How does a tick spray for dogs act? - briefly
A tick spray works by delivering a contact insecticide—commonly permethrin or pyrethrin—onto the dog’s coat, where it penetrates the tick’s exoskeleton, disrupting its nervous system and causing rapid death. The formulation also creates a residual layer that deters new ticks from attaching for several weeks.
How does a tick spray for dogs act? - in detail
A tick spray for dogs delivers an active ingredient that interferes with the parasite’s nervous system. The formulation typically contains a synthetic pyrethroid or a combination of pyrethrins and synergists. When sprayed onto the animal’s coat, the compound spreads across the hair shafts and penetrates the exoskeleton of attached ticks.
The mode of action proceeds in three steps:
- Contact toxicity: The chemical contacts the tick’s cuticle, allowing rapid absorption. Within seconds, the toxin binds to voltage‑gated sodium channels in the tick’s nerve cells.
- Neuroexcitation: Binding forces the channels to remain open, causing uncontrolled influx of sodium ions. This leads to repetitive nerve firing, loss of coordination, and paralysis.
- Death and detachment: Paralysis prevents the tick from feeding, and the animal’s grooming behavior or natural shedding removes the immobilized parasite. The toxin continues to affect any newly attached ticks for several hours after application.
Formulation additives such as solvents, propellants, and fragrance carriers enhance spreadability and adherence to the fur, ensuring uniform coverage. Residual activity varies by product; some sprays provide protection for up to 24 hours, while others claim several days of efficacy due to slower release of the active agent.
Safety mechanisms include:
- Selective toxicity: Mammalian sodium channels are less sensitive to pyrethroids, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity when used as directed.
- Dermal absorption limits: The skin of dogs limits the amount of chemical that enters the bloodstream, and the product label specifies maximum application frequency to avoid accumulation.
Proper use involves applying the spray to the dog’s entire body, avoiding eyes, nose, and mucous membranes, and allowing the coat to dry before contact with other animals or humans. Regular re‑application according to the manufacturer’s schedule maintains the protective barrier against tick infestation.