Flea & Tick Repellent for Dogs

One of the most bothersome insects for furry animals and humans is fleas; the other is ticks. Fleas are common in lower altitudes where it is dry and hot. Ticks are found in long grasses, weeds, bushes, common to the forests and chaparral areas. A dog need only walk past where ticks and fleas are hiding to become infested. Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, while a heavy infestation of fleas can cause anemia in animals. There are numerous solutions to fighting fleas and ticks.

  1. Function

    • Repellents are designed to repel the insect, making your dog unattractive to fleas and ticks. There are many substances that fleas and ticks find unappealing but can have an unpleasant scent to humans. Repellents as a form of control for fleas and ticks in your yard and home are not as effective as the products that kill the insects at all stages. When going hiking and out on walks, repellents are essential to protect the dog and yourself. Fleas and ticks do not discriminate, though they prefer furry animals.

    Types

    • Natural flea and tick products are made from plants and trees. There are other types of repellents that are created with chemicals intended to disrupt the life cycle of the insect. The most common natural products include cedarwood, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender oils, which make inexpensive flea and tick repellents. The oils are mixed together, with jojoba or olive oils, or used alone. Chemical repellents include DEET, products containing 7 percent picaridin and Imidacloprid (Advantage). Both natural and chemical repellents double as a killer of fleas and ticks.

    Considerations

    • Herbal oils used as repellents

      Choosing a flea and tick repellent depends upon your preferences, the health of your family and dogs, possible allergic reactions, long-term use and how the product is applied. Dogs may not like being sprayed, may dislike the scent or prefer not to have products applied at all, while others develop a sensitivity to the flea collars whether herbal or not. Natural and chemical products, if used properly, are safe; however, prolonged exposure has been known to cause health issues, especially in children.

    Use

    • Mixing bottles for oils

      Herbal or natural flea and tick repellents are applied directly to the dog or drops are applied to the collar. Spot treatments are applied to the spine between the shoulder blades. Collars are made with chemicals and herbal oils; both should not be fastened tightly around the dog's neck and only for the short time needed. Some herbal oils can be mixed with distilled water and sprayed over the dog in a light mist. The basic recipe for using oils is to mix the olive, avocado or jojoba oil into a 1-oz. brown glass bottle, add approximately 20 drops of herbal oil and shake well. Apply a few drops to the dog's collar if it is fabric or to a strip of cloth and place loosely around the dog's neck. To use oils with water, pour water into a 24-oz. spray bottle and add approximately 30 drops of oil. Shake with each spray, since oils are not water soluble. Spray lightly over the dog, your legs and arms.

    Warning

    • Poison warning

      Before using any product, read the label. Know your ingredients and test products on your dog in one small spot before applying to the entire body. Natural products are plant-based; animals and humans develop sensitivities, allergies and health issues from these products as much as from chemicals. Herbal oils like pennyroyal and eucalyptus are known to be toxic; never apply an herbal oil directly to your dog's skin. The spot treatments have been found to cause death in dogs and severe illness in children and adults. DEET is not a safe chemical to use on your or your pets. Always follow directions, practice safe use and storage for all products. If you are not sure, ask or do not use the repellents.