Ticks and Tick Fever in Dogs in Sri Lanka: Prevention Guide
By the Bark.lk team · Updated
Ticks are a year-round problem in Sri Lanka’s warm, humid climate — and they are more than a nuisance. Ticks spread infections that are commonly called “tick fever”, which can make a dog seriously ill within days. The good news: regular prevention works very well.
What is tick fever?
“Tick fever” is the everyday name for blood infections passed on by tick bites, mainly babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. They attack the blood cells and can cause severe anaemia. Both need prompt treatment by a vet.
Warning signs — see a vet quickly
- Fever, tiredness and not wanting to eat
- Pale gums or tongue
- Dark red or brown urine
- Nosebleeds, bruising or small red spots on the skin
- Vomiting, weakness or collapse
How to prevent ticks
- Use a tick preventive all year round, not only when you see ticks. Choose spot-on drops or a chewable tablet (see below).
- Check your dog every day, especially ears, neck, between the toes and under the legs.
- Keep grass short and bedding clean, and wash bedding in hot water regularly.
- Treat every dog in the house — an untreated dog keeps the tick population going.
Spot-on or chewable tablet?
- [TixFree](/product-category/brands/tixfree/) spot-on: drops applied to the skin on the back of the neck, usually monthly. Affordable, and there are versions for dogs and for cats.
- [Bravecto](/product-category/brands/bravecto/) chew: one tasty tablet protects against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks — convenient if you forget monthly treatments.
- [NexGard](/product-category/brands/nexgard/) chew: a monthly beef-flavoured chew against fleas and ticks.
All of them are dosed by body weight — weigh your dog and pick the matching pack. Never use a dog product on a cat: some dog treatments contain ingredients (such as permethrin) that are toxic to cats. Always follow the label, and ask your vet about puppies, pregnant dogs or dogs that are unwell.
Tick and flea treatments with prices
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| TIXFREE Tick & Flea Treatment for Dogs | Rs. 2,250 |
| TIXFREE Tick & Flea Treatment for Cats | Rs. 1,633.5 |
| SEEPET WOOFY Medicated Pet Soap 70G - Antibacterial & Antifungal Protection | Rs. 346.5 |
How to remove a tick safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool and grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight out with steady pressure — do not twist, squeeze the body or burn it.
- Clean the area, wash your hands and dispose of the tick (for example in alcohol or sealed tape).
- Watch your dog for the warning signs above over the next two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use TixFree on my dog?
Spot-on treatments like TixFree are usually applied once a month. Follow the interval and dose on the pack for your dog’s weight.
Can I use tick powder instead?
Powders and shampoos kill ticks already on the dog but usually give little lasting protection. A monthly spot-on or a chewable preventive gives much more reliable protection.
Can people get tick fever from dogs?
Dogs do not pass these infections directly to people, but the same ticks can bite humans. Remove ticks with tweezers rather than bare fingers, and wash your hands afterwards.