Keeping our dogs safe from ticks is an important part of protecting their health. To learn more about tick prevention and what pet owners should know, we sat down with Dr. Donna Krochak, Senior Professional Services Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

With decades of veterinary experience, including 27 years in private practice, Dr. Krochak now works with veterinarians, shelters and veterinary students to support education and improve patient care. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Read on for her expert insights and practical tips for keeping our four-legged friends protected from ticks.

Q&A
Q1. Ticks are no longer just a seasonal concern. Why should dog owners use flea and tick prevention year-round, and how has the changing tick population made prevention even more important?
A: The reality is that all dogs are at risk of tick exposure all year long, and a single tick bite can potentially lead to serious health concerns for both dogs and other pets in the household. That’s why it’s so important for pet owners to take a proactive approach and use effective flea and tick prevention year-round.

Tick populations are expanding into new geographic areas and becoming more widespread across the United States. The tick’s complex life cycle allows their different life stages to remain active throughout much of the year. We often think of this risk being associated with warmer temperatures but, in reality, ticks can be active even in colder temperatures. I like to simply remind pet owners that even if the threat of various tick-borne diseases may not exist every day of the year it exists twelve months of the year.

Consistent year-round prevention is one of the best ways to help protect dogs from tick infestations and the diseases ticks can transmit. Pet owners can work with their veterinarians to develop a protection plan that’s appropriate for their dog’s lifestyle and local risk factors.

 

Q2. There are several types of flea and tick preventatives available, including oral medications, topical treatments and collars. Which options are most effective for dogs, and what should owners consider when choosing the right product for their pet?
A: For most dogs, modern prescription oral preventatives and high-quality topical products are effective options, while certain veterinarian-recommended collars can also provide excellent long-term protection.

Oral medications have several advantages as they can be highly effective when given according to their product label.  They kill more rapidly than the other forms of products, cannot be washed off by swimming or bathing, and, often, can be easier to administer as some are ‘chewable’.  Many of the oral medications also protect against heartworms and intestinal parasites making them broad spectrum in their protection.

Topical treatments need to spread on their own from hair shaft to hair shaft and take longer to kill as they are not absorbed. Some topicals as well as collars contain permethrin, an ingredient that can help repel ticks before they attach and feed but also can be dangerous to cats in the household.

Collars can sometimes provide months of coverage, but their onset of full protection can be upwards of one to two weeks leaving a gap in coverage.  They also must fit properly and stay on the dog.  Once again, they can pose a threat to other animals in the household as well as small children who can come into contact with the collar.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parasite protection. The right choice depends on a variety of factors, including a dog’s age, health status, lifestyle and environment. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed to parasites, since fleas and ticks can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes or other animals.

The best place to start is a conversation with your veterinarian, who can help assess your pet’s individual risk and recommend appropriate protection. Pet owners can also use Parassess®, a free online parasite risk checker, to better understand their pet’s needs and support informed discussions with their veterinary team.

Q3: We’re seeing more types of ticks in more parts of the country, including lone star ticks. What are some of the tick species dog owners should be aware of, and what diseases or health concerns can they transmit to dogs?
A: There are several species of ticks across the U.S., some are expanding their ranges extensively, and while most can be vectors of dangerous diseases, not all ticks are infected, and disease transmission is influenced by multiple factors beyond mere tick presence.

The primary ticks of concern in the U.S. include the American dog tick, the Brown dog tick, the Lone star tick, and the Black-legged tick also known as the Deer tick. In the case of the black-legged tick, who has the potential to transmit Lyme disease, the number of counties with established populations has doubled in the past 20 years.  In addition, black-legged ticks can be active when the temperatures are just above freezing. No matter where you live, year-round protection is essential.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a helpful overview of the types of ticks that can be found in the U.S.  A comprehensive veterinary focused website is called Companion Animal Parasite Council | Home.   Pet owners can see pictures, map distribution data as well as disease threat information.

Q4: If a dog owner finds a tick attached to their dog, what should they do—and what should they avoid doing?
A: It can be a challenge to find ticks as they like to crawl under the animals’ fur and move about until they decide where they want to cozy up and attach to the skin. The longer a tick feeds on a pet, the greater the likelihood of disease transmission, so daily checks are recommended to reduce the risk.

Before you get to work, make sure it’s a tick you’re dealing with and not something else, like a lump or nipple. Do this by looking closely for the tick’s legs.  Once you have confirmed it’s a tick attached to your pet you will want to remove it as soon as possible. Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure until it releases.

Avoid twisting, crushing or squeezing the tick, as this can increase the likelihood of parts of the tick remaining embedded in the skin. After removal, clean the area and wash your hands thoroughly.

It’s also a good idea to monitor your dog for signs of illness or irritation following a tick bite. If you have concerns, notice unusual symptoms, or are unable to remove the tick completely, contact your veterinarian. Here are some tips for removing ticks.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian about other ways to protect your pet.

Q5: What about ticks that make their way into the house? (If a dog comes inside with a tick, does that mean there could be more in the home, and what should owners do?)
A: Finding a tick on your dog doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an infestation in your home, but it is a reminder to be vigilant. Ticks can occasionally come indoors on pets, people or clothing. The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is one tick that can be associated with a household infestation as they primary use the dog as their host for a blood meal, but the tick may also bite humans or other mammals.

Particularly after spending time outdoors, it’s a good idea to check your dog and family members for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes and other hard-to-see areas. Washing pet bedding regularly and maintaining a consistent parasite protection program can also help reduce the risk of ticks becoming established in the home.

Q6: There are a lot of misconceptions about ticks and tick prevention. What are some of the most common myths you hear from dog owners, and what do you wish more people understood about protecting their pets?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that ticks are only active during the summer months. In reality, some tick species remain active throughout much of the year, particularly in milder climates.

Another common myth is that indoor pets don’t need parasite protection. While their risk may differ from pets that spend significant time outdoors, fleas and ticks can still enter the home on people, other animals and even everyday items.

What I wish more pet owners understood is that prevention is much easier than treating a tick-borne disease after exposure. Regular veterinary checkups and a consistent prevention plan are among the most effective ways to help protect pets year-round.

Q7: Is there anything we’ve missed that you would like to add?
A: The most important takeaway is that parasite risks are evolving. Ticks and other parasites are being found in new places at different times of year than many pet owners have traditionally expected.

The good news is that there are effective protection options available. By staying informed, partnering with a veterinarian and maintaining a consistent parasite protection plan, pet owners can take simple steps to help keep their dogs healthy and protected throughout the year.

Protection is built on small, consistent actions, like veterinary visits, personalized parasite protection, and informed decision-making. Individually, the steps are simple. However, these small acts of love can have a huge impact: protecting the big moments that define the bond you have with your pet.

Warrior Canine Connection is grateful for its longstanding partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, which has been generously sponsoring and providing their parasiticides to the WCC service dogs in training at no cost since 2017.
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