option kills five types of ticks while also preventing heartworm disease and treating roundworms and hookworms. It’s ideal if you want comprehensive parasite protection in a single monthly chew.
4. ADAMS Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
This shampoo kills fleas, ticks, lice, eggs, and larvae for up to 28 days. Made with aloe, coconut extract, and oatmeal, it soothes itchy skin and is safe for dogs 12 weeks and older.
5. K9 Advantix II Spot Treatment
This topical treatment repels and kills ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes on contact. It’s waterproof, effective for one month, and works across all flea life stages to help prevent reinfestation.
6. Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray
This versatile spray can be used directly on dogs or on surfaces like bedding, crates, and furniture. It uses plant-based ingredients to repel and kill ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes and can be used for both prevention and active infestations.
When Is Tick Season for Dogs?
Tick activity peaks during spring and summer, but tick season now lasts longer in many regions due to climate change. In warmer areas — like the southern U.S. — ticks can be active year-round.
After spending time outdoors, always check your dog for ticks, paying close attention to:
- Around the neck and ears
- Between legs and body folds
- Between the toes
And don’t forget to check yourself, too.
Do Dogs Need Tick Prevention in Winter?
Yes.
Even in colder months, ticks can remain active — especially during warm spells or in mild climates. This is also particularly important if you like to take your pup hiking, camping or on walks in the woods.
The Bottom Line
Tick prevention isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Keeping your dog on a reliable tick preventative year-round is one of the best things you can do to protect his health and your own. With the right product and consistent use, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about what might hitch a ride home 🐾
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