Ticks on Poodles: Where they Hide and How to Get Rid of Them

If you own a dog, chances are you’ve had to deal with tick removal. These parasites are incredibly dangerous. Their saliva contains pathogens that are detrimental to dogs’ health and cause illnesses like Lyme disease. However, most new dog owners assume poodles are not affected because they do not usually spend as much time outside compared to other dogs.

Unfortunately, ticks are part of every dog’s life. If your poodle spends some time outside, there is a chance they’ll be exposed to ticks. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the right steps to protect your poodle from ticks.

Checking your poodle for ticks is not a walk in the park, especially if the dog has dark fur. However, with the right procedure, you should be able to keep your furry friend tick-free. This article will explain the different areas ticks hide on poodles and how to get rid of these dangerous parasites.

Where do Ticks Usually Hide on Poodles?

Ticks are parasitic animals that survive on the blood of host animals. They commonly adhere to animals with fur so that they can easily hide. Ticks are prevalent in warm climatic conditions. However, you can find ticks in most regions of the US throughout the year. So, it’s essential to know where to look when you suspect your poodle has ticks. 

The following chart reveals common tick hiding places and how to examine them:

Hiding Place	Signs of Ticks and How to Find Them
Toes	Poodle is continually licking or chewing on their feetCheck between toes and bottom of feet
Ears	Poodle is scratching or shaking their headCheck deep inside the ears because young ticks are tiny and hard to seeStick your finger inside the ear to feel for ticks
Neck	Ticks are known to hide under the collarRemove your poodle’s collar during bath time to check for ticksTicks are less likely to attach to your dog’s skin if the collar is removed often
Eyelids	Ticks on your poodle’s eyelids can look like skin tags or eye dischargeThey are more difficult to notice because the area around the eyes is usually darkerExamine your poodle’s eyelids frequently
Tail	The underside of the dog’s tail will appear inflamed if there is a tick infestationCheck the region during baths and tick checks to keep the uninvited guests at bay
Armpits	Poodle cannot stop scratching their armpitsThe region will also appear inflamed due to tick infestationCheck your poodle’s armpits often during tick checks and baths
Genitals	Poodle seems uneasy and keeps itching and licking their genitalsCheck the area often during baths and tick checking sessions

How do You Get Rid of Your Dog’s Ticks?

Now that you know where ticks like to hide on dogs, you are probably wondering how to get rid of them. There are several methods of tick removal, such as:

• Using tweezers
• Topical treatments
• Oral tick medication
• Tick collars

Using Tweezers

One of the most effective ways to remove ticks from dogs is to pull them off with tweezers. However, this method may not be the best for a dog that’s infested with ticks since it may take some time to get rid of all of them. However, it’s the best method for regular tick-checking procedures. Every time you notice a tick, grab your tweezers, and pull it off! 

To remove ticks with tweezers:

• Wear disposable gloves.
• Spread the dog’s hair to reveal the tick.
• Use a pair of fine-point tweezers to grab the head of the parasite as close to the dog’s skin as possible. Fine-point tweezers are the best option because they cannot cut the tick open, which can lead to the spread of infections.
• Pull the tick out in a gentle, steady upward motion. This will ensure the mouth of the tick doesn’t remain embedded on your dog’s skin.
• Apply a disinfectant such as iodine or rubbing alcohol to prevent an infection on the wound.
• Thoroughly wash your hands.

Topical Treatments

If you have noticed several ticks on your dog that you cannot remove using tweezers, topical treatments are an excellent alternative. Usually, topical treatments are applied to areas the dogs can’t easily reach, such as the shoulder blades or neck. The medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, killing all the ticks and preventing future ticks from attaching to the dog’s skin. 

However, before you decide to use topical treatments to get rid of ticks, check with your vet. Some medications irritate the dog’s skin, and others may be toxic. 

Some excellent topical treatments to remove ticks are:

• SENTRY Fiproguard for Dogs
• Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention for Small Dogs
• TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

Oral Tick Medication

Another fantastic way to remove your poodle’s ticks is with oral medication. Most dog owners prefer this method because the results are long-lasting. Tick protection lasts for up to 3 months without requiring another dose, making dosing a hassle-free process. 

The medication works the same as topical treatments; it is absorbed by the bloodstream and kills all parasites and prevents new ones from attaching themselves to your dog. Before you decide to give your dog any oral medication, check with your vet to find out the best option and factors to consider. 

Tick Collars

A simple way to get rid of ticks is to use tick collars. These work the same as a regular dog collar. The only difference is that tick collars contain tick repellant medication. Some of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, and some of it spreads through the dog’s coat, providing additional protection.

This is an excellent way to get rid of ticks because it lasts long. Some collars can last up to 8 months. Some of the most recommended tick collars on the market include:

• Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
• Youzxde Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
• RunFleaxFlеaTiсk Collar Prevention Control for Dogs

DIY and Natural Tick Treatments for Your Poodle

DIY tick treatments are another excellent way to keep your poodle tick-free. These natural treatments are great because the ingredients are less harsh on your dog’s skin. Not to mention, you can use items that are readily available around your home. Below are some of the best DIY tick treatments:

Tick and Flea Prevention Essential Oil Blend

To make this DIY treatment, you will need:

• 1 ½ oz of sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
• 1 drop citronella essential oil
• 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops clary sage essential oil

Preparation and Application

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
• Stir to achieve a uniform mixture.
• Transfer the mixture into a dark glass dropper bottle.
• Spread the dog’s fur in the affected areas.
• Apply 2 to 4 drops of the oil in the areas.

Note: You can also apply the treatment to a dog’s cotton collar if they have ticks around their neck.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tick Treatment

For this treatment, you will need:

• 4 oz of warm water
• 8 oz of apple cider vinegar
• ½ tablespoon of salt
• ½ tablespoon of baking soda

Preparation and Application

• Add the baking soda and salt into a water bottle.
• Add water and vinegar to the dry ingredients over a sink to avoid spillage.
• Spray the treatment on your dog’s fur in all the affected areas.
• Spray the treatment on areas your dog frequents like their playpen and bedding because the mixture acts as a tick repellant as well.

In Conclusion 

Poodles are not an exception when it comes to tick infestation. Unfortunately, ticks adhere to all types of dogs. Therefore, you should come up with a tick-checking schedule to ensure your dog is not infested with these disease-causing parasites. Use the methods above to get rid of ticks from your poodle, and do not forget to consult your veterinarian if you are considering topical or oral medication.