Ticks - losing my mind!

[VivaStPauli]

Hi amazing forum folks, hoping you can help me out with some tick advice. 

I've had a Seresto collar on Pauli since August 1, shortly after adopting her, and she hasn't taken it off/been bathed/gone swimming at any point since then. At first it seemed to be working well, as I was finding a number of dead ticks on her bed--unpleasant, but if they're dead the collar is doing its job! I noticed more dead ticks seemed to appear when we walked in a certain area, so started avoiding that area, and things were going well. 

Starting in mid-September, however, things started getting much worse. I check her for ticks daily, and since then, I've been finding about 2-3 attached ticks per week. I've also found fully engorged dead ticks in the corners while vacuuming (suggesting ones I've missed have been able to remain attached to her for quite some time), and on three separate occasions I have now found very alive ticks crawling around my apartment (which is so horrifying I cannot even put it into words). I know it's the worst season for them right now, but this is too much, right???

I should mention that we live in Washington, DC, so although it's a part of the country with a high tick problem, we're in the city, and not regularly spending time in the woods or in parks--most days are just long walks through the neighborhood. I keep her away from the long grass and piles of leaves, but she has to pee somewhere! None of my other friends with dogs in DC report any tick problems (just an occasional tick if they go into the woods). 

I tried tightening her Seresto collar a few days ago (it was snug but now it's snug higher on her neck?), but since then I have found one more attached tick and one more tick loose in my house, so that doesn't seem to be helping. I sent an email to my (not especially greyhound savvy) vet and she said she likes Nexgard for ticks, but it is SO much more expensive and from research it seems like a lot of people have better results with the Seresto collar, so wanted to hear some other folks' experiences. 

HELP! Is this just a normal number of ticks for a greyhound and I'm going to have to get over my horror of them? Thoughts on Seresto vs. Nexgard? Ways to prevent her from carrying ticks into my apartment? Therapy so I stop jumping six feet in the air every time my leg itches??

Any advice much appreciated. 

[macoduck]

Looks like you might need to do a deep cleaning of your apartment. Some tips here but be sure to read some of the comments. Some are informative, some amusing.  https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Ticks-Around-Your-Home

Yes, Nexgard is pricey, but at least do a couple months of it.

[BatterseaBrindl]

I live in rural eastern Ontario...a super high tick area.  We use the Seresto collars and I rarely see ticks on the dogs. Certainly none in my house. 

I do keep a brush on the back step and everyone gets checked over and brushed before coming inside.

Perhaps you need to contact a pest control company to come and de-bug your house. You may have a tick nest inside. 

 

[LaFlaca]

I had this same issue in NYC many years ago. It turned out the ticks were breeding in the vacuum cleaner bag.  Thousands of the little b@$tards all warm and cozy amongst the dust bunnies and dog hair.  🤮

[FiveRoooooers]

We've used Nexgard for several years on all of the campers. Ticks can be hard to spot on brindles! But on the White Boys - prior to Nexgard the multiple ticks were easy to spot and pick off after our walks - after starting them on Nexgard, no ticks whatsoever. 

Using a lint roller can help peel off any hangers-on before your doggo comes back into the house.

[VivaStPauli]

Oh dear, you've somehow managed to make me more paranoid!! I don't *think* I have an actual tick infestation in the house vs. ones just dropping off the dog once she comes inside, but I will be vacuuming every crevice and spraying Adams Flea & Tick Spray just in case!! (I can at least confidently say it's not the vacuum cleaner as mine is bagless and I clean out the plastic canister after every use--what a nightmare that must have been!) 

Brushing/lint rolling before coming inside is a great tip though, thank you!

From my other research, it seems like tick season drops off in November--hopefully it'll become less of an issue before I even have a chance to get the prescription and make the switch. In that case, I'll stick with the Seresto collar for now and plan on switching to Nexgard in February. Also going to pick up a bottle of Wondercide--not usually a fan of "natural" when it comes to bug killing as I want them as dead as possible as fast as possible, but figured it would be nice to have a less toxic option I can use more liberally in addition to the Adams and Seresto collar. 

If anyone else has any products/tips that have worked for them, I'm all ears! 

[macoduck]

If anyone else has any products/tips that have worked for them, I'm all ears! 

Since you asked, I use many of these essential oils, http://www.animaleo/info  developed by a veterinarian, Melissa Shelton, whom I've met. I haven't had a need for this particular one but it is for fleas and ticks. It comes in a Ready to Use form, AWAY RTU, and one you can diffuse in distilled water, AWAY. https://animaleo.info/shop/away-rtu-drops/

Here's part of the description in the section for dog applications:

Dogs:  I’m not going to lie… I’m LAZY!  And if you are anything like me – you like to just grab a bottle of something and use it.  So when I have to “Pet” my dogs with Away – but it needs to be a diluted form of it – I’m now grabbing my bottle of Away RTU Drops!  My main reason to use Away RTU Drops on my dogs, is for insect repelling support.  Dogs do not have ear mites as often as cats, in fact it is pretty uncommon (unless they are exposed in poor conditions or rescue).  So for the most part, we are talking fleas, ticks, mosquitoes…  Right before my dogs go outside, I am applying several drops via Petting, to all the main areas of concern.  I can even smear the Away RTU Drops on myself – so that mosquitoes aren’t carrying me away while I wait for my precious fur kids to poop!  If you prefer to make a water-mist or shampoo – we still recommend using the directions on the original Away Product Page.

Remember, Away RTU Drops are not for diffusion as they have coconut oil within them!

For the Petting Technique – place 3-5 drops (or more) of Away RTU Drops into your hands, rub them together until a light coating remains, then pet onto the areas of need.  For insects; I often rub around the “ankle” area of my dogs, since ticks will often contact this area first, as they start to climb up the legs.  I also rub down the legs, around the neck, shoulders, rump area, and back.

All her products are cat safe too. I used to use Young Living until I learned what junk it is. Dr Shelton DVM used to be associated with them but left due to lies regarding assayed purity.
If you have any questions about her products, message me. They are only available directly from Dr Shelton and a few holistic vet offices. I don't get any kickbacks.

I'd definitely keep on with the Seresto and house cleaning until you've got everything under control!

[Houndtime]

I have given our dogs a product called Bug Off made the same company that produces Fresh Factors.  I have used it for years and (poo poo spit in the wind) have not had a problem.  I also apply Front Line Plus monthly.  We used to spray our yard with a natural product that you can buy in Home Depot.  The name eludes me, but it is a green and white bottle.

[cleptogrey]

Bayer manufacters the Seresto collar. Report this to them. There is a serial # on the collar.

I used to throw a cheap flea collar in my vacuum bag. You can try that.

Sounds like you need to bomb. Been there. I always purchased bombs from the vet. Stronger, safer- not sure. But they work. Ticks get into the floorboards. You will have a thorough seasonal cleaning.

Years ago brewers yeast was the go to additive to help prevent fleas. I wonder if your pup needs more bit. B? Vit b was also the rage for avoiding mosquitoes.  Maybe there is some truth to it. 

Talk to your vet and Bayer will refund the cost of the collar.

[NeylasMom]

I'm in the DC metro area and this doesn't sound right to me. I think others may be on the right track with the tick nest. I also second contacting the manufacturer. Possible something is wrong with the collar and they should at least know, or may replace it. 

Regardless, what you are describing is not normal for a dog going on walks in our area, with or without a collar imo. 

[macoduck]

Did you purchase the Seresto collar online? There have been a lot of fake Serestos on the market.

[VivaStPauli]

I got the collar online, but from Chewy which is a verified retailer so can't imagine it's a fake--might well just be a dud though. Will give Bayer a call on Monday. 

Thanks for the tips! (And good to know this is not normal!)