Ticks and things that don't work....what does???

[Sabrina & Savannah]

I am trying to get ahead of the ticks this season.  I live in rural north GA and have already found a small tick on Savannah's head this past weekend.

Here is what I have tried so far that didn't work...and on thing that did that I don't know what it is

Didn't Work:

Trifexis...it didn't work and I don't want her to take it because of the issues that other pet owners have had.

Frontline...does not work effectively on a longer haired dog. 

The white collar from the vet...it worked for about 2 weeks pretty good.  I found less ticks than without it, I tried it twice.  I would go broke buying them every two weeks!

What did work!! 

I did have her groomed at a place other than my regular groomer, she either used a dip or a shampoo that worked GREAT for about 2-3 weeks.  I would love it if someone knew what she used.   She won't tell me and my regular groomer does not know either.  I won't use this lady again because Savannah does not like her.  The second time I went Savannah wanted to get back in the car.  She does not do this at my regular groomer, so something happened at this groomer that has put Savannah off and dogs usually "know". 

[Sabrina & Savannah]

I just ordered the Seresto collar.  I will keep you posted how it does.  It won't arrive for about a week.  So I will be back to let you know how well it works on TICKS!!

[Gail and Bailey]

We live in the woods and there are lots of deer around.  I use Frontline Plus on Bailey and it seems to work well.  The only ticks we have found on her were dead!  As a matter of fact I had just started reading your discussion here and she was standing next to me and I was petting her and felt a suspicious bump.  I investigated the area and found a tick that had been feeding on her but it was dead!!  Thank goodness!!  I carefully removed it and I am keeping it just in case there is a problem. I am grateful that I was reading about ticks when I found this little lump because my mind instantly thought TICK!!

My point is that Frontline Plus seems to work to kill the ticks.  It does not prevent them from getting on a dog but I certainly like that it kills the tick if it bites the dog!!

Trifexis is not effective for ticks.

I used a tick collar on my past dog and he had a terrible reaction within hours of putting it on.  He was disoriented and almost staggering.  I looked the chemical up and those were some of the dangerous possible side affects of the chemical.  I took the collar off immediately and he got better but it was very scary so I have no use for tick collars!!  I would rather have to remove a dead tick than go through that again.

[Teresa Joyce]

The groomer probably used a pyrethrin dip. These have been around for a long time and can be very effective.  However, they are very strong and I personally, do not like to use them.  I did use them in the past for many years without complications prior to the alternatives that are now available. However, you should read up on them on the internet and see if you are comfortable with the possible complications and never use them if the skin is broken.  If you choose to apply the dip yourself, wear gloves and keep the dip away from the eye area.  This can be a toxic product if applied incorrectly so never use a stronger mix than the recommended dilution ratio.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I need this information too.  This is the first time I've lived in a tick area and the locals have warned the ticks are out and about.  I need to know which treatment is the lesser of all chemical evils.  I'm going to look into Frontline Plus. Thanks Gail. And I'm open to any other recommendations.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Trifexis didn't work because Trifexis is for fleas, heartworm and internal parasites. NOT ticks.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I have been looking at consumer reports on all tick products and I'm not comfortable with any of them - or the ticks.  Maybe I'll just stay out of the woods!  The news on Frontline plus was that is may or may not work and that it is hazardous to humans and recommended to be used only in highly infested tick areas.  The effective chemical is a known carcinogen.  Cripes!  (http://www.consumersearch.com/flea-control/frontline-plus-for-dogs )

There was another I found that could potentially prove deadly to my cats if they decided to cuddle up to the dogs. Would I give this treatment to myself or my children?  Not a chance.  Also, I've been asking folks around here about ticks.  This area has ticks but I've not heard any distressing stories related to them.  Folks here are more concerned with large carnivores in the woods.  They just inspect their dogs for ticks after hiking.  It's far more labor intensive but I think that's what I'm opting for... as well as keeping most walks to paved paths until the snow flies once again.

I think I'll even go with essential oils. ( http://www.primallyinspired.com/easy-natural-tick-repellent-that-re... )  I'm sure it can't hurt.

Personally, I am hypersensitive to environmental chemicals, so I need to be more wary of flea and tick products (and cleaning products and scented body care products... ) 

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

After doing some research, I came across the same article.  I have many chemical sensitivities and would not want to put myself within 6 feet of the flea and tick repellents I've researched.  So, I bought the rose geranium oil and rubbed a drop between the shoulder blades of both my dogs.  Into the woods we went and I suddenly realized that we were walking around prime black bear habitat smelling like sweet nectar.  Crikey!  We've already had three bear 'incidents' in the neighbourhood in the last week.  Two blocks away, a bear fell into somebody's hot tub.  Anyway, if you have bears, I don't think the rose geranium is such a great idea. :(  

How silly I felt with my bear bells, bear spray and smelling like a bear's dessert! 

I have some unscented hand lotion I can use it in.  It's supposed to be good aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms.  If it'll help with the hot flashes I'll be pleased.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I haven't.  But my sensitivities don't end at man made products.  Lavender and jasmine also make me ill.  Thank you for suggesting alternatives.  Sucks to be me (in this respect).

On the bright side, dog lovers who have lived here for decades tell me they've never experienced a problem with ticks... maybe it's the altitude.  So, it's nearly as bad as Sabrina's neck of the woods.  I'll just keep inspecting Yarrow regularly.

[Sabrina & Savannah]

I think I told you I intended to purchase the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar.  I did purchase the collar.  It has been on Savannah for almost 4 weeks.   Ticks are out.  My husband did some work in the yard and found two crawling on him.  We live in the woods of North Georgia......I am pleased with the collar so far.  I have found 2 ticks on Savannah, neither were attached.   When we pulled them off to light the fire of H*$# to them and kill them.   We kinda watched them crawl around and they were very slow crawling, so the collar definitely had affected them while on Savannah. 

I have noticed no side effects from wearing the collar so far.   The reflectors that you can attach to the collar are a plus while she is outside or while we are camping.   We can shine the flashlight or she shows up really well in the flood lights on our house. 

If the collar last the 8 months as advertised it is well worth the $50 that I paid for it.  I purchased it thru 1-800-PetMeds.  I googled and found a collar for 20% off. so I paid about $50 including shipping. 

I will post an update after a couple months and let you guys know if it's still working.  

So far I am very pleased.

[Sharlan]

I just posted this link on another discussion about tick prevention.
http://products.mercola.com/healthypets/natural-flea-and-tick-control/
All natural and I completely trust Dr. Becker (she's a vet in the Chicago area).

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Thank you for sharing! :)