This is one of those healthcare entries in the website that is solely based on my experience and personal thoughts and NOT scientific veterinary evidence.

To me, one aspect of this entry is like ‘breaking news’ but you may be way ahead of me on this. And if so, good on ya mate!

It’s late May in Southern New England and it’s been an especially rainy spring. The grass in some of my favorite fields is approaching thigh high and is loaded with ticks. In fact, more ticks than I have experienced in years.

I have had good luck with my dogs using a topical tick treatment and needless to say we don’t avoid working just because it’s tick season. Right now though, it’s different. I’ve been seeing more ticks on the dog and on the floor than in quite some time. Most of them are dead, but the overall volume concerns me.

I called my vet because I heard talk of an all natural spray that can supplement topical or oral treatments and I wanted to know more. Yes, the vet advised me to also use a spray; but here’s the ‘breaking news’ part… given how much time my dogs spend in fields and woods she told me to use my usual topical treatment every three weeks instead of the recommended four week intervals. She said the medicine is less effective from weeks three to four. Understand, she didn’t say to use it every three weeks year round, just during heavy tick seasons.

In over 40 years of training dogs, no one ever suggested that to me before. And like most people, I don’t readily go against recommended dosages. But during high tick season, every three weeks makes perfect sense for dogs like mine (and maybe yours too) because tick born diseases are nasty. Ember has tested positive for Lyme since she was a pup. No one is overly concerned because she shows zero symptoms of anything, but it does add a sense of urgency for tick prevention with her.

Now don’t interpret my commentary as legitimate medical advice and never make any medication adjustment without talking to your vet.

But do ask your vet about accelerated tick prevention during heavy seasons. Also ask your vet about the differences in oral vs. topical treatment for ticks; especially which ones just repel ticks and which will both repel and kill. Learn how they work and ask about adding a spray as appropriate. Then make an educated decision.

Training your gun dog will bring you into areas that house pets never enter. Take advantage of every precaution because it could save your dog’s life. Mr. Tick be damned.