So, with the mild winter and early spring, what is everyone using for tick control? Admittedly, I haven’t used anything in the past few years and have had no problems, but now I am training in a rural setting and last Sunday we already found ticks on people. I’m still going to use Ivermectin for heartworm preventative because of the cost savings (I get a $40 bottle of solution that expires before I can even use half of it) and because I have more control over the dosage. I find that the Heartgard dosage is too low. However I’m not sure what to use for ticks? Ideally I’d like something that repels ticks. All the products I’ve found so far guarantee to kill them within 24 hours, but that means the dog still gets bit and could possibly contract a tick-borne illness, right? Also I hate putting so many chemicals in/on my dogs. Has anyone used Preventic collars? I was considering using these, just when the dogs are tracking or hiking in rural areas.
Lies, There is a fly repellant made for horses, who have far more sensitive skin than dogs, called Ultra-Shield, it’s about 25.00 a bottle, I use it for fly control on my Shepherds and horses and it kills ticks, but the good thing is if you spray it on their coat before you go to the field, it repels the ticks from even getting on, I even spray a mist on my body prior to mountain rides.
Thanks Lorie. Someone else mentioned that to me and I wasn’t sure if it was safe (don’t want to grab any old thing to save a buck) but it sounds like a good deal! So you just use it like human bug spray, as-needed?
Yes Lies, just spray and massage in around their necks or the parts you think would be more tick prone, this is the best stuff for fly strike as well, it has a residual effect, I have never had ticks or fly problems on the dogs or horses for that matter, it smells good too.
Hi, Lies–I was looking into getting Ivermectin for last year, but never was satisfied that I had good dosage info. Do you have the formula for the dosage?
Here you go:
I use the Cattle (1%) Ivormectin (normal not the Plus). To get the correct dose for your dog(s) mix 1ml of 1% Ivormectin and 9 ml ofpropylene glycol. To get your dogs dose of the solution it is: Dog’s Weight x 2.72 ÷ 1000 = ____ ml.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/FOIADrugSummaries/UCM054879
1% ivermectin solution is the same as 0.01 g/mL or 10,000 mcg/mL (where mcg is micrograms).
A 0.08% ivermectin solution is 0.0008 g/mL or 800 mcg/mL.
Dogs susceptible to Ivermectin, GSD are listed:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/10/pet-dog-breeds-that-are-sensitive-to-ivermectin.aspx
Thank you, Julie. I have three more questions: How long does the Ivermectin stay good once the bottle’s been opened? Where will I buy the Propylene Glycol? And as far as the Advantix, I used Advantix 2 last year–I ‘m thinking it said that, in addition to the other stuff it says that it kills and repels, it both repels and kills ticks. Am I remembering this wrong?
I keep it refrigerated, but I will post something later today that is easier to use for heartworm prevention especially when you only have a few dogs.
The Propylene Glycol makes it easier to dose and makes the ivermectin more palpable.
Scratch that last question, Julie . . . just re-read your post about Advantix.
Ultrashield is an 8-hr repellent, which doesn’t help us because we live in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Here, we have the highest rates of Lyme in the country, with over 80% testing positive. We are using Frontline Plus, which controls fleas and ticks, are are still debating whether to have Dutch vaccinated against Lyme. I’ve copied and pasted some product info below:
Topical tick controlling products do not stop ticks from attaching and biting but they stop the tick from staying on long enough to transmit the disease. Ticks need to be attached for 48 hours to transmit the disease. If you don’t want to vaccinate your dog then it is very important to use tick control. Ticks have to remain on the dog for 48 hours in order to transmit Lyme Disease.
Topical products (Frontline, Advantix) should be used from early spring until late fall. They should also be used during the winter if there are a few days above freezing. I have seen dogs covered in ticks in February after a couple of days of warmer weather. Topical products work the best but if you want to avoid those too then do thorough tick checks on your dog after being in areas where ticks are present. The combination of a Lyme Disease vaccine and tick control is the best way to avoid infection.
From the research I have done, the Lyme vaccine is very unreliable in its effectiveness. In other words, even if you get him the Lyme vaccine, he is not 100% guaranteed to not contract the disease. In some dogs the vaccine has had some severe side effects, including introducing a form of Lyme disease that is untreatable. There have been several types of Lyme disease vaccines offered over the last several years as well, so you don’t know exactly which ones you are getting.
It’s one of those questions that is so hard to answer in regards to your dog and its environment. You have to weight the potential risks of the disease vs. the potential dangers/benefits of the vaccine and make your decision. It’s never easy. Each owner has to answer this for themselves, as there is no best answer.
I have always thought that the best possible defense against it is to know your dog(s) very well, so that you will notice any change in routine right away. Rub your hands over them after coming inside. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms. This way, if there are any concerns, you can get them to a vet right away where treatments are available.
You’re preaching to the choir, Lee! You are right, and that’s why we never vaccinated our Lab. Unfortunately, he contracted Lyme in spite of the topical flea and tick control. The Lyme was so severe our vet called it “Lyme Arthritis.” He was completely immobile, barely able to move, let alone walk, and so lethargic. Fortunately, he did not develop Lyme nephritis, which is also seen more in Labs than some other breeds, and is often fatal. He was placed on weeks of antibiotics, and now he is very active and healthy. I know the vaccine is not 100%, but around here, they are almost 100% guaranteed to get Lyme without it. I know all the risks, and that’s why we are still undecided. It is a tough call, and we definitely see all sides of this issue. almost every dog here gets the vaccination if it’s not too late (with titre indicating previous exposure). Our vet believes that the benefits far outweigh the risks, and has been recommending it for our area.
I swear by Advantix, the stuff really works. We have killer deer flies and they do not even come near my dogs when they have Advantix applied. Not even the dogs that are kenneled right next to the woods. It also keeps mosquitoes and ticks away. It is a poison. Do not apply to your dog in one spot only, I apply in about 6 to 8 spots along the back. Do not apply to pregnant or nursing dogs or young puppies. I do not use on my older dogs that live in the house.
kills and repels ticks often before they can attach to help reduce the potential risk of tick-transmitted diseases such as Lyme, ehrlichiosis and others
kills and repels mosquitoes which can carry Heartworm disease and West Nile Virus
kills fleas on dogs within 12 hours, prevents eggs and young from developing PLUS a single dose repels fleas for up to a month to prevent infestations
is a fast and easy to apply liquid topical that also kills lice and repels biting flies
continues working even after your pet swims or is given a bath
I have Batty on K9 Advantix for the spring/summer months. We had a very mild winter, and one of our neighborhood GSD pals already contracted Lyme disease, so I’m being very careful.
I also use Shoo!Tag flea/tick tags on him: http://www.amazon.com/shoo-TAG-Flea-Tick-Barrier/dp/B0021L8XBO/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1333213642&sr=1-1
I honestly don’t know if they’re effective, but they’re popular with area hunters, and they’re chemical-free, so I know I’m not harming him. They last for 4 months. Hopefully, with the Advantix and the tags, we’ll stay flea- and tick-free this season.
I also vacuum almost everyday and wash his bedding regularly. I spray natural (no chemical) flea/tick repellant on his bedding. When you vacuum, make sure to get the edges of the furniture and all the areas your dog likes to rub up against.
I think I read somewhere that a little apple cider vinegar with meals helps deter fleas/ticks? Also, diatomaceous earth is another deterrent.