General Diseases: Lyme Disease Medicine
Dog General Diseases and Symptoms QuickLinks
There are many different types of dog tick medicine. Here is a guide to the different types available. Note that most products are not safe for dogs under 12 weeks of age. Be sure to read the label. If combining products be sure to determine if both can be used together.
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council ( CAPCVET ), dogs should be protected from ticks by using the products listed in the charts below.
Favored products include K9 Advantix , Frontline Plus , Frontline Spray , and Preventic Collars .
Prescription Dog Tick Medicine
Antibiotics (tetracyclines) are the first drug to be prescribed to help a dog with Lyme disease. Treatment lasts for 1 month Doxycycline is the drug most often prescribed. These types of antibiotics help with lyme, other diseases transmitted by ticks such as ehrlichiosis and helps with arthritis, the primary symptom seen in dogs.
As an alternative, another antibiotic called azithromycin and atavaquone. It is used if your dog is suffering from a bacterium called bartonellosis.
In only the most severe cases of Lyme disease called Lyme nephropathy and Lyme nephritis, doxycycline might be combined with aspirin, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and a change in diet.
Over the Counter Dog Tick Medicine
There are several categories of dog tick medicine including:
- SpotOn/Topical
- Liquid applied to the back 1x
per month.
- Sprays
- Good for protection before your dog
goes outside. Repellent effect lasts up to 2 months.
Dog Tick Medicine like Frontline Spray can be used to kill ticks on contact and repel them as well . - Collars - Kills any ticks on your dog and repels ticks for up to 3 months.
- Shampoos - Kills ticks on contact and helps to repel ticks
- Dips - Kills any ticks on your dog and her coat. Used if your dog was outside and picked up many ticks. May be repeated every 7 days for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Homeopathic Remedies - Strengthens the body with focus on the liver and blood to help the body fight tick borne illnesses.
Check the label if your dog is sick, a puppy or pregnant to be sure that the products listed below are safe for your dog.
Dog Tick Medicine Brands by Category
Topical Canine Tick Products
Topical tick products are simple to apply to your dog's back. Liquid applied spreads through the skin and kills ticks on contact. They are easy to use and very popular for preventing and killing ticks.
Dog Tick Sprays
Similar to shampoos, these products are good to use either before or just after your dog is exposed to ticks.
Dog Tick Collars
Many veterinarians recommend Preventic collars. The provide long lasting protection against ticks. If your dog is outdoors and picks up many ticks, quickly purchase and use one of these collars to kill them before any disease can be transferred. It will cause the ticks the fall off your dog. Be sure to clean the area where your dog sleeps daily if using this method to vacuum up any ticks.
Dog Tick Shampoo Products
If you believe your dog has picked up ticks when outdoors, then a bath with one of these products will help any ticks that your dog may have picked up.
Zodiac Flea and Tick Shampoo for Puppies
Dog Tick Dips
Dips are and effective dog tick medicine, but they are messy to apply. Be sure to use gloves and work in a well ventilated room. They are used when a dog has many ticks on her body. Dips can also be applied in a veterinarians office. They may need to be repeated for 3 to 4 weeks to ensure that all ticks were killed.
Homeopathic Natural Tick Remedies
Combines several
ingredients known to
support dogs that are suffering from tick borne illnesses such as:
- Carduus marianus (Milk Thistle)Milk Thistle contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin anatural anti-oxidant that supports liver function and toxin removal at the cellular leel, thereby supporting the body’s ability to routinely regenerate liver cells.
- Crotalus hor. (200C)is a homeopathic remedy that can be used to support integrity of red blood cells while also maintaining liver health and supporting the immune system.
- China (6C)is a natural remedy well known for its ability to support the body in maintaining healthy energy levels naturally.
- Ferrum phos. (D6)supports the natural distribution of iron and oxygen throughout the body, maintains comfort and ease of movement in muscles and joints and helps to maintain the health of cell walls.
- Aconite (6C)is often used to support the nervous system and maintain routine balance and harmony.