Fighting ticks: everything you need to know to protect your animal

What are ticks afraid of?

Pest activity is observed in the first month of spring. The earth is only warming up to 10 degrees, they can be seen in summer cottages. Often in dachas you can find ixodid ticks, which act as carriers of encephalitis, Lyme disease and other diseases.

Important! A tick bite is sometimes not accompanied by pain, but the dangerous virus enters the bloodstream. Only studying the pest under clinical conditions will make it possible to confidently declare its danger to health.

The basis of folk remedies for ticks

Most often, the basis of a folk remedy for ticks for people and pets is one of the following elements:

1. Birch tar has a pungent odor that repels ticks.
2. Vanillin is a harmless natural preparation against blood-sucking parasites. Its smell is almost unnoticeable to humans, but it effectively fights attacks by blood-sucking insects.
3. Essential oils – have a strong odor and are used in deterrents. The essential oils of eucalyptus, geranium, palmarosa, lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme, basil, and tea tree have a pronounced scent.
4. Garlic - insects and mites, and even some people, cannot stand its smell. Mixtures with added garlic will protect your body. But you should not use it for rubbing in its pure form, this can lead to burns.

Prevention and protection

If you constantly take preventive measures, you can protect not only your pet, but also your home from the invasion of parasites.

The following basic preventive measures are identified:

• Maintaining constant cleanliness and sanitary cleaning of the premises;
• The use of preventive folk and chemical remedies;
• Examination of the animal by a specialist for the presence of parasites;
• Avoiding places where there are excessive concentrations of animals.

At the first sign of a problem, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible, who can suggest an effective flea control product that is suitable for a specific breed of dog. It should be remembered that it is better to solve the problem at the beginning, since a large number of parasites leads to the dog’s suffering.

Folk remedies for animals

Pets are no less susceptible to tick attacks. In thick fur it is difficult to find a pest that can jump onto a person. In fact, every method that is used for preventive purposes in relation to humans is also suitable for animals. It is not recommended to use vinegar-based products on pets, as they will lick their own fur.

Important! Folk remedies for pests will quickly disappear, so during a long walk it is recommended to apply protective tinctures and sprays after 3 hours.

Vanilla-based tincture

It is necessary to combine 100 g of alcohol or high-quality vodka with 2 g of vanillin. The product is infused for 7 days in a closed container. Before going outside, the product is rubbed into the pet’s abdomen, paws and withers.

For preventive purposes against pest bites, vanilla is sometimes used in its natural form - the animal should be sprinkled with powder on all sides, rubbed into the fur. The protection will remain until swimming.

Scented collar

In addition, it is possible to protect the animal with the help of a scented collar. Products used directly for walking outside must be smeared with tea tree oil. It is not recommended to wear such a collar all the time.

Garlic cologne

This method is useful for pets who roam around the countryside. You will need the following components:

• peeled large clove of garlic (or 3 small ones);
• water – 2 l.

The product is being prepared:

1. The head of garlic is grated (to chop, you can use a garlic clove).
2. A similar mass is added to water and infused in a dark and dry place for at least 8 hours.
3. Next, the solution is filtered and 2 liters of water are added.

You can lubricate the pet’s collar or fur with the product in question (only in inaccessible areas where he cannot reach on his own, for example, on the back or at the withers) and spray the dacha area.

Onions can be considered an alternative to garlic; the effect will be similar.

Pyrethrum spray

Pyrethrum is a pest control powder that is popular due to its natural ingredients. It is not toxic to animals. It is noted to be highly effective against mites. No chemicals are used in the preparation process; the composition is entirely made from ingredients of natural origin.

To prepare the mixture, you will need 6 tbsp. l. Dilute the product in 1 liter of water. The insecticide can also be used as a powder. For example, when ticks enter a tent through the entrance, it is possible to sprinkle powder near it.

Pyrethrum is a contact insecticide. After the active ingredient penetrates the tick’s shell, it enters the body, causing deviations:

• the functioning of all internal organs will be disrupted (the action is determined by impaired transmission of impulses);
• paralysis will occur, the remedy will deprive the pests of the ability to move.

In view of this, the number of adult insects will significantly decrease, and the surviving individuals will lose their reproductive function.

Wormwood infusion

To prepare the product in question, you will need:

1. Pour 50 g of wormwood leaves into 0.4 liters of water, boil and then cool.
2. Filter. Pour into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the animal if necessary.

Natural remedies that are aimed at preventing tick bites in pets have a number of requirements. When creating them, it is prohibited to use alcohol, cologne and vinegar.

The use of modern protective equipment will make it possible to prevent tick attacks. According to their own action, they include substances that are poisonous to pests or repel them (sometimes both actions are used at once). Now there is a large selection of chemical preparations for ticks, which have different uses and different costs.

Flea and tick oils

Remedies on this basis are not a panacea for already acquired parasites. Due to their rich smell, they will repel blood-sucking individuals, thereby preventing pests from getting on the fur and skin of pets. Among breeders and veterinarians, the following plants are recognized as the most effective anti-tick essential oils for dogs:

• tea tree;
• carnations;
• juniper;
• pennyroyal;
• rosemary;
• thyme;
• eucalyptus;
• rosemary;
• lavender;
• cedar;
• citronella;
• geraniums

Flea and tick oils

Swamp mint is not used for treating puppies and expectant mothers. You should treat your dog against ticks carefully, as some options can cause allergies in your pet. Immediately after the first treatment, it is necessary to observe the dog for an hour; if it becomes irritable or, on the contrary, too calm and lethargic, then this drug should not be used anymore.

Applying anti-tick oil is simple, just drop a few drops of the chosen product on your hands, rub a little and treat your pet's fur against growth. Such movements can be done several times, but you should not add funds.

Important!

Animals have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so the concentration of the product is chosen to be minimal.

Essential oils, vanilla

Parasites are repelled by an unpleasant odor, which is why the products most often used contain ethers. Anti-tick oil is very simple to prepare; just mix a few ingredients and the product is ready.

The most effective are clove oil against ticks, lemongrass, mint, chamomile, lavender, basil, geranium, and thyme. The list goes on and on. All plants contain oils, so experts recommend drinking tea with the addition of such plants, for example, basil. But their use internally must be done carefully, since there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction due to intolerance to the components.

Anti-tick essential oils for children or adults contain the following:

• water – 100 ml;
• alcohol – 10 ml;
• selected oil – 10 ml.

Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. To prevent the aroma from scaring people away, esters with a pleasant aroma are added to it, such as coconut, shea, and almond.

What oil repels ticks? Another effective remedy for parasites has the following composition:

• palmarosa or geranium ether – 15 drops;
• base oil (almond) – two tablespoons.

Combine the oils and pour into a dark bottle; this mixture can be stored for up to six months. Apply to the surface of skin, clothing, shoes (a few drops). For small children, you can make special scented bracelets: apply a few drops of ether to a braid or ribbon and put it on the child’s hand.

When going to the forest or walking in the park with your whole family and pets, you need to protect yourself as thoroughly as possible from ticks. Natural parasite repellent includes geranium esters and almond oil. This composition should be stored in the refrigerator and used when necessary. To protect the animal, it is necessary to lubricate the withers, back or collar - those places that the dog does not need to lick.

If you are outside all day, you need to use protective equipment every 2-3 hours. It is worth remembering that such folk remedies cannot provide 100% protection against parasites, so you should be vigilant, wear only closed clothing in the forest or park, and upon returning home, conduct a thorough examination of the skin to exclude bites.

Vanilla has a pleasant aroma, but despite this, this spice is repulsive to ticks. To prepare sweet vanilla water you will need:

• liter of water;
• a few grams of vanillin.

Vanillin should be poured into water, put on fire to boil, then cooled and applied with a cotton pad to exposed areas of the body or the surface of clothing. For more reliable protection, it should be used every 2 hours.

To protect adults, vanilla tincture is suitable. To prepare it, you need to mix 100 ml of alcohol and a few grams of vanillin, place it in a dark bottle, and let it brew for a week. Treat the skin with the resulting solution.

"Perfume" with wormwood

Ingredients:

• 20 g of dry wormwood leaves or 50 g of fresh leaves of the plant;
• 400 ml water.

Production and use:

1. Pour dried or finely chopped fresh leaves with water and boil.
2. Cool and pour into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the animal's fur if necessary.

It is important to know! Natural preparations against tick attacks quickly disappear and are washed off with water when swimming. During long walks, apply protection every 2-3 hours.

Liquid soap with balm Zvezdochka

You will need:

• Star on the tip of the knife;
• glass of water;
• 5 tbsp. spoons of vinegar;
• 1 tbsp. spoon of liquid soap.

Soap and balm Zvezdochka against ticks

The water is heated a little to dissolve the ointment in it. Add vinegar and soap. Use the mixture to wipe open areas. The disadvantage of the product is that it repels ticks before the first sweat. Therefore, the soap drips off with sweat and stops working.

Important!

The validity period of these compounds is 6 months. These folk remedies are used for adults. Children need milder formulations against ticks.

Gel with essential oils

The volume of the product is large. It is prepared either for the whole family, or to combat parasites during long-term outdoor activities:

• 1.5 cups vegetable oil;
• 20 drops of essential oils with a pungent odor;
• 150 ml aloe vera cream or gel.

To prepare this gel, you can take clove, geranium or lavender oil. All ingredients are poured into a container with a closing lid and mixed thoroughly.

On a note!

The disadvantage of this product is that because of the vegetable oil, people begin to hate this mixture. Oil clogs pores and stains clothes.

Clove decoction

Easy to prepare, this decoction is highly safe and can therefore be used for children. Not suitable for animals. The recipe is incredibly simple and includes only two components:

• 1 teaspoon cloves;
• 200 ml water.

You just need to add cloves to water and bring to a boil. Next, the decoction is infused for several hours. If whole cloves were used, the recommended time would be 8-10 hours. Ground is prepared in 5-6 hours. It is recommended to avoid getting cloves on your skin. You can apply the decoction with regular cotton wool or a cotton pad.

Tea tree soap

It has a soft, long-lasting effect, but it is more difficult to prepare and use. Not suitable for processing animals. Soap includes such components as:

• 30 ml shower gel or liquid soap;
• 10-15 drops of essential oil;
• 5-10 ml soybean oil.

First, soybean oil must be added to the gel or liquid soap. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, add tea tree oil. It is very important to mix all components completely, otherwise they will not have the desired effect, or their use will be difficult. It is necessary to take a shower using the resulting soap before going outside.

Liquid with added medical alcohol

Has a high shelf life. Not recommended for children and animals. For such a liquid you must use the following ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons alcohol;
• 250 ml water;
• 2 teaspoons of any essential oil that repels ticks (cloves, tea oil, basil, thyme, mint, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, etc.).

All components are simply mixed together. This liquid can only be used in the form of a spray, as rubbing into the skin will lead to irritation.

Pour the liquid into a container with a spray bottle. Spray it on exposed skin and outer clothing. The shelf life of the spray in a closed container is six months.

By the way, this product is convenient to use, and you can take it with you, for example, on a trip to nature.

Ash

Previously, people in the taiga protected themselves from ticks with the help of ashes from a fire. They were sprinkled on clothes and hats. By the way, many people use this method now. It is believed that a tick will never crawl onto clothes covered with ash.

Tar

The tar smell is intolerable to ticks and fleas. Unfortunately, it is also unpleasant for most people, which is why in the city the most effective option for using tar—smearing it on a dog—is of little use. However, when hunting or hiking, this product can help.

Tar helps not only protect against forest ticks, but also get rid of ear parasites in dogs

In the city, anti-mite “perfumes” can be made using tar soap in combination with essential oils:

1. Take a glass of water, tar soap and essential oils:
   grapefruit;
2. thyme;
3. oregano;
4. juniper;
5. myrrh.
6. Grate the soap.
7. Mix with water.
8. Add 2 drops of each essential oil to the mixture.
9. Spray the animal with the resulting mixture.

You can also bathe your dog before a walk with tar soap; in addition, it is advisable to rinse it with a decoction of wormwood. This is not a very convenient method, since bathing is a long process. But the smell that repels ticks will last a little longer.

Anti-tick solution for dogs

What are ticks most afraid of and how can you protect your four-legged pet from bites? You can repel parasites with a solution made from essential oils. To do this, you need to take a few drops of natural oil:

• lavender;
• thyme;
• tea tree;
• cypress;
• thyme.

Ways to use the solution:

• apply directly to the collar - before each time you go outside, the smell will repel ticks, fleas and effectively protect against their bites;
• comb the dog once a week - to do this, mix the oil with a teaspoon of alcohol, soak a cotton swab in it and distribute it over a comb intended for the animal;
• Shampoo will help get rid of parasites - add 15 drops of an oil solution to 150 ml; every time after a walk during the tick season, you need to treat the animal by lathering it with the product and leaving it for a few minutes.

Essential oils will help effectively fight all kinds of parasites - the deterrent tool is the smell, which they cannot tolerate.

Do not overdo it with the amount when applying, because... A dog's sense of smell is much more subtle than a person's. If your pet begins to behave in an unusual way, try removing one of the components from the solution. Otherwise, this method of struggle is not suitable.

Traditional methods of treatment

When it was not possible to protect the pet, signs of subcutaneous mites are detected, treatment is necessary. Many pets react negatively to drug therapy options, and for some breeds they are generally contraindicated. It is in such cases that folk remedies are used. They are used depending on what type of tick the dog has.

Protection against ixodid ticks

Ixodid ticks appear on your pet's body after a walk; they can be removed by bathing with tar soap or shampoo with the addition of essential oils.

If the tick is deeply ingrained into the dog’s skin, then essential oil in its pure form will help remove the parasite. The problem area is generously lubricated with one of the above oils and the parasite is removed using tweezers in a circular motion.

Washing the dog

Subcutaneous mites

These parasites can be eliminated without the use of medications. There are several options:

• An infusion of celandine roots will be irreplaceable; the washed and purified raw materials are poured with sunflower oil in a 1:1 ratio. Maintain at a temperature of 50 degrees for at least 4 hours. The strained infusion is applied to problem areas daily.
• Juniper berries and sour apples are crushed into puree, mixed well and applied to the affected areas.
• Sour cream or kefir with black sulfur also have healing properties; the ingredients are mixed well in a 3:1 ratio.
• Birch tar will cope perfectly with the problem; the product is applied directly to the affected areas daily.

According to reviews, all of the above methods are effective, but before using them you should consult a veterinarian. This will allow you to choose the most suitable treatment option and not harm the dog.

How to remove a tick?

What to do if you find a tick on your dog? First of all, don't panic. It is best to quickly go to the veterinary clinic. If you still decide to carry out this procedure on your own, follow our recommendations.

The place where the tick's head meets its abdomen is very tender. You cannot pull the parasite by the abdomen, otherwise you risk tearing it off, while the head and paws will remain in the skin. With this course of events, it will be very difficult to remove them in the future, and the inflammatory process is inevitable.

To remove a tick, you will need a special device, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy, or regular tweezers. Wear gloves to protect yourself, because the inside of a tick is completely unknown. Pick up the parasite with tweezers and begin removing it using twisting movements.

Folk protection against ticks for people (adults)

A tick medicine may consist of one or more scents. The composition of the drug suitable for adults includes alcohol or vinegar. They act as an emulsifier (mix immiscible components).

Alcohol based spray

Components:

• 2 teaspoons of essential oil (any of the above);
• 2 teaspoons of medical alcohol;
• 250 ml water.

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a tightly closed container.

Application: spray on exposed parts of the body and outer clothing. Shelf life in unopened containers is 6 months.

Vinegar spray

Components of the spray:

• 10-15 drops of mint or eucalyptus oil;
• 4 teaspoons of table vinegar;
• 2 teaspoons of water.

Preparation, use, storage: shake in a closed container. Spray onto uncovered areas of skin and clothing. Store in a closed bottle for up to 6 months.

Cologne with valerian

Components:

• 9-16 drops of valerian;
• 1 tbsp. spoon of cologne.

Method of production and use:

• Mix thoroughly in a sealed container.
• Wipe uncovered areas of skin with a cotton pad soaked in the prepared solution.
• Can be stored for 6 months.

Soap based on Golden Star balm

To prepare you will need:

• 50 ml. apple cider vinegar;
• 10 ml. liquid soap;
• 200 ml. water;
• “Star” ointment on the tip of a knife or two drops of balm.

Production and use:

1. Mix all ingredients in a closed bottle until a homogeneous suspension is formed.
2. Apply to uncovered areas of skin while walking.

Fragrant oil gel

Ingredients for cooking:

• 150 ml. aloe vera gel or cream;
• 20 drops of lavender oil;
• 20 drops of Geranium oil;
• 300 ml. vegetable oil.

Production and use:

1. Pour aloe vera cream (gel) and vegetable oil into a tightly closed container. Stir until a homogeneous consistency is formed.
2. Pour in essential oils. Shake thoroughly.
3. Apply the drug, if necessary, to uncovered areas of the skin.
4. Can be stored and used for 6 months.

Garlic tincture

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of alcohol or vodka
• 1 head of garlic.

Preparation and use:

1. Peel the head of garlic and grate it on a fine grater.
2. Pour alcohol (vodka) over the garlic.
3. To stir thoroughly.
4. Apply to clothing and uncovered areas of the body with a spray bottle.

Vanillin with vodka

Components:

• vanillin;
• vodka or alcohol.

Preparation:

1. Mix vodka and vanillin in a ratio of 1:50. For example, 1 g of vanillin per 50 g. liquids.
2. Mix thoroughly and leave for 7 days in the refrigerator.
3. Spray on body and clothing before going out.

Preventive actions

It is advisable to walk your dog in areas without tall grass and bushes. After a walk, you need to carefully examine the animal. Ticks can be found on skin or fur. Particular care should be taken to check the area behind the ears, eyebrows, neck, sides, paws, armpits, stomach and groin. You can comb your pet's fur with a thick comb.

If a tick is found on the skin, it must be carefully removed with tweezers using rotational movements. Under no circumstances should you try to sharply pull out a tick. The parasite must be removed carefully so that the head does not come off. Treat the bite site with iodine or alcohol.

Using folk remedies for ticks for dogs cannot guarantee 100% protection for your pet. Therefore, careful examination and observation of the animal is necessary. The owner should be alert to any changes in the behavior of his four-legged friend. For example, the dog has become restless, itches, and refuses to eat. This may indicate the presence of a tick. Early detection of a blood-sucking parasite and timely measures taken will protect your pet from contracting dangerous infections.

Animal observation

After removing the tick, it is necessary to treat the wound with an antiseptic and destroy the parasite. Interesting fact: ticks cannot be dried out, do not sink in water, and it is dangerous to crush them, as there is a risk of spreading infection. The best way to kill a tick is to burn it.

It is important to understand that infection of an animal with piroplasmosis does not occur at the time of the bite, but only on the second day, when the female, having drunk, squeezes back some of the liquid blood that the parasite does not need. From the salivary glands of the tick, piroplasms enter the dog's blood and infection occurs. It is unlikely that a tick that has just attached, with its abdomen still unfilled, will cause disease.

However, after a bite, you need to monitor your dog’s condition very carefully and measure the temperature rectally every day. Signs of the disease include high fever, refusal to eat, lethargy, pale mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, dark or bloody urine, weakness of the hind legs and possibly diarrhea.

Such symptoms serve as a signal to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if you notice only one of the listed signs, play it safe and contact a specialist. Recently, cases of atypical development of piroplasmosis have become more frequent. The period from infection to the appearance of pronounced symptoms can range from 2 to 20 days.

Treatment of the pet consists of the administration of a special antiparasitic drug, as well as a course of cleansing drips.