Tick infestation is consistently rated as the most common issue that dog owners face. Especially in recent times, ticks have been more resilient and widespread, making them a year-round threat. Typically, dealing with tick infestation involves purchasing various over-the-counter insect control products for pets. However, this strategy can quickly snowball into a money pit as it gets increasingly tedious and expensive. Additionally, different health and wellness institutions have recently flagged some over-the-counter products due to the dangers they bring to your pet’s condition.
Dealing with ticks is an extensive procedure that requires careful consideration and caution. In general cases, here are some things to do if your pet has ticks. Although nothing can beat the service of a veterinary professional, there are some medically proven alternatives to which you can resort to.
Apple cider vinegar
Ticks leech on blood by attaching themselves to your pet’s body. Apple cider vinegar includes natural substances which make your dog’s bloodless appetizing to ticks. This is done by adding a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water dish. With this strategy, you are preventing ticks from attaching themselves to your dogs in the first place.
Garlic
Garlic works in essentially the same manner as apple cider vinegar. Natural substances in garlic and other garlic-based mixtures make your dog’s bloodlessness attractive to ticks. However, it is critical to note that large doses of garlic are unsafe for dogs. As such, it is important that you conduct extensive research and consult with professionals before integrating garlic products into your dog’s diet.
Herbal additives to collars
Commercial tick collars are available which supposedly offer protection to your pets through special chemical compounds. However, these products often subject your pets to prolonged exposure to potentially harmful substances. A good alternative for commercial tick collars is herbal collars which are made from natural substances. Additionally, you may also create your own herbal tick collar by regularly applying essential oils to your pet’s collar.
Citrus repellants
Multiple studies show that the organic compounds inside citrus plants such as lemons and limes are excellent deterrents against ticks. Homemade citrus-based solutions are great and effective alternatives to commercially available sprays. A simple example would be to boil halved lemons in water and let them cool down and soak overnight. By morning, the solution should be ready for use. Apply a couple of sprays to your dog’s coat after a bath or whenever necessary. Alternatively, you may also simply use freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and lightly rub them onto your dog’s fur before taking them out on a walk or some other trip.
Prevention is always better than cure. Regarding your pet’s health, it is always important to keep an eye out for signs, symptoms, and warnings and to effectively deal with them long before they turn into complications.
At the end of the day, securing the health and safety of your pets need not be an expensive task. There are various alternatives you can consider which are equally effective yet are available at drastically lower prices. Natural remedies are best suited for this application because they are usually mild and non-aggressive, unlike commercial products. Additionally, they also tend to be efficient and sustainable because they are derived from materials that are renewable and easily accessible materialise. Nevertheless, caution is required no matter what kind of products you use with your pets. Even natural alternatives that are mild can be harmful to your pets at certain doses or levels. Be sure to do advanced research and consult the relevant health professionals before proceeding.
Reference(s):
- https://www.dogseechew.in/blog/home-remedies-for-ticks-in-dogs#:~:text=1.,a%20walk%20or%20short%20trips.
- https://www.dermagic.com/blogs/dermagic/how-to-prevent-and-get-rid-of-ticks
