Ask Lindsay! All About Outdoor Safety.

Vet Tech Lindsay Hirt with her dog, Sunny

Welcome to my third installment of “Ask Lindsay,” a series of articles based on questions you’ve submitted for the Hometown Vet Tech, Lindsay Hirt.

My dog is on flea and tick medication. Should I still worry about tick bites?

“Great question—and absolutely one worth asking your vet about. Even if your dog is on monthly prevention, it's smart to stay proactive. In Massachusetts especially, we have a lot of ticks, and many of them carry diseases like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis.

“That’s why I recommend a yearly 4DX test at your vet’s office. It checks for those tick-borne diseases and heartworm (which is spread by mosquitoes). Even if you're doing prevention correctly, the test gives you peace of mind and helps catch things early, which is key.”

How effective are flea and tick preventatives, really?

“It depends on the type and how consistently you use it. Oral preventatives like NexGard (monthly) or Bravecto (every 3 months) tend to be the most effective. They have close to 100% efficacy when used on schedule.

“Collars and topicals like Frontline can work well too, but things like sun exposure, water, or forgetting to reapply on time can reduce their effectiveness. Compliance is everything.

“Also, don't stop in the winter! Ticks don’t take a full break—even in colder months. I’ve seen a lot of dogs test positive for Lyme in December through February, often because people stop using preventatives around Halloween.”

Can I just spray my dog with DEET or essential oils instead?

“Please don’t! DEET is for humans and can be toxic to pets. Dogs have sensitive skin, groom themselves constantly, and can easily ingest things off their coat.

“The goal isn’t just to repel ticks but to kill them before they transmit disease. Repellents might make a tick jump off your dog—right onto you. Preventatives kill the tick before it can infect your pet.”

What happens if a tick bites my dog anyway?

“Don’t panic. Most preventatives kill the tick before it has time to transmit disease—it typically needs to be attached for many hours to pass anything through a blood meal.

“That said, having layers of protection helps. Use your monthly prevention, get the Lyme vaccine annually, and do your yearly 4DX test. That way, even if there’s a “breakthrough,” your vet can treat it early—often just with antibiotics.”

Can dogs get poison ivy? And can they give it to people?

“Dogs can carry the oils from poison ivy, oak, or sumac on their fur, especially if they have a thick coat. It might not affect them much, but if you pet them or they cuddle up on your furniture, those oils can transfer to your skin.

“It depends on the individual dog, too. Just like people, some dogs are more sensitive to allergens or irritants than others. I’ve seen dogs get localized swelling or rashes from things in the woods, while others don’t react at all.”

Is there anything else pet parents should watch for outside?

“Oh yes—rolling in gross things like dead animals or wild feces! Dogs love it. But if that happens, give them a good wash—Dawn dish soap is a safe choice. It’s gentle and effective (they even use it on wildlife after oil spills!).

“Being outside is wonderful for dogs, but staying proactive, keeping them clean, and using vet-approved preventatives makes all the difference.”

Thanks, Lindsay!

Lindsay Hirt has 20 years of experience working in the veterinary medicine field. She earned her B.A. in biology at the University of Maine at Machias and her M.S. in Emergency Management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She has taken graduate level courses at Bridgewater State University and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and has her teaching certification for the state of Massachusetts.

Her work has included program management, consultation, and course development for animal care and conservation sciences.

She is currently the technician supervisor at Leach Animal Hospital in Mashpee, Massachusetts and is also known as the Hometown Vet Tech, making house calls for nail trims and other basic services.

Got any burning pet health questions? Drop them in the comments—Lindsay loves a good Q&A!