Tick prevention for dogs: Vets explain how to beat the blood-suckers

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.PetsWhat’s the best way to prevent dogs from getting ticks? Vets explain the top 2 things pet parents should doIf you remove a tick from your dog, save it in a sealed bag and bring it to your vet — it’s a treasure trove of information.Aug. 18, 2026, 3:16 PM EDTZoe MalinReporterSkip to table of contentsNot all ticks carry disease, but the ones that do can make your dog sick if they’re not taking preventatives year-round.AmazonIn this articleOur top picksThe best tick preventatives for dogsChecking your dog for ticks: when, how and what requires a vet visitHow to choose a tick preventative for dogsFrequently asked questionsMeet our veterinary expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 4 MoreYou can’t completely prevent your dog from encountering ticks — populations are growing, causing the blood-suckers to show up in backyards and parks, not just deeply wooded areas. However, you can take steps to protect your pet and reduce the likelihood that they’ll get a potentially dangerous illness like Lyme disease, which is more common than you might think. In fact, about one out of every 30 dogs has tested positive this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Read on to learn about the best tick preventatives for dogs according to veterinarians, and other steps you can take to stop the parasites from hitching a ride on your pet.Selected.Our top picksBest tick removal kitTickCheck Premium Dog Tick Removal Kit$undefined$12.95AmazonLearn moreBest tick collarSeresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs$undefined$59.92AmazonLearn moreBest chewable preventativeNexGard Chewables Flea and Tick Protection$undefined$164.39AmazonLearn moreBest topical preventativeFrontline Plus Flea and Tick Topical Treatment$40.98$42.99AmazonLearn moreBest tick combTweezerman Pet Flea Comb$undefined$19.99AmazonLearn moreBest tick mittTiCK MiTT $16.95$19.98Ama...