Controlling Ticks on Labrador Retrievers

Best Tick Control for Labrador Retrievers


Tick control in Labrador Retrievers is not unlike that used for fleas in that there are no shortcuts, no sure cures, and the battle must be on-going. Tick control is a two-step process, in that measures must be implemented to treat both the environment and the  Labrador Retriever. Ticks, despite all their legs and ugliness are not hard to kill.

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Reduce ticks in the in Labrador Retrievers environment

Tick control in the in Labrador Retrievers' environment generally involves removing tick habitat. Removing leaves and clearing brush and tall grass from around the house and kennel areas can help reduce the number of ticks.

Because rodents, deer, and other animals can harbor ticks, it is important to control these animals as well.

Remember the cold, frosty fall weather does not kill ticks, and in fact, that is when the deer tick numbers are at their peak. In Northern, Wisconsin, the best time to contract Lyme Disease is during September, October, and November since the deer tick is the primary carrier. The point here is that environmental control needs to continue into the fall and early winter.

The Brown Dog Tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most troublesome tick in Labrador Retrievers in kennels and yards and is found almost everywhere. It can complete its life cycle in about 2 months, and although uncommon, it can become established indoors. If you do encounter an indoor tick problem, then use a flea and tick fogger. Fog as you would for fleas. In the house, ticks tend to crawl to a higher area (like they do in grass). They may be found in cracks around windows and doors. Because of this tendency and the fact that ticks crawl, and do not jump or fly, another option is to apply a 1-foot barrier of insecticide such as a flea and tick powder where the carpet meets the wall around the entire room. As a result, ticks moving to the walls to climb higher will come in contact with the insecticide and be killed. And, finally, remember to wash the pet's bedding regularly.

Tick control for your Labrador Retrievers

Keeping in Labrador Retrievers out of grasses and woods helps to reduce their exposure to ticks. But any in Labrador Retrievers outside can quite easily have a tick crawl on board. Perform a "tick check" on yourself and your in Labrador Retriever after returning from being outside.

Products that kill and repel ticks are often needed. Products for in Labrador Retrievers are many and varied and include once-a-month topical products, sprays, powders, dips, shampoos, and collars.
Permethrin should NOT be used on in Labrador Retriever households that also include cats. Instead, use a product containing pyrethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil.

Once-a-month Topicals for Flea Control in Labrador Retrievers : Once-a-month topical insecticides are applied to a small area on the back of the pet, are probably the easiest product to use, and generally, last the longest. Some kill fleas and ticks, and others just fleas, so check the label carefully. Ingredients generally include permethrin, pyrethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil. Examples of these products include Bio Spot-Spot On for Cats, Bio Spot-Spot On for Dogs, K9 Advantix II for Dogs, and Frontline Top Spot. Revolution, which contains selamectin, is a monthly topical product that controls American Dog Ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) only.

Flea Sprays for Labrador Retrievers: Flea and tick control sprays can come as aerosols or pump bottles. When using a spray, you do not have to soak the in Labrador Retriever with the spray, but be sure to spray all parts of the animal. Spray a small amount on a cotton ball to apply the product around the eyes and ears. Do not get any of these products in the eyes. Follow your veterinarian's and the manufacturer's directions on how often to spray, and spray in a well-ventilated area. Sprays often contain permethrin (use on in Labrador Retrievers only, not on cats) or pyrethrin.


Flea Shampoos for Labrador Retrievers: Shampoos help to primarily rid the pet of the ticks it already has on it, although some have residual activity. To properly use a flea & tick shampoo you must be sure to work the shampoo in over the entire body and then leave it on at least 10 minutes before you rinse it off. This is true of almost any medicated shampoo. Again, remember to protect the eyes and ears of the pet. (HINT: Cats often do not like running water It is often better to pour water over a cat with a large pitcher.) Shampoos often contain pyrethrin.

Flea Collars for Labrador Retrievers: Collars can be effective, but must be applied properly. To get the right degree of snugness, you should just be able to get two fingers between the collar and the neck of your  Labrador Retriever. Be sure to cut off any excess portion of the collar after you have properly applied it. Otherwise, that animal or other pets may try to chew on the end. Check the package for information on duration of effectiveness since many collars lose effectiveness when they get wet, e.g.; if a dog swims a lot. Watch carefully for any irritation under the collar. If this occurs, you may need to use a different product.
Do NOT use collars containing amitraz, permethrin, or organophosphates on cats.

In severely tick-infested areas or forLabrador Retrievers who spend a lot of time outdoors and in the woods, we have found a Preventic Tick Collar in addition to a topical one-a-month product is going to give your dog the best protection. This collar contains Amitraz, which is approved to use in conjunction with most other flea and tick products. With the Preventic Collar, 95% of the ticks will detach and die within 24 hours.

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Remember, with any tick preventive you use on your pet, the ticks must actually be in contact with the active ingredient to be killed by it. For instance, if you only use a tick collar, you may see ticks attached and feeding on the dog, even directly under the tick collar. This has to happen for the tick to take in the insecticide and die. A good tick collar will kill the tick in 24 hours or less. This greatly reduces the risk of tick-transmitted diseases since it generally requires the tick be attached for 48 hours or more for disease to be transmitted.

Even a in Labrador Retriever who is treated with an insecticide could potentially get a tick that attaches for a sufficient time to transmit disease. Vaccines for Lyme disease for in Labrador Retriever are available to provide that extra protection.

Tick control in the outdoor environment generally involves eliminating the habitat in the yard and kennel areas where ticks are most likely to occur. Ticks tend to prefer tall grass and brush from which they can more easily get onto an animal. To help prevent tick exposure, try to keep your pet from entering brush and tall grass. Keep grass cut short. Discourage deer from entering your yard.

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