3 Ways To Help Keep Ticks Off Your Dog
It's difficult to go on a hike or even a walk around the neighborhood if ticks are common in your area. They're gross and are definitely a danger to both you and to your dog. While there are some chemicals available that can help to repel ticks, there are also some measures you can try with items you already have on hand that allow you to work up to the bigger guns.
Rig Up Some Armor
There are plenty of dog outfits out there, but most of them are designed to be cute rather than offering protection from pests. Take an old T-shirt and modify it to fit your dog. Make sure that it covers as much of his body as possible. If you need additional coverage for his legs, try cutting the feet out of some old knee socks. Be careful about dressing your dog when the weather is really hot, though, since that can contribute to overheating. Stop often for water breaks and rest time in the shade.
Try Citrus Juice
Whether you're using pet armor or not, it's a smart idea to use something to keep ticks at bay. Citrus juice is one tick deterrent that has a pleasant smell, and most dogs don't mind it too much. Better still, citrus juices don't hurt your dog if he ingests them. Juice a lemon or an orange and then massage some of the juice into his skin and fur. The best time to apply the citrus juice is right before you head out for a hike or into an area likely to be infested with ticks.
Try Essential Oils
If citrus isn't handy, try mixing a few drops of peppermint essential oil or eucalyptus oil into a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or even olive oil. Apply to your dog's fur and skin, making sure to cover all areas well. Work the oil down to the dog's skin with your fingertips. Essential oils won't harm your dog, but ticks don't like the scent of eucalyptus or peppermint oils, so they're more likely to stay away when your dog walks by. Be careful to keep the oils out of your dog's eyes.
If your dog is having issues with ticks and you can't keep them away, be sure to head to a local vet clinic like Pet Medical Center – Full Service Veterinary Care. Your vet can give you more ideas about how to keep nasty pests such as fleas and ticks away from your dog.