UGH, Deer ticks! - UPDATE

[Sharon & Monty]

Last evening I took Monty for our usual stroll behind the house down through the forest. 

 

Later on while watching TV while Monty was laying on the couch beside me, I noticed a teeny tiny black speck on his white fur.  I was hoping it wasn't a deer tick, but oh yes it was.  Ok, no big deal I've seen them from time to time on Monty, he is on Frontline Plus.  A bit later, another one.  Awhile later....2 more!  Well now I'm creeped out.  

 

We took Monty to the bathroom with the brightest lights available and started looking him over real close.  I couldn't believe I found 2 more.  As I understand if the ticks bite Monty they will die?  They were not at his skin level but crawling around in his fur.  We they trying to get away?  Had they bit him yet?

 

The truth is, I'm not so worried about Monty as I am wondering if they were jumping ship and DH and I were to be the next victim!  They are so tiny, no bigger than a pinhead.  We did walk through the forest, but nearly our entire yard is forest!   I love when we see deer out back, but maybe not so much anymore. :(

 

Deer ticks are still horrible at our house.  I found more than 20 on Monty after we spent the day doing yard work.  We went the to vet and I discussed my concerns.  She did not recommend the Advantix, still feels that the Frontline Plus is the better choice.  Frontline has come out with a new heavy duty med...can't remember the name.  I almost bought it, then thought if its heavy duty, more nasty stuff I really dont' wish to put on Monty.  Its not like I'm finding them attached, only 2 so far, and they fell off dead.  I did ask about a spray, thinking maybe I should spray his fur and they would be less inclined to run around on him?  Frontline does have a spray... and it only cost $38.!  It is supposed to be put on the dog once per month....hmmm, sounds like the topical treatment.  I thought I would spray him and use Frontline Plus topical.  Nah, again it sounds like a overkill.  I'm now wondering can we spray our dogs with a bug spray like we use on ourselves?  

 

I hate cold weather, but at this point bring it on!  

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Interesting subject, ticks.   We were at the vets office a week ago and the person at the front desk told me that there is a new product, sorry, forgot the name, that is used like Frontline, but the ticks actually drop off the pets.  It makes them fall off on their own.  Might be worth checking into.  We didn't get it because, so far, we have not had that nasty problem yet.  

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Just called my vet's office and got the name of the new product, it is Certifect, by Frontline, and it causes the ticks

to detach on their own.   We haven't tried it yet, but it sounds good.

[Sharon & Monty]

Yes, that's the name of it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My vet just recommended that last month and we did our first application on Monday. The ticks have been awful in our area and they have mostly been deer ticks. I also spray them with Cedarcide, which someone on DK recommended.

[Sharon & Monty]

Cedarcide!  I had forgotten about that.  I think that will be added to my arsenal of bug killers.  

[Sharon & Monty]

It was the vet technician that told me about the Certifect. I should add that my vet was not pushing Certifect.  She seemed to think that the Frontline Plus is a good choice and that since we have had so few attached ticks that Frontline Plus is doing its job.  

 

A side note, she commented on Monty as to his calm demeanor and temperament.  She said everyone that brings a goldendoodle into their office seems to have fabulous dogs.  She is trying to help her girlfriend find one and ask if she could have our breeders name.