How long does it take for advantage to kill ticks once applied to the dog?

Answer 1

Its a myth that vaseline works to kill ticks - the best thing to do is to remove the tick yourself or if you are really squeamish, take to the vet. I remove ticks from my dogs all the time, just get close in and pinch them off quickly from its head BEFORE they get engorged. After they are engorged with blood, they will fall off, but you better find it and get rid of it fast. (See Step 7) Here are some good instructions from http://www.ehow.com/how_2257_remove-ticks-pets.html The instrucions say to use tweezers, but I use my fingers (and a latex glove) and then really crush them with tweezers, and then flush. Ick. Ticks are hard to kill. Ticks can cause diseases in dogs whcih can be fatal, so you might want to call your vet to ask for what diseases ticks carry in your region and what signs of disease to look for in your pet in the coming days. Step 1 Check your pet for ticks daily if he spends a lot of time outdoors, especially if you live in an area known for ticks. Step 2 Put on latex gloves to avoid direct contact with the tick and contaminated skin, as diseases can be transmitted from tick to pet to human. Step 3 Feel your pet all over, especially around the neck, head and ears. If you encounter a lump like a small pea, move the fur on your pet to see if you have found a tick. Step 4 Look to see if a tick is protruding from the skin. Ticks are tiny black, brown, reddish or tan disklike arachnids (having eight legs), about the size of the head of a pin. If they have attached themselves to their host (your pet), then they can swell up to the size of a grape in some cases. Step 5 Put your pet in a comfortable position. Ask a friend or family member for help in distracting your pet. Step 6 Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to your pet's skin as possible; make sure not to pinch your pet's skin. Step 7 Pull the tick out using a straight, steady pulling motion. Be gentle; pulling too hard on the tick can cause its head to remain lodged in your pet's skin, which can lead to inflammation and secondary infection. Step 8 Dispose of the tick by throwing it into a fire, or by squishing it in a tissue using the tweezers and then flushing it down the toilet. Do not smash it with your foot or your bare hands. Step 9 Apply antiseptic ointment to the bite. Step 10 Remove and wash the gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly. Step 11 Clean the tweezers with hot water or isopropyl alcohol or by holding them over a flame.

Answer 2

Advantage is meant to prevent and kill fleas, NOT ticks. You will need to use either Advantix or Frontline for tick prevention.