Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/4/2011

Question
I have 5 female Brussels Griffons and I live out in the country surrounded by 13 acres of brush. They all live indoors and I only let them out to do their #1 & 2 business. I do everything I can to prevent them from getting ticks and fleas but it's impossible! One of them (Xena) has some kind of allergic reaction to the tick bites causing her skin to get red, with puss and to welt. She's the only one that this happens to and I have tried applying Neosporin to prevent irritation and infection. Should I have my Vet prescribe something for her? Could it be helped?

Answer
There are many infections that ticks can transmit, so yes, you should work with your vet to get these under control.  There is Frontline that helps prevent ticks and there is a collar that contains amitraz in it that works efficiently at preventing ticks from attaching to the dog's skin. Ask your vet for these products.