Creative tic prevention.
 

I have been running my bird dogs regularly. Tic contacts have gone from bad to worst going into July her in NE-Ohio I have removed 7-10 live tics from each dog after returning from our morning workouts in the tall grass fields. Both dogs are on Advantics chewable tic meds and all I have found is dead tics that have attached. But I felt I needed to do more to protect them and everyone around them. In the past during hi tic encounters I would bring my dog home and bath them with flea & tic shampoo, this kills any tics on the dog. So, I thought a few drops front to back rubbed into the dog's fur just before running them and the wet conditions in the field would give them a just enough moisture to cover their coat with the shampoo. I have done this all-last week and have not seen a single tic on my dogs...zero! For myself I spray my pants and waist with Adams Tic spray and keep a good eye out for any crawling on me. I had not been using the spray on my cloths and found one tic on me each run. The spray has helped...(-: SXS Ohio

Kenny, do yourself a huge favor and get some Sawyers Permethrin tick spray. It is not to spray on your skin but on your clothing. Hang the cloths you will be using outdoors and spry them liberally with it. Let it dry for 24 hours and then you can wear them. I have been using it religiously for 25 years on my spring and fall hunting cloths and have never seen a tick on me, even on days that I picked many ticks off my Lews face. It is absolutely incredible. It lasts for six washings, but I respray after four.

Been using Sawyers for years. Great stuff but not meant for dogs.

Thanks for the tip, Kenny. We’ll give it a try.

I have a bottle of Sawer insect repellant that, oddly enough, states not to get it on clothing. This is labelled as having 20% Picaridin. The label states to be applied to the skin. I sprayed it on my clothing a few weeks ago when I went to a friends farm that is tick infested. I did not find any ticks on me when I got home, unusual for this place.

Spouse bought me a bottle of Green Mountain Tick Repellent. It is labelled as being all natural, and is made in Vermont. I have yet to try it. Do any of you Nor-easter's have any experience with this product?

Permethrin is the ticket. I've watched ticks crawl on my pants while turkey hunting and just die. And YES you can spray your dog with it, done RIGHT, but not cats. Google it and you'll see. I give my dog a very light mist of Permethrin but not near her genital or eyes and along with Simparica Trio I've only seen one tick on her. And this is in tick heaven, we are an endemic area.

https://www.sawyer.com/page/dogs-and...sect-repellent

I buy a big bottle of permethrine at the local feed stores (used for lots of animals except cats, but if you don't like cats..:) and mix it in a spray bottle. Very cheap as it only takes a small amount for a large spray bottle. Makes many bottles. I hang my clothes on the porch and cover them completely and let them dry.

Thanks ...I ordered a quart of Durvet 10% permethrin o Amazon. I will treat my duds with it asap.

I agree on using Sawyers. Been using it for years on my pants. Ticks have been terrible here in SC this spring and early summer. I also spray my boots. Was not spraying my shirt- that was a mistake. Got a bite about 5 weeks ago on my hand of all places. Was attached but couldn't have been on me for more than a few hours. Ended up on an antibiotic for 10 days. So now I'm spraying my shirt also.

I have been using Duration as a soak treatment for my hunting and fishing clothes for years. It is easy to use and it works great. Unlike the permethrin that is sold at Tractor Supply and other farm stores, it is water based and has very little smell. Simply mix as directed and saturate your clothes with it and then let the clothes air dry. I also use the Sawyers brand spray for my boots and hats. No ticks, no chiggers, no mosquitos.
My dog gets a monthly dose of prescription flea and tick medication. It always works.

I will take issue with your statement that monthly flea and tick meds are 100% effective, "always work". My seven year old Lew has always received his meds on time. Last September at his physical he tested positive for the Tick born antigen Anaplasmosis. When I asked my Vet how that could have possible have happened as he is protected by the monthly meds, he said that they are not 100% effective, and he sees dogs like mine that have tested positive despite having the meds. He had not developed the illness and a month long daily dose of doxycycline took care of the antigen and that is always 100% effective according to my Vet. So please, have your dog tested yearly in spite of the meds. It may prevent him or her from getting sick.

OMG. Thanks for that information, Mr. Hodges. I had not received information like that from my vet. My dog gets a full blood panel every year, and I will ask the vet if that blood test will detect anaplasmosis or if another specific test is required.

I would hate to run an unnecessary risk with my Brittany. Again, thank you.