Willow and Shadow had a fantastic weekend of running through very long grass while we were property hunting in Spain. When we got home last night, I found a tick inside Shadow's ear and, on doing a thorough inspection, one more in his "armpit" and another between his toes. It's less than a month since he had Advantix put on and, whilst he's done a bit of swimming in that time, it's not been a huge amount. So now I'm thinking that Advantix is not strong enough for what we need, although Willow didn't have any ticks at all. I don't like the look of the collars, but I'm wondering if it's worth getting them to use alongside the Advantix in that sort of countryside. Should Advantix be 100% effective, or is it just the case that I'd have found a hundred ticks on him rather than three if he hadn't been treated? I was glad for my tick twisters, anyway.
Advantix says 4 weeks for ticks but I expect it becomes less effective towards the end of the period and swimming probably reduces efficacy as well. I think perhaps just a bit unlucky for Shadow if Willow was clear, and of course the problem is they like humans as well , although I it was just wandering and not attached it sounds as if the Advantix might still have some effect.
I don't use any chemical treatment but if you want to use something in addition to Advantix I would dilute some applecider vinegar (if you can get it where you are) into a plant spray bottle and cover them with it (avoiding eyes). This is often used as a base for natural insect repellents and doesn't do any harm to the dogs. It also won't react with any chemical treatments you are using.
We just found one between Willow's toes after a really close inspection with a torch. It's a lot harder on her black coat than on Shadow's pale yellow. Found another one on Shadow's bum hole, too! All the ticks on the dogs were attached, just the one that crawled onto J wasn't. Ew. I'm going to pop into the vets tomorrow and see what he suggests. It may be that at this time of year we need to apply the Advantix more frequently. I'm all for using appropriate chemicals to do a job - I use 100% DEET on myself. The vinegar wouldn't last past a quick dip in a lake, would it? One thing I can think of is that when I last applied the Advantix, Shadow got up on the sofa and some of the liquid got wiped onto the leather - argh. So, he likely didn't get a full application. These things are disgusting. And remarkably difficult to kill
Before I stopped using chemicals I tried both Frontline spot on and stronghold and my two still got ticks! I didn't realise your dogs were in water every day, but if not going in water I would spray dogs every day before walk. If your dogs swim everyday then I wouldn't be wasting money on spot on treatment, you would be better to look at a tablet form of treatment, if there is one ?
No, they don't swim every day, but about three out of every five they'll have a swim; the other days they'll just paddle in streams. I've been considering Bravecto, which is a tablet treatment. I disregarded it at first as the ticks have to attach in order to be killed, and I didn't like that idea. However, if I'm getting ticks anyway, it might be worth considering. However (again), if what I've read is true and the Advantix massively reduces the number of ticks attaching even if a few get through, then they would have been dripping with them if I had been using a tablet treatment. Which sends shivers down my spine. I haven't had any ticks here in Andorra, although I know they are around - friends' dogs have had them - but I spent the weekend walking around olive farms in Spain, where we're looking at buying a property, and it's obvious there are far more ticks there in the long grass.
Advantix can be applied every two weeks. There are some ticks here that require that frequency of application. Generally we wait 48 hours before allowing any swimming afterwards. Not sure what the manufacturer recommends. Were the attached ticks alive (legs waving when you pulled them out) or dead? I doubt that vinegar would be effective against ticks. They give me the heebie jeebies too, awful things.
Yup, they were all alive. The first one I pulled out went onto my hand, I panicked and flapped my hand, so had to go tick-hunting on the floor. I was outside by that point, in the dark. Fun times. I'm glad they were all alive, gross as they were, because it means I didn't pull their heads off, which I was worried about. My first time(s) using a tick tool. That's one to add to my CV. I think I'm happy keeping the application as monthly here, but when we go to that kind of land again (and if we end up buying the property) I'll definitely increase it to fortnightly. It's a good job I found another vet that sells it at a better price - the price my own vet charges would cripple me for fortnightly applications!
I've used Seresto collars which were extremely effective but they're not supposed to be great for aquatic life. Mine don't swim that often so I pop the collars off for swimming. Riley is on Bravecto this season and the vet said the ticks kind of fall into a stupor and slide out. Occasionally you get one left in but it's dead. So far I haven't found any and Riley had two ticks the week prior to treatment.
Oh lord they are horrible things....I haven't had any on Dexter this year.....I Used Frontline for his first year,then found 3 on him ,the vet told me Frontline was pretty ineffective now for ticks and gave me prescriptions for Advantix that I eventually persuaded PAH in the UK to fill for me....it's not available in the UAE.PAH suddenly said they wouldn't be able to accommodate me anymore without seeing Dexter and when I explained that I couldn't get Advantix in the UAE the vet there said try and get hold of Bravecto ,it really is the most effective tick treatment available.Of course Bravecto isn't available in the UAE either.I use Revolution now and whilst ticks are around and appearing on dogs I know we've had nothing this year ......
How long do the ticks stay attached with the Bravecto before dying? Do you still give your dogs a once-over when you come back from a walk and remove any you find?
Vinegar is acetic acid - it's a chemical. Only one that has not been tested for safely or effectiveness at repelling ticks when applied to dogs. It's quite corrosive, if you are stuck to clear a blocked drain, try pouring a bottle of vinegar down the plug hole - it's as effective as bleach.
I won't be saying anything further on this thread. I am sure that there are many other forum members who don't treat their dogs with chemical treatments but that are too scared to admit it on here for fear of being blasted. Making people aware that they are other ways to treat is all and giving my experience of using other methods is all I have ever tried to do. Unfortunately, on this thread, and many others it feels that unless you are a senior member that what you have to say means nothing!
RubyRubyRuby - it's hardly a case of being "blasted", pointing out that saying vinegar is not a chemical is wrong, and things people view as "natural" can be quite powerful agents, is just stating the facts. I do think that it's potentially dangerous for people to recommend unproven "natural" remedies (for reasons that range from they may leave their dog unprotected to causing harm), and yes, I do tend to challenge those statements when I see them - for fear they influence people, and so I hope to at least prompt people think it though. It's nothing to do with whether you are a senior member or not.
Angela, could you get a vet in the UK to prescribe Bravecto for you, and take it back to the UAE after your holiday? Fiona, ticks have to attach for between 8-12 hours for the Bravecto to kill them. They are always dried up and shriveled when I find them on Poppy.
I found some great DIY recipes for ticks, mosquitos and fleas on Pintrest and other sites for our little Mazie. I use distilled water, mixed with witch hazel and lavender and citronella oil. It actually smells pretty good. I shake it up ion a spray bottle and lightly spritz her fur then give it a little rub.
