return to Natural Dog Health Remedies

Dog Ticks and Tick Removal

Dog ticks can transit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so it is wise to do whatever we can to keep them off our dogs.

Dog Ticks

Unlike other parasites, dog ticks do not reside permanently on our four-legged friends. They just hitch a ride, get some free meals (blood), and then fall off to lay eggs.

The best way to deal with ticks is to prevent them from attaching to your dog in the first place.

Though conventional medications and tick collars can be effective, these are basically pesticides that stay on the dog's body for a long time. It is much better to use a more gentle and natural approach to deal with ticks for the sake of our dog's health.

Before going on a hike in the woods or fields where those tiny ticks may lurk, put some herbal dog tick repellent on your dog's coat.

After hiking, give your dog a nice massage. It is not only a great time for you to bond with your dog, but also a good chance for you to check your dog's coat for ticks and any burrs or foxtails in her coat.

Removing Ticks from Dogs

If you find a tick on your dog, remove it using a a pair of tweezers. This is what you have to do:

  • Grab the tick as close to the head as possible, or grab the mouth parts right where they enter the skin. **Do not grasp the tick by the body, as the head may then get embedded in the skin.
  • Using steady and gentle pressure, pull firmly and directly outward, without twisting the tick.
  • Do not touch the tick since diseases can be transmitted.
  • Remember to wash your hands after removing a tick! Wash and disinfect the tweezers as well.

Soothe the Tick Bite Wound

After removing the tick from your dog's body, you can use a natural herbal ointment to soothe the tick bite wound. Comfrey ointment is a good choice.

Alternatively, dilute 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil in an ounce of water and use a cotton ball to apply the oil mixture to the bite.

Top

Herbal Dog Tick Repellents

Dog Tick Removal

Herbs and essential oils can be used to repel dog skin parasites such as ticks and fleas.

**When using essential oils, however, be sure to get 100% pure essential oils and NEVER apply undiluted essential oils directly on your dog's skin.**

Below are some natural dog tick repellents that can easily be made at home:

Eucalyptus Herbal Powder

This herbal powder is an effective repellent for both ticks and fleas:

Mix equal parts of these dried powdered herbs:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosemary
  • Fennel
  • Yellow Dock

Put in a jar with a shaker top, and apply to your pet's coat 2 or 3 times a week.

Lavender and Thyme Tick Repellent Oil

Lavender essential oil is antibacterial; thyme thujanol is antiviral and an immune system stimulant. Thyme thujanol is also said to be effective in preventing Lyme disease.

  • 1/2 oz Base oil (e.g. olive oil)
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4-5 drops Thyme thujanol essential oil
  • 4-5 drops St. John's wort infused oil

Massage the oil on areas of the dog that are most likely to come into contact with ticks.

Geranium/Bay/Lavender Oil Blend

Ticks also hate geranium, bay, and lavender. Here is an oil blend that can keep ticks off your dog.

You need:

  • 1/2 oz. (15 ml) base oil (e.g. olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil)
  • 7 drops Lavender
  • 5 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Bay Leaf

Apply a few drops of the oil blend to the neck, back, chest, legs, and tail of your dog.

Garlic

Garlic contains compounds that are secreted through the skin, and it seems that ticks as well as fleas do not like the smell. Therefore, to keep ticks and fleas from hopping on to your dog, feed her a bit of fresh uncooked garlic every day.

Too much garlic, however, can cause Heinz body anemia in dogs and cats, so don't overfeed your dog with garlic! One clove of garlic per 10 pounds of body weight for dogs can usually be fed safely each day. (Read more information on the safe use of garlic on dogs here.)



Related Topic

Commercial Natural Flea Tick Remedies

References

K.L. Bell, Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals (Findhorn Press, 2002).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

TOP of Dog Ticks
Fun Stuff

Only Natural Pet Store


Subscribe to This Site:

XML RSS

Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

| Homepage | Join Our Community | Funny Dog Pictures | Dog Ecards |
| Links | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Template Design |

Information on this site is for educational purpose only.
It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian.

Return to top
Copyright© 2008-2009. Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies.com