Ticked Off at the Tick Situation: Tick Tag Results Evaluation

Last year, from fall all the way to deep in the winter, we kept finding ticks on Cookie. I was forced to reconsider our preventive measures--or lack of thereof.


Given Cookie's bad reaction to Advantix, and after evaluating all the options presently available, I decided we were going to try a tick tag. I wasn't holding my breath and was ready to take different measures if needed.

This year's tick season is over and it's time to evaluate.


I am happy to state that this year, we haven't found a single tick on Cookie.

I am aware, however, that this can mean one of two things - either the tick tag indeed works, or there were simply no ticks around at the same places and the same time Cookie was.

That's why this is not a product review.


The only way I could honestly review the tick tag would be having had a "control," meaning one dog wearing the tag and one not wearing the tag, playing and hunting at the same places at the same times. Even when I did have more than one dog, I wouldn't have done that. I would not "sacrifice" one of them "in the name of science."

Writing a negative review would have been easy - were there ticks on Cookie while she was wearing it, it would have been a clear fail. There is not enough data for a positive review.


All I can say in good faith is that the tag might be working.


How likely is it that one year the place would have been poluted with ticks and the next year there would be none? I'd think the odds of that are relatively slim but who knows?

I will be using it for the next year too. If anything changes in the status quo, I will keep you updated.

Have you ever used a tick tag for your dog? Do you find it effective? Or do you have to draw the same conclusions I have?



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Ticked Off at the Tick Situation: The Verdict Is In (for Now)

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Comments

  1. As I commented in the post when you announced the use of the tag on Cookie, I had already come to the conclusion you did- that the tag may or may not work. Then I decided not to risk that maybe when we ventured into more tick risk areas during our travels. It is looking like this next year will be a sticking close to home time for us, so I think we will try the tag again. Whether it is the tag or simply being in the right places at the right times, any break from chemicals AND pests (and all the awful stuff they carry) is a bonus! I'm glad Cookie and you enjoyed some pest free time!

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    1. Yes, if we found ticks on Cookie, it would have been a clear failure and we'd have to revisit the options. Since we have not found any, it is possible it's a success for the tag, or lack of ticks. I'm happy with either as long as it works consistently ;-)

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  2. I have gone back to using a spray...in this case, Cedarcide. It worked well on the new puppy. Until I understand just how these tags work, I will pass on using them. Glad it seemed to work for you.

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    Replies
    1. Cookie goes crazy with any strong-smelling sprays. The theory behind the tags kind of makes sense; we would have revisited our decision if we were finding ticks. But no tick. So that's all good.

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  3. I hope it is working, but I agree that you don't have enough evidence yet. But it seems like it is worth using another year! Ticks are really bad in our area, and it is common for my family to find them on us if we are outside doing yard work for any length of time.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, we have no reason not to continue using it, unless proven otherwise.

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