Ticks and Fleas on Dogs in India: Prevention, Removal and Warning Signs

Ticks are more than an itch in India. They spread tick fever, one of the most common serious illnesses vets see in dogs. Here's how to keep them off, remove them safely and spot the warning signs early.

Why ticks are dangerous

The brown dog tick, found all over India, carries infections such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, often called tick fever. These attack the blood cells and can cause fever, weakness, bleeding and anaemia. Caught early, they usually respond well to treatment; left late, they can be fatal.

Ticks are around all year in most of India, but numbers rise sharply in the warm, humid months and after the monsoon.

Prevention works better than removal

Your vet can recommend a tick and flea preventive that suits your dog's weight, age and lifestyle. The common types are:

• Monthly or three-monthly chewable tablets
• Spot-on liquids applied on the skin at the back of the neck
• Tick collars that last several months
• Medicated shampoos and sprays, which help but don't last long on their own

Important: never use dog products on cats

Some dog spot-ons and sprays contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts or from close contact with a freshly treated dog. Only use products your vet has given for that species and that weight.

How to remove a tick safely

Avoid burning ticks or putting oil, kerosene or turmeric paste on them. These irritate the skin and can make the tick release more saliva into the wound.

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool
• Grip the tick as close to the skin as you can
• Pull straight out with slow, steady pressure; don't twist or squeeze the body
• Drop the tick in a small container with spirit or sanitiser; don't crush it with your fingers
• Clean the spot and wash your hands
• Note the date; if your dog gets unwell in the next few weeks, tell your vet about the tick

Warning signs of tick fever

See your vet quickly, and mention ticks, if your dog has:

• Fever, low energy or not eating
• Pale gums or tongue
• Nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or small red spots on the skin or gums
• Dark or reddish urine
• Weight loss, swollen lymph nodes or limping

Clearing ticks and fleas from your home

Most of the ticks and fleas in an infestation are not on the dog but in the house: in bedding, sofa cushions, cracks in walls and floors, and around doors. Wash your dog's bedding in hot water every week, vacuum often and throw away the vacuum bag or contents outside. For a heavy infestation, ask your vet about a home spray that is safe for pets, or a pest control service that is pet-aware.