Hi Guys, I am a volunteer for BADA-UK we raise awareness about ticks and the diseases they carry, the main one being Lyme Disease. We have a Tick Bite Prevention Week each year, it starts on March 26th. I am trying to reach out to as many relevant forums as possible to help give correct information regarding ticks, there are such a lot of myths and old wives tales that we try to dispel. I hope you don't mind me posting on here. I am not a spammer. I will try to answer any questions you may have as quickly as I can. If there is something you feel is urgent you can contact us through our website www.bada-uk.org we are also on Facebook and Twitter.
I am the owner of 5 dogs, we have 2 black labs one 10 and one 5..then we have 3 Working Cockers oldest is 2 and our pups are 12 weeks old. So I have experience with dogs. Hopefully I maybe able to help.

Thanks for your time

[Admin - permission to post]

You might need to start the awareness week sooner I've just found the first one of the year tonight :(

Dogs are equally at risk from ticks as their owners and can be severely affected by Lyme disease and other tick-associated infections.  

Tick Bite Prevention Week, supported by Mosi-guard Natural(TM), runs from 26 March - 1 April 2012. This is an annual programme that helps promote awareness of tick-borne diseases and effective tick-bite prevention for at-risk groups, including pet owners and their animals so that they can enjoy the great outdoors in increased safety.

Several types of ticks are commonly found on dogs and cats in the UK. The sheep tick (also known as the deer tick or wood tick) and the hedgehog tick are the most common to attach to dogs and cats in the UK, and both commonly transmit Lyme disease to people and domestic animals. The British dog tick, kennel tick and marsh tick are also known to transmit canine Lyme disease.

The Tick Bite Prevention Week website gives advice on tick bite prevention, what to do if bitten, and how to safely remove ticks. A dedicated 'Pets Zone' has been launched which offers advice on how to keep your pets protected in the warmer months at www.tickbitepreventionweek.org.

If you guys have any questions just ask away, I am keeping my eye on a quite a few forums, but will answer as soon as is possible. If you think it is urgent contact us through our website www.bada-uk.org

thanks for reading

Ticks become active when the temperature is 3.5 degrees and above, so with such a mild winter they are taking full advantage of it...

My double coated dogs living in tone have fortunately never been bothered by ticks. 

Until that is January/February 2009 when a litter of pups started going outside I was horrified to find them picking up ticks (I frontline sprayed the pups when these were found). 

When this happened again with a litter born in May 2010, for my next litter in 2011 I sprayed the pups with frontline 24 hours before their first trip outdoors (no ticks picked up), and for those still with me a month later I repeated the treatment. 

Interestingly no ticks found on the pup kept at 3 months when I would have reapplied frontlien,a nd no sign of ticks on the adults even though I do not routinely apply insecticide anymore, though I do use an insecticidal shampoo for the occasional bath.

I have hedgehogs and foxes come into the garden, but live in a urban/suburban housing estate, and never found ticks on my dogs before.  I assume that I only find them on the pups because they have less coat on their undersides at that age?????  I am also assuming these are hedgehog ticks.

> I sprayed the pups with frontline 24 hours before their first trip outdoors (no ticks picked up), and for those still with me a month later I repeated the treatment. 

We had a bad year in 2010. We live in the country and have a very large garden full of hedges and 'wild' areas that both dogs love. When the first tick 'arrived' I used Frontline, but within a short while more appeared. I am VERY reluctant to use Frontline monthly particularly as one of my dogs is elderly. Last year we only had one tick. I have Frontline ready should we get more ticks ths year, but I'm only going to use it if really necessary. What is the worse risk - an overdose of Frontline or the chance of Lyme's disease ??

I only use the spray and only used it on the pups, not the adults who for some strange reason are not picking them up at all, and I do check carefully each week when grooming.

As I said never had them before the Jan/feb 2009 (we had snow just before then) and in June 2010, so decided not to risk them picking them up last year.  ticks really creep me out and I would be so ashamed to send pups to new homes with such passengers.

>  ticks really creep me out

They've never really bothered me. I use a tick remover and apart from the little lump/scab that they leave we have never had any problems (touch wood !). My main problem is the use of Frontline monthly. I will only use it in the future if we seem to be getting a glut of the little monsters :)

> I only use the spray

I've never used the spray - only the spot-on. It's just the thought of me/the dogs inhaling it or it getting everywhere (do you do it outside ?) - is that not a problem ?

I refuse to use a spot on.  I keep a bottle of Frontline spray in the house, although I don't routinely use it.  I have never found it necessary to drench a dog in it, so fumes are limited.

I use the spray as a "blast" on an offending tick, and have not needed to use the spray all over the dog.  I can remember, years ago, buying a Yorkshire Terrier pup, and the breeder spraying the pup before it left home.  Poor little mite was drenched.

I too refuse to use a spot on - or a spray.

I use the Scalibor collars, which have recently come off being prescription-only.  These collars are extremely cost-effective, since they cost around £9 and last for an entire tick season (6 months) (ok, perhaps not an entire season if you live where it starts as early as February, but still much cheaper than spot-ons!).  Scalibor collars are very popular in Europe where the tick problem is arguably even more problematic with more diseases and a greater prevalence of them.

Furthermore, spot-ons and sprays cannot be removed from a dog.  If a dog swims, the pesticides are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms and fish.  (They are also toxic to bees and all insects.)

The Scalibor collar can easily be slipped off the dog's neck before it swims.

I don't trust Frontline spot-ons at all, having heard of lots of people whose dogs were treated with it, yet still got ticks.  When I used to use a spot-on, I used K9 Advantix.  I never found a tick with that.  But, as I said, the last few seasons I've used Scalibor collars:  http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/dogs/flea-and-tick/Scalibor-Collar.html

Interestingly no ticks found on the pup kept at 3 months when I would have reapplied frontlien,a nd no sign of ticks on the adults even though I do not routinely apply insecticide anymore, though I do use an insecticidal shampoo for the occasional bath.

only find them on the pups because they have less coat on their undersides at that age?????  I am also assuming these are hedgehog ticks.

Frontline will not stop ticks getting on dogs, what it does is poison the ticks once they bite and start to feed. You can get spot ons that repel. Advantix is only available from the vet, also Frontline have literally just released a new spot on similar to Advantix is it is called Certifect. This is also only available from the vets. Ticks are where ever you have wildlife, when a tick has finished it's blood meal it just retracts from the host and falls off. So where ever the host is the tick will be. The cases of Urban Lyme are on the increase, and there have been ticks found in the centre of cities.

As I have said to the last poster Frontline won't repel ticks they have to attach to be poisoned. There are other routes you can take, some products are totally herbal. I've added a link to the page on our website that has the products we recommend. You can also use Billy no mates, it is a herbal powder you put over your dogs food. Also there is Calendula Oil which you can use on your dog and yourself, or Flea or Die Shampoo is also herbal. It is difficult as different products seem to work better on some dogs than others, it can be a case of try and see what works.

Regarding your question about overdosing on Frontline, I would NEVER advise using it more than the companies recommended, so if you use it as the instructions state you should be fine. These products go through rigorous testing before being granted licenses. As for Lyme in dogs it isn't nice so really I can't give you an outright answer. I would prefer neither really. There are spot ons that repel rather than the tick having to attach, but the choice is yours as to what is best for you dog.

http://www.bada-uk.org/petsproblems/prevention/indextickprevention.php

Sorry but you should never put any product on the tick, or smother it/burn it/freeze it or try to use your fingers, all of these will make the tick regurgitate it's gut contents into your dog, and that could pass on any bacteria in it's gut. You should only ever remove a tick with a proper tool the safest and easiest one to use and proven to be the best is the O' Tom tick twister, it removes the mouth parts a well. You can you herbal products to protect your dog I have attached a link to our website and it tells you what is available.

http://www.bada-uk.org/petsproblems/prevention/indextickprevention.php

I too refuse to use a spot on - or a spray.

I use the Scalibor collars, which have recently come off being prescription-only.  These collars are extremely cost-effective, since they cost around £9 and last for an entire tick season (6 months) (ok, perhaps not an entire season if you live where it starts as early as February, but still much cheaper than spot-ons!).  Scalibor collars are very popular in Europe where the tick problem is arguably even more problematic with more diseases and a greater prevalence of them.

Furthermore, spot-ons and sprays cannot be removed from a dog.  If a dog swims, the pesticides are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms and fish.  (They are also toxic to bees and all insects.)

The Scalibor collar can easily be slipped off the dog's neck before it swims.

I don't trust Frontline spot-ons at all, having heard of lots of people whose dogs were treated with it, yet still got ticks.  When I used to use a spot-on, I used K9 Advantix.  I never found a tick with that.  But, as I said, the last few seasons I've used Scalibor collars:  http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/dogs/flea-and-tick/Scalibor-Collar.html

Hi Rabid, Glad to hear you have found something that works for you. The collars have the same active ingredient in them as Advantix, but as you say much more cost effective. I have 5 working dogs and have heard other talk of the collars but never used them myself, to afraid my dogs will get them caught on the bracken etc.

> Sorry but you should never put any product on the tick, or smother it/burn it/freeze it or try to use your fingers, all of these will make the tick regurgitate it's gut contents into your dog, and that could pass on any bacteria in it's gut.

Thank you, have only found one but had been told to apply an ice cube before removing - won't do that again.

>Sorry but you should never put any product on the tick,

Well, this is something that I have done for almost 50 years.  It is what my current veterinary surgeon recommends, and it is something that I will continue to do.  I use the little green twister to remove the tick, as my vet prefers that I remove them dead, rather than twist them while alive.

I have an awful lot of dogs.  They all live indoors.  I have experienced probably 5 ticks in the last 10 years.

>all of these will make the tick regurgitate it's gut contents into your dog

I think that is a sweeping statement, and my reply is - it has never happened to me.

The Scalibor collars don't get caught on bracken/undergrowth - they are elasticated anyway (stretchy rubber) and are put on more loosely than a regular collar, so would just come right off if caught. 

I too have working dogs and they have never got caught up in anything.

Scalibor do use a pesticide, like Advantix, but it is not the same active ingredient.  (Not saying that's better or worse, it's just a different pesticide.)  There is not the same spreading wet patch effect with a collar, and having a wet spot on, I think increases the chances of the pesticide ending up on people, furniture and other things in the house.  So I do think it's safer/more contained with a collar.

I try to use natural products at the beginning of the tick season, since they are not a big problem then.  I am always on the look-out for better/more effective natural remedies, so if anyone has any suggestions, please do post.  (Ie natural sprays/shampoos which will help deter them.)

The Scalibor collars don't get caught on bracken/undergrowth - they are elasticated anyway (stretchy rubber) and are put on more loosely than a regular collar, so would just come right off if caught

I try to use natural products at the beginning of the tick season, since they are not a big problem then.  I am always on the look-out for better/more effective natural remedies, so if anyone has any suggestions, please do post.  (Ie natural sprays/shampoos which will help deter them.)

Thanks for the info, I might try the collars as I say just worry they would get caught. But that is good that you have had no issues with that happening,The only thing with Advantix is it is a large vile especially for a wee Cocker. It does make her hair look greasey until it has all soaked in. If you look at the link below there are natural alternatives. We only put  products on our site are proven to work, and work well.

http://www.bada-uk.org/products/repellent_products.php

"Sorry but you should never put any product on the tick."

I stand fully behind this statement, years ago it was the advice to smother/burn ticks off. Now that more research has been carried out, we know this to be incorrect. The links below backs this up, and will give you other information, I hope you find helpful. We pride ourselves on giving people the correct information, and best practise. I think your vet should maybe have a look at the links as well. It is good that you have an O'Tom tick twister, but there is absolutely no need to kill the ticks before removal. The  tool is designed to remove live tick safely and effectively.

Health Protection Agency

Attached ticks should not be covered with volatile oils, or burnt with lighted cigarette ends or match heads, as these actions risk damaging the skin.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/LymeDisease/GeneralInformation/lym005GeneralInformation/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Avoid folklore remedies such as "painting" the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. Your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible--not waiting for it to detach.
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

Health Protection Scotland

Do not cover the tick with oils, lotions or chemicals and do not burn it as this may increase the likelihood of it passing on a disease. After the tick has been removed wash the area well.

http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/giz/general/tick-factsheet-2009-04.pdf

Regarding you never having a tick regurgitate, no offence but it is totally impossible for you to know if this has happened or not. There are no way of telling if a tick has regurgitated or not. I have 5 working dogs who live inside our house, so we come across ticks often. It can be almost impossible to know if you dog has picked up a tick or not, as at the larval stage they are smaller than a poppy seed. It is only when they are adults and engorged they are easier to spot. I have attached a link to show the different sizes of ticks through out their life cycle.

http://www.bada-uk.org/learn/Gallery/tick-gall.php

All we are trying to do, is raise awareness about ticks. As a lot of people have never seen them. We work very hard to give the best practise information possible. It is not in our interest to do otherwise.

Hopefully this will make you think a wee bit differently

I've purchased a supply of Advantix for this coming season, as we are regularly in "tick country" throughout the summer months. The dogs come back from a walk covered in them! I asked my vet for their recommendation, thus the purchase of Advantix.

Am interested in the collars, will take a look at them...

My preferred method is the tick hook, easy and painfree way to get the little beggars out!

Hate ticks, but as a dog owner, always need to be prepared and know how to get them out.

I have used Advantix on my dogs and it worked really well, you may still get the very rare one, but nothing works 100% and every dog like people are different. You have to make sure with the Advantix that you keep it up to date, otherwise they will be back with gusto....If you try the collar too could you let me know how it went, interesting to hear how others get on with products. It would be an easier place if there was a "one size fits all" tick repellent. Some people are tick magnets, my husband for one! the ticks have sensors on the underside of their legs, they pick up on how much Carbon Dioxide is expelled, the temperature of the prospective host and the level of pheromones, so that is why some people/dogs seem more enticing for the ticks. Great to hear you use your tick twister, they are so much kinder and safer than other ones on the market. Also you can use it on yourself if you get any...mine get used by us all.

There are herbal products you can try, but again it doesn't work on all dogs...it can really be a "suck and see" situation. You can use some of them as well as the chemical spot ons if you want to.

I've heard that giving garlic tablets is a good repellent. I wonder if there would be any harm in giving garlic as well as using Advantix? Have been thinking about starting to give it again. Not sure how well it worked last time, but as garlic is an all round tonic, can't do harm.

I find with ticks, if you check your dog all over after a walk, especially if you've been walking in an area likely to be rife with ticks, depending on colour and coat of the dog, it's fairly easy to see the ticks walking around in the coat. I have Golden Retrievers and I always give a quick once over. I find that a slicker brush is also good at flushing any ticks not yet attached out of a dense coat.

I recently had to remove a tick from the corner of the eye (inside corner) of my youngest, who was just over a year old at the time, she's a wriggler at the best of times. Still, we manged to get it all out with the twister. Best thing ever for getting them out, and cheap too!!

We had a horrendous year last year for ticks - at some points we were getting them on every dog, every walk (deer country) - my o'tom is my best friend, quick flick of the wrist and they are history.

Might give the collar a go, see if they work on my lot.

I always thought the Scalibor collars were effective for Sand flies which pass on Leshmeniasis (sp), didn't know they worked for ticks.

I have never used insecticidal collars since I had more than one dog as dogs most often play by scruffing each other and I fear ingestion.

Also most of the insecticidal products are not for use in young puppies which is where I have had tick issues.  My over three month old ones don't seem to pick up our city ticks.

No longer use insecticides for fleas preventively (do keep Acclaim on hand and spray around the house (and their kennel, which they sleep in at night), and use Vetzyme JDS insecticidal to bath them, usually 2 to 4 times a year, depending on if they are grubby for a big show.

>Regarding you never having a tick regurgitate, no offence but it is totally impossible for you to know if this has happened or not.

That's a bit hypocritical.  If it is impossible for me to know if this has happened, then how can you tell me previously that it ALWAYS regurgitates. 

It is not impossible for me to know, and I resent that you assume I have no knowledge whatsoever.  It is extremely rude of you to talk down to me, so I will now retire from this particular thread.

You shouldn't use Scalibor collars if you have cats, because they contain permethrin which is toxic to felines.

We use scalibor collars after we realised Frontline wasn't being effective.   We run working gundogs, and the collars haven't been a problem.   They are used in Sweden by most gundogs in the training classes we have taken over there.

We lost our Phoebe to Lyme's disease when it wasn't common in the country, so wasn't diagnosed in time.     I wouldn't wish it on any dog or person.      Don't like chemicals, but definitely the lesser of the two evils

Jo

> You shouldn't use Scalibor collars if you have cats, because they contain permethrin which is toxic to felines.

Yes it is.... another reason to avoid over-the-counter and supermarket flea treatments for cats.

To the OP - What is your advice for cats?
A few years ago I had mother cat and 6 kittens absolutely covered in ticks after being allowed a little free time out in my small back yard once they were old enough. I assume they were hedgehog ticks as no other possible vector had been in the garden - I'd had a rescued hedgehog with me for a short period 18 months before. 

They came in smothered - I removed at least 6 from each kitten, and a further 9 from mum and most of them were far too small for my tick remover to grasp. [A Tom O'Tick would have failed as well]. Manually removing over 40 ticks as quickly as possible, with some of them as small as pinheads, wasn't my idea of fun! Oddly enough my dog didn't have any at all.

I got some Frontline Spray from the vet the next day and had no further problems but it was like a low budget B-movie horror film at the time, [Attack of the Killer Ticks! maybe... or Ticks From Outer Space!! or even Invasion Of The Kitten Suckers!] and seriously not something I ever hope to experience again.

[It's made me itch just remembering it...lol]

That's like it was with the puppies but fortunately only one or two at a time.

You have to be careful as too much garlic can make dogs ill. There is a powder you can get that you sprinkle over the dogs food, it is a mixture of herbs and garlic. It is called Billy no mates and is sold by CSJ food.

For the young pups over 12 weeks you could use Flea or Die Shampoo. Or from when a pup is weaned you can put Billy no mates powder on their food. It is a combination of hebs and garlic and totally natural. We did do a test with it on Game keepers dogs years ago and we got very positive feedback....but with all things what works for one doesn't for another.

Sorry to hear of your loss JoFlatcoat. It is a horrible way for a dog to pass.

MsTemeraire that sounds awful. I have attached a link to the page on our website that has pet repellents, I hope this is of some help.

http://www.bada-uk.org/petsproblems/prevention/tickpreventionpromeris.php

That's a bit hypocritical.  If it is impossible for me to know if this has happened, then how can you tell me previously that it ALWAYS regurgitates. 

It is not impossible for me to know, and I resent that you assume I have no knowledge whatsoever.  It is extremely rude of you to talk down to me, so I will now retire from this particular thread.

Ok to clarify for others, a ticks defence mechanism is to regurgitate it's gut contents into it's host. This means the mouthparts move together a bit more and then the tick backs out of the host. This is a fully researched fact I haven't made this up. Which is why it is so important you remove a tick without stressing it. It is impossible for you/me anyone to know if they have regurgitated as there are no outward signs..I am in no way saying you have no knowledge, but if you know something the scientists don't know, I would love to know how you can tell what ticks have regurgitated and what ones haven't. I am sorry you have left the thread, as no offence was meant.