12 June 2026 • 7 min read
If you live on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, ticks are a fact of life. Our warm, humid climate and lush vegetation create the perfect environment for these parasites to thrive. And while ticks are a nuisance, they are also genuinely dangerous. Tick bite fever kills dogs in South Africa every year, and it can happen quickly.
The good news? Tick bite fever is almost entirely preventable. Here is everything you need to know about protecting your dog.
Two species cause the most trouble for dogs in our area:
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most common tick found on dogs in South Africa. It thrives in warm, coastal areas and can actually live indoors, in kennels, cracks in walls and bedding. The brown dog tick transmits Ehrlichia canis, which causes a form of tick bite fever called ehrlichiosis.
The yellow dog tick (Haemaphysalis elliptica) is found in areas with thick bush and grassland, exactly the kind of vegetation we have along the South Coast. This tick transmits Babesia canis, which causes biliary (babesiosis), the most dangerous form of tick bite fever in South African dogs.
Tick bite fever is not just a mild illness. Biliary, in particular, can kill a healthy dog within days if left untreated. Here is what happens:
The tick feeds on your dog's blood and transmits a parasite (Babesia) into the bloodstream. This parasite attacks and destroys red blood cells. Your dog's body cannot carry oxygen properly, and organs start to fail.
If you see any of these signs, get to your vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it gets better. Early treatment with a simple injection can save your dog's life. Waiting even 24 hours too long can be the difference between recovery and tragedy.
Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than treatment. Here are the options available in South Africa:
Products like NexGard (monthly) and Bravecto (every 12 weeks) are the most popular and effective tick prevention in South Africa right now. Your dog eats a flavoured chew, and the active ingredient circulates in the bloodstream. When a tick bites, it dies before it can transmit disease.
Pros: Easy to give, long-lasting, not affected by swimming or bathing.
Cons: Requires a vet prescription, more expensive than topical options.
Frontline and similar spot-on products are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades, usually monthly. They spread across the skin surface and kill ticks on contact.
Pros: Available without a prescription, effective when applied correctly.
Cons: Can wash off with swimming or heavy rain, must not be applied on wet fur.
Collars like Seresto release a slow, steady dose of active ingredient over several months. They work well as a complement to other prevention methods.
Pros: Long-lasting (up to 8 months), low maintenance.
Cons: Can irritate sensitive skin, less effective on large breeds where the collar sits far from the back legs and tail.
The old-school method. Dipping is still used by some owners, but it has largely been replaced by more convenient options. If you do use a dip, follow the instructions carefully and never dip puppies or pregnant dogs without vet guidance.
Even with the best prevention products, no method is 100% foolproof. This is where regular grooming becomes your safety net.
During a professional grooming session, your dog's entire body is examined. A good groomer checks the areas where ticks love to hide:
These are all spots that are easy to miss during a quick pat or belly rub at home. A groomer who sees your dog regularly will also notice changes in the skin that could indicate a tick-related issue developing.
If you walk your dog along the South Coast, whether it is along the beach, through the bush paths near Ramsgate or around the neighbourhood in Margate, get into the habit of doing a tick check when you get home.
Run your hands slowly over your dog's entire body, paying special attention to the areas listed above. Ticks feel like small, round bumps on the skin. If you find one, remove it with a tick twister or fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting. Clean the area with antiseptic.
Do not use matches, Vaseline or methylated spirits to try to "suffocate" the tick. These old remedies do not work and can actually cause the tick to release more toxins into your dog.
On the KZN South Coast, ticks are active year-round thanks to our mild winters. However, their numbers peak during the warmer, wetter months from September through to April. This is when you need to be most vigilant.
That said, do not drop your guard in winter. Our area rarely gets cold enough to kill off tick populations completely. Year-round prevention is the safest approach. For more tips on caring for your dog during the cooler months, see our winter dog care guide.
Your garden can be a tick breeding ground, especially if you have thick bush, leaf litter or long grass. A few practical steps:
Do not wait if you notice:
Tick bite fever is treatable when caught early. Your vet can run a quick blood test and start treatment on the same day. The injection itself is straightforward, and most dogs recover within a few days when treated promptly.
The combination of a good prevention product, regular grooming and daily awareness is the best defence against ticks on the South Coast. BarkMobile serves the entire stretch from Hibberdene to Ramsgate, bringing professional grooming to your doorstep. Our groomers know exactly what to look for and will flag any concerns during every session.
Your dog depends on you to keep them safe. With a little routine and the right products, tick bite fever does not have to be something you worry about.
Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, pale gums, dark or reddish urine, swollen lymph nodes and sometimes difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to a vet immediately. Tick bite fever can be fatal if not treated quickly.
No. The KZN South Coast has mild winters, which means ticks remain active year-round. Their numbers may dip slightly in the cooler, drier months, but they never disappear completely. Year-round tick prevention is essential in this area.
The most effective options are oral chewable tablets (like NexGard or Bravecto), which provide 1 to 3 months of protection. Spot-on treatments (like Frontline) are another popular choice. Your vet can recommend the best option based on your dog's size, breed and lifestyle.
A professional groomer examines your dog's entire body during a session, including hard-to-see areas like inside the ears, between the toes and under the tail. This means ticks are spotted and removed before they can cause harm. Regular grooming complements your tick prevention routine. Book a groom with BarkMobile to keep your dog protected.