Protect your dog from ticks, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses with proven prevention strategies
hudsonvalleyt-20. Purchases support Hudson Valley Ticks at no extra cost to you. All products are recommended based on effectiveness and veterinary standards.
Dogs in the Hudson Valley face significant tick exposure. Whether your dog is a backyard explorer, hiking companion, or outdoor adventurer, ticks are an everyday threat—especially May through October when temperatures exceed 45°F.
The danger goes beyond simple discomfort. Ticks transmit serious diseases to dogs: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses. A single tick bite can transmit these diseases, and many dogs get multiple bites during a single season.
The good news: tick prevention for dogs is highly effective, affordable, and comes in multiple formats. Whether you prefer monthly treatments, collars, sprays, or shampoos, you have proven options to keep your dog safe.
Dogs are extremely susceptible to Lyme disease. In fact, dogs contract Lyme disease at rates 10x higher than humans in endemic areas. The disease causes joint pain, lameness, fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
Many dogs with Lyme disease show no symptoms initially, making prevention even more critical. A dog can be infected for months before symptoms appear. This is why prevention is far superior to treatment: prevention stops infection before it starts.
Transmitted by Lone Star and Blacklegged ticks, anaplasmosis causes fever, lethargy, joint pain, and vomiting in dogs. Treatment is possible but requires veterinary intervention and can be expensive.
This parasitic disease affects a dog's red blood cells, causing anemia, weakness, jaundice, and potentially life-threatening complications. Prevention is critical because treatment is complex and expensive.
Though the name suggests western distribution, RMSF cases appear throughout the Northeast, including Hudson Valley. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and potential organ damage.
Monthly treatments like Simparica and Bravecto are applied to the skin at the back of your dog's neck. They kill ticks and fleas on contact and provide month-long protection. Most vets prescribe these first because they're highly effective and easy to apply.
Advantages: Highly effective (99%+), easy monthly application, your vet supervises dosing for your dog's specific weight and health status.
Disadvantages: Monthly expense ($30-50), requires veterinary prescription, some dogs have sensitivity to the active ingredients.
Modern flea and tick collars (like Seresto) release active ingredients for 8 months of continuous protection. They're particularly useful for dogs that go outdoors frequently or live on properties with high tick populations.
Advantages: 8-month protection in one application, no monthly applications needed, excellent value ($25-40 for 8 months), many dogs tolerate well.
Disadvantages: Upfront cost, must fit properly, not all dogs tolerate collars, active ingredients vary by brand.
Some veterinarians offer injectable tick preventatives given every 6-12 months. These are less common than topicals or collars but offer maximum convenience for committed prevention.
Advantages: Can last 6-12 months, requires minimal owner effort, guaranteed compliance.
Disadvantages: Requires veterinary visits, higher upfront cost, limited options, not all vets offer this service.
Medicated shampoos and sprays kill existing ticks on contact but provide limited ongoing protection. These are best used after finding ticks on your dog or before outdoor activities.
Advantages: Immediate results, useful for post-hike tick removal, available over-the-counter.
Disadvantages: Short-term protection only, require frequent application, less effective for prevention than other methods.
While not a replacement for direct dog protection, you can reduce tick exposure in your yard:
Most tick preventatives are safe for puppies starting at 8 weeks of age, but check product instructions. Talk to your veterinarian before starting prevention on very young puppies.
In Hudson Valley's climate, we recommend year-round prevention or at least prevention starting in March through November. It's easier to maintain consistent prevention than to remember to start and stop each season.
Before taking your dog on a hike or into wooded areas:
Despite preventative efforts, sometimes ticks attach to dogs. Proper removal is critical—incorrect removal can transmit disease or leave tick parts embedded in your dog's skin.
Monitor your dog for the next 2-4 weeks for any signs of tick-borne disease: fever, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. Contact your vet immediately if symptoms appear.
These five products represent the most effective, veterinarian-approved options for dog tick prevention in Hudson Valley.
Price: $35-50/month | Duration: One month
FDA-approved monthly topical treatment for dogs 6 lbs and up. Apply once monthly directly to your dog's skin. Kills ticks and fleas on contact with 99%+ effectiveness. Vet-prescribed but available on Amazon with valid prescription.
Price: $25-40 | Duration: 8 months
The longest-lasting flea and tick collar available. Simply place around your dog's neck and forget about monthly treatments for 8 months. Releases active ingredients continuously throughout the protection period. Approved for dogs 8 weeks and older.
Price: $30-45/month | Duration: One month
For dogs that won't tolerate topical treatments, Bravecto offers an oral chewable that kills ticks and fleas for one month. Give as a treat with food. Some dogs prefer this method to topical application.
Price: $12-18 | Duration: Immediate, short-term
Waterless flea and tick shampoo that kills existing ticks on your dog immediately. Perfect for after-hike tick removal or when you discover ticks on your dog. Use 1-2 times per week as needed. Natural formula with rosemary oil.
Price: $8-12 | Essential: Every Dog Owner
Fine-tipped tweezers specifically designed for safe tick removal from dogs. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. CDC-approved removal method. Keep in your home, car, and travel bag.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially within 2-4 weeks after tick exposure:
Early treatment of tick-borne diseases significantly improves outcomes. If your dog was exposed to ticks and develops any unusual symptoms, mention the tick exposure to your vet immediately.
Tick prevention for dogs is straightforward, affordable, and highly effective. Whether you choose monthly topical treatments, an 8-month collar, or chewable preventatives, your options provide excellent protection for your Hudson Valley dog.
The investment is small compared to the cost of treating tick-borne diseases. A single case of Lyme disease in a dog costs thousands in veterinary bills and months of treatment. Prevention costs $15-50 per month—incredibly cheap insurance for your dog's health and wellbeing.
Start prevention now if you haven't already. Keep it consistent throughout the season. Do post-hike tick checks. Have tweezers ready for immediate removal if needed. And monitor your dog for any signs of illness throughout tick season and beyond.
Your dog is depending on you. Protect them from ticks. 🐕