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ABSTRACT This study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of tick infestation in dogs in Oredo and Ovia north-east local governments, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, as well as the factors influencing the infection. A total of 102 dogs were examined out which 34 were infected with at least one tick species revealing an overall prevalence of 33.3%. The fur of the dogs were examined using visual method and ticks were collected with the use of a forcep, counted and preserved after which they were identified using standard taxonomic keys. One hundred and thirty seven ticks collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (60), Boophilus microplus (47) and Haemaphysalis leachi (30). There was no significant difference between breed, sex and prevalence of tick infestation (p > 0.05, χ 2 = 5.327a , p > 0.05, χ 2 = 0.314a ) respectively. Age and coat colour however revealed a little significant difference (p > 0.280, χ² = 2.545a , p > 0.289, χ² = 8.525a ). Predilection sites for tick attachment were as follows; ear 78 (56.9%), paw 19 (13.9%), back 19 (13.9%), head 12 (8.8%), stomach 8 (5.8%) and neck 1 (0.7%). Dog owners were asked questions about the regular hygiene of their dog(s) to ascertain the level of owner awareness of dog health and hygiene. The studies showed that a vast majority of owners did not practice good hygiene for their dogs. Degree of freedom in the dogs were little which had a direct connection to prevalence of tick infestation in dogs. From the study, the main factors affecting the prevalence of tick infestation were environmental sanitation, degree of freedom and poor owner awareness of dog state of health. Therefore it is vital that individuals who cannot properly care for a dog as a result of financial constraints should not bother about keeping a dog. Individuals who can afford it should regularly visit the veterinary doctor/clinic. Dogs in restricted places should be allowed to move freely sometimes during the day and their kennels properly cleaned.
