What should be given to a dog for subcutaneous ticks? - briefly
Give a dog a systemic acaricide—commonly an oral product like afoxolaner, sarolaner, or ivermectin, or a topical treatment containing fipronil or selamectin—to eliminate subcutaneous tick infestations. Use the dosage recommended by the manufacturer or a veterinarian.
What should be given to a dog for subcutaneous ticks? - in detail
Effective control of subcutaneous tick infestations in dogs requires systemic acaricidal agents that reach the bloodstream and affect parasites located beneath the skin. Oral medications such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner, and lotilaner belong to the isoxazoline class; they are administered at the label‑recommended dose (typically 2.5–5 mg/kg) and provide protection for 4–12 weeks. These products are absorbed rapidly, maintain therapeutic concentrations in plasma, and eliminate attached and embedded ticks, including those that have migrated subcutaneously.
Injectable formulations, notably ivermectin‑based products, can be used when oral administration is not feasible. Ivermectin is given at 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeated every 30 days, and is effective against a broad range of ectoparasites. Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation may experience neurotoxicity; a genetic test is advised before use.
Topical spot‑on solutions containing selamectin, imidacloprid‑permethrin, or fipronil‑S-methoprene provide additional coverage. Applied along the dorsal midline at a dose of 1 mL per 10 kg body weight, they spread across the skin surface and penetrate the epidermis to reach ticks that have burrowed slightly beneath the cuticle.
For severe infestations, a short course of oral milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg) combined with doxycycline (10 mg/kg) may be prescribed to address potential tick‑borne bacterial infections such as Ehrlichia or Anaplasma. Monitoring of complete blood count and renal parameters is recommended during treatment.
Preventive strategies complement therapeutic interventions:
- Administer monthly or quarterly chewable or topical preventatives according to the product label.
- Conduct regular grooming sessions to locate and remove ticks before they embed.
- Maintain yard hygiene: trim grass, remove leaf litter, and use acaricidal sprays in high‑risk areas.
- Limit exposure to known tick habitats during peak activity seasons.
Veterinary oversight is essential for dosage calculations, assessment of drug interactions, and selection of appropriate products based on the dog’s age, weight, breed, and health status. Prompt treatment combined with consistent prevention minimizes the risk of subcutaneous tick migration and associated disease transmission.