Natural Shampoo for Ticks in Dogs

Even if you use a preventative tick treatment -- and you should -- your dog can still pick up ticks on its outdoor adventures. Many pet owners say that a natural shampoo does the same job as one loaded with chemicals, and it's healthier for your dog. Here's a guide to some of the ingredients to look for in natural tick-repellent shampoos for dogs.

  1. Neem Seed Oil

    • Neem seed oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-parasitic oil that originated in India. Historically, it has been used to treat a variety of illnesses, infections and infestations and also repels ticks. Pest Ban pet shampoo by Pacific Holistics uses neem seed oil as its primary active ingredient.

    Citronella Oil

    • Citronella oil, derived from dried grasses, is an ingredient in many household bug repellents and sprays. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, its distinctive smell may make it difficult for ticks to locate a host. Citronella oil is safe for humans, pets and the environment. You can find a shampoo with citronella oil in it at OnlyNaturalPet.com, and probably at your local pet store.

    Peppermint Oil

    • Peppermint oil will make your dog smell great to you, but he'll smell awful to fleas and ticks. Peppermint oil contains menthone, which has a scent that seems to repel most bugs and insects. Many dog shampoos contain peppermint oil. If you want a tick-repelling shampoo with peppermint as the main active ingredient, you can get one at Fabulouspaws.com.

    Eucalyptus Oil

    • Eucalyptus or lemon eucalyptus oil is another natural bug repellent that has a pleasing smell and also has a powerful disinfectant. Many natural flea and tick shampoos contain eucalyptus oil, but you can add it yourself to your dog's regular shampoo. You also may dilute it in water, with about twenty drops of oil to a quart of water, and spray it on your dog's bed or collar.