Natural Tick Prevention for Dogs

A dietary supplement and a topical solution can offer the pet owner a natural way to combat ticks on their dog. Many pet owners are veering away from chemical tick repellents due to the possibility of long-term harm after exposure, but they still desire a way to keep ticks from passing on potentially fatal diseases to their dog. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which easily infect dogs.

  1. Understanding Ticks

    • Dogs have a naturally curious nature and they adore frolicking outside through shrubs or high grass where ticks lie in wait for a host. When an unsuspecting dog brushes the grass or shrubs, the tick quickly crawls onto the animal's fur. Once on the dog it attaches itself to the dog with its mouth so it can slowly feed by sucking the dog's blood. Ticks enjoy attaching themselves in the dog's armpits, groin area, under the tail and under ear flaps.

    Supplemental Preventatives

    • Feeding the dog a supplement of brewers yeast can be effective at discouraging ticks from feeding on the dog. Brewers yeast renders the dog's blood acidic which the tick finds unpalatable. Garlic supplements also help to make the animal smell less appealing to the tick. The garlic is secreted through the dog's skin, creating an odor that ticks find offensive. Adding a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the dog's water works similar to brewers yeast by making the dog's blood more acidic.

    Topical and Collar Preventatives

    • Numerous herbal topical applications are available at health food stores that also aid in preventing ticks. There are also herbal flea collars that the dog can wear. The collars produce an unpleasant smell for the ticks and help to effectively repel them.

    Citrus

    • Prior to going outside in an area that is tick infested, spray the dog with a solution of lemon juice and water. Lightly spritzing the dog's entire body with the lemon liquid helps to repel ticks since they find the smell of citrus unpleasant. Take care when using this on dark-haired dogs because the lemon juice can lighten the dog's fur when exposed to sunlight.

    Essential Oils

    • Wrapping a scarf or cloth around the dog's neck and applying essential oils will help to naturally repel ticks. Ticks find tea tree oil, lavender, geranium and eucalyptus scents unpleasant.