The Complete Guide to Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs: What We Use and Why
Learn how we handle flea and tick prevention for Dodo and Alice, including why we use Simparica Trio and how to do tick checks on fluffy dogs.
The Complete Guide to Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs: What We Use and Why
I spent a lot of time researching flea and tick prevention before bringing Dodo home. When you have a fluffy dog like a Chowdoodle, finding a tick in that coat feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Alice, my Chow Shepherd, has an even thicker double coat, so I knew I needed a system that actually worked.
Living in Southern California means we don't get a true winter freeze to kill off the bugs. Flea and tick prevention is a year-round job for us. Over the years, I've tried different methods, talked to our vet extensively, and figured out a routine that keeps both dogs safe without making me constantly worry every time we go for a hike.
Why We Choose Oral Preventatives
There are two main camps when it comes to prevention: topicals (the liquid you squeeze onto their neck) and orals (the chewable tablets).
I started Alice on topicals years ago. They work well for many dogs, but they come with a few logistical headaches. You have to part the hair perfectly to get the liquid on the skin, which is surprisingly difficult on a Chow mix. Then you have to make sure they don't roll on the carpet or rub against the furniture until it dries. You also have to time their baths carefully so you don't wash the medication off too soon.
When Dodo joined the family, I switched entirely to oral preventatives. We use Simparica Trio for both dogs. It covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites all in one chewable tablet given once a month.
The biggest advantage is peace of mind. I know exactly when they took it, and I don't have to worry about it washing off if they go swimming or get a bath. Dodo thinks it's just a high-value treat, so giving it to her takes about two seconds. Alice is a bit more suspicious of anything that looks like medicine, but a little peanut butter solves that problem.
The Reality of Tick Checks
Even with the best preventative medication, you still need to do physical tick checks. Simparica Trio works by killing the tick after it bites the dog. It doesn't repel them. If we go hiking in the brush, a tick can still hitch a ride on Dodo's fur and potentially transfer to me or drop off in the house before it bites her.
Checking a fluffy dog requires a systematic approach. I start at the head and work my way back. Ticks love dark, hidden spots. I always check inside and behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, between the toes, and around the tail.
Instead of just looking, I use my fingers to feel down to the skin. Ticks feel like small, hard bumps. If I feel something unusual, I part the fur to get a visual. A slicker brush is also helpful after a hike to catch any unattached ticks crawling on the surface of the coat.
Managing Seasonal Risks
While we use prevention year-round, the risk level changes depending on the season and our activities. Spring and early summer are usually the worst times for ticks in our area.
During peak tick season, I change our walking routes. We stick to wider trails and paved paths, avoiding tall grass and dense brush where ticks like to hang out. If we do go somewhere woodsy, I keep the dogs on a shorter leash to prevent them from diving into the underbrush.
I also keep our yard maintained. Ticks thrive in leaf litter and tall grass, so keeping the lawn mowed and clearing out dead leaves helps reduce the risk at home.
Finding What Works for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and what works for Alice and Dodo might not be the best fit for your dog. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and don't tolerate oral medications well. Others might have specific health conditions that require a different approach.
The most important thing is to have a conversation with your vet. They know what diseases are prevalent in your specific area and can help you weigh the pros and cons of different products.
Flea and tick prevention isn't the most glamorous part of having a dog, but it's one of the most important. Finding a routine that fits your lifestyle makes it much easier to stay consistent and keep your dogs healthy.
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