Safeguard your furry friends. A simple, natural repellent against ticks
Warm months are not just about the splendid weather but also a reminder that it's tick season, and these pests are more active than ever. Many dog owners find themselves battling these arachnids in their pets' fur, often finding that tablets, collars, or gels offer little reprieve. However, with this simple trick, ticks will steer clear of your dog!
Prevention is key when dealing with ticks since they pose a significant threat to humans and our furry friends. The most alarming complication of a tick bite isn't just a red spot but, more importantly, Lyme disease, which can be notoriously difficult to treat—wondering what repels ticks from dogs? Whip up this highly effective concoction before heading out for a walk, and ticks will give your pet a wide berth.
What to do if your dog picks up a tick?
Discovering a tick on their dog sends many owners into a frenzy, with the braver ones attempting to remove the tick themselves. This often leads to a struggle, potentially causing more harm than good. This is why it's crucial to meticulously check your dog's fur after every outing, as ticks can be hard to spot immediately. A tick bite can manifest through symptoms such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, or even fever in the days following the encounter, all of which are cause for concern.
If the issue is not addressed promptly, your dog's condition may deteriorate, necessitating a veterinary visit. It's advisable to consult a vet as soon as you notice a tick, as attempting to remove it yourself could leave parts of the tick embedded in your dog's skin. Additionally, if your pet spends a lot of time indoors, there's a considerable risk of the tick transferring to you. Consequently, many owners end up spending a lot on specialised treatments, tablets, and even sprays or drops, which often fail to ward off ticks. What’s the best tick prevention for dogs? The answer might surprise you!
How to protect your dog from ticks
The most effective strategy is to concoct a homemade repellent that's both potent and safe, using just a handful of ingredients. To a glass of water (about 240ml), add 10 drops of geranium oil, five drops of cedarwood oil, three drops of lavender oil, and three drops of lemongrass oil. Combining these oils, known to repel ticks, creates a solution that can be safely applied to your dog's coat, ideally using a spray bottle for convenience.
Simply shake the mixture, apply it to your hands, and massage it into your dog's fur. It is best to treat this as a petting session, turning the application into a playful activity before setting off for a walk.
