After a long winter, most dogs and their owners eagerly look forward to milder weather and lots of outdoor time. Unfortunately, ticks capable of transmitting diseases to your pet, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others, are also looking forward to spring and the opportunity to latch onto your pet for a tasty meal. If you would like to avoid using harsh chemicals for tick control but still want to still make sure they are protected from being bitten, the following natural tick control methods can help.
Essential oils to repel ticks
Repelling ticks should always be the preferred goal, because doing so will help prevent your animal from enduring painful tick bites and the infection risks associated with them. Some pet owners have had success in keeping ticks off their dog through the use of highly scented essential oils, such as rose geranium oil. Because ticks do not like the smell of these oils, they are less likely to be attracted to your dog and attach themselves to them as they pass by.
While some essential oils like rose geranium oil are safe when applied in tiny amounts to the skin, placing them on the dog's collar or on a kerchief that can be tied to their collar can be a better way to reap the benefits without risking skin irritation, should you accidentally apply too much. If you plan on spending time in a heavily wooded or grassy area where there is a heavy population of ticks, it can be helpful to protect your dog even further by cutting the elasticized tops off of discarded socks, applying essential oil and then slipping them onto your dog's legs while outdoors.
Other essential oils that can be helpful in repelling ticks on dogs include lavender, citronella, cedar wood, and lemon grass. Remember, however, that because your dog's sense of smell is much more advanced than yours, it is best to use essential oils very sparingly to avoid sensitivity issues.
The dangers of tea tree oil
If you decide to use essential oils as part of your pet's tick repellent arsenal, remember that some oils have the potential to be harmful to your pet. Tea tree oil is a commonly available essential oil that can be harmful or even fatal to pets when ingested or applied to the skin, especially if it has not been diluted.
For more information about the safe use of essential oils and other herbal animal medicines as part of your pet care routine, take time to talk with your veterinarian or animal health care specialist who specializes in herbal animal medicine.
Share29 December 2016
Do you own a small animal like a mouse, hamster or even a lizard? Did you know that even these tiny creatures can benefit from veterinary care? My name is Emma, and I own a number of small pets. I have found out through my experiences that veterinary care can give my little pets a longer, healthier life. This blog will cover what a small animal needs from regular medical care as well as special situations that require emergency veterinary intervention. Tiny pets deserve a healthy life, too. Learn how to do all your can for the littlest animals in your care.
