Ticks arent just pesky parasites … they can sometimes pose a health threat to our dogs.
While traditional chemical treatments are commonly used, they often come with their own set of risks. Luckily, natural tick repellents can offer a safer and healthier alternative.
Are you tired of worrying about those nasty ticks hitching a ride on your furry friend? I sure am! As a dog parent who loves hiking with my pup, I’ve been on a mission to find natural tick solutions that actually work without exposing my dog to harsh chemicals.
The good news? Natural tick repellents for dogs do work – but there’s a catch. They require the right approach, consistent application, and realistic expectations about their effectiveness compared to chemical alternatives
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about natural tick protection for your four-legged family member!
Why Many Pet Parents Are Going Natural
Before we jump into specific products let’s talk about why so many of us are seeking natural alternatives
- Safety concerns about chemical ingredients in traditional treatments
- Desire for eco-friendly options that won’t harm the environment
- Dogs with sensitive skin or allergies who react poorly to chemical treatments
- Peace of mind knowing we’re not exposing our pets to potentially harmful substances
I personally made the switch after my Lab mix had a scary reaction to a popular chemical tick preventative That experience sent me researching alternatives, and I’ve never looked back!
How Natural Tick Repellents Work
Unlike chemical treatments that typically kill ticks by attacking their nervous systems, natural options work differently:
- They repel ticks through scents and oils that ticks find unpleasant
- Some natural ingredients can disrupt the tick life cycle
- Certain substances (like diatomaceous earth) can dehydrate ticks on contact
The most effective natural tick repellents for dogs contain one or more of these key ingredients:
| Natural Ingredient | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Cedarwood oil | Repels ticks with its strong scent |
| Neem oil | Anti-parasitic properties deter ticks |
| Apple cider vinegar | Alters skin pH, making dogs less attractive to ticks |
| Lemongrass oil | Natural tick deterrent |
| Peppermint oil | Repels ticks and other insects |
| Eucalyptus oil | Tick repellent with a refreshing scent |
| Rosemary oil | Natural tick deterrent |
Top 6 Natural Tick Repellents That Actually Work
After testing numerous products on my own dogs and gathering feedback from other pet parents, these natural repellents stand out as the most effective:
1. Cedarcide Tick Spray
Cedarcide uses cedarwood oil as its primary active ingredient, and boy does it work! The formula actually dehydrates and dissolves ticks on contact while forming a protective barrier on your dog’s coat.
What I love about it: You can use it on humans too! When we’re hiking, I spray both my pup and myself with the same product, which is super convenient.
Application tip: Reapply every 5-7 hours when outdoors in tick-prone areas.
2. Wondercide Tick Spray
Wondercide has an interesting origin story – it was created after the founder’s dog became ill from conventional tick treatments. Their formula uses cedarwood and lemongrass oils to repel ticks effectively.
What makes it special: It comes in different scents (cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary) so you can find one your dog tolerates best.
Application tip: Only needs to be applied every 2-3 days for maintenance, but I recommend applying before any outdoor adventure.
3. Wondercide Tick Collar
For those who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, Wondercide also makes a natural tick collar using the same plant-based formula as their spray.
The advantage: Provides continuous protection for up to 4 months.
The downside: Not quite as long-lasting as chemical alternatives like Seresto (which lasts 8 months), but much more natural.
4. Vet’s Best Tick Spray
This company has been around for over 30 years and their formula combines peppermint oil and eugenol (from cloves) to create an effective tick repellent.
What’s great: You can spray it directly on your dog AND around your home – including on pet bedding, collars, and leashes.
Application tip: Reapply every 2-4 hours when outdoors, but no more than twice daily.
5. Nantucket Spider Spray
Despite the somewhat creepy name, this is an excellent product! Their formula contains multiple essential oils including cedarwood, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender.
What I appreciate: They specifically avoid citrusy scents that can irritate a dog’s sensitive nose and skin.
Application tip: Needs more frequent reapplication (every 1.5 hours) but has one of the best spray nozzles for even application.
6. Richard’s Organics Tick Shampoo
While not a repellent, this natural shampoo helps kill any ticks that might be hiding in your dog’s fur after a day outdoors.
Why it’s worth mentioning: Unlike many medicated shampoos, it actually smells pleasant and leaves fur soft.
Best use: As part of your post-adventure routine rather than as a preventative measure.
The Honest Truth: Limitations of Natural Tick Repellents
I wouldn’t be giving you the full picture if I didn’t mention some limitations:
- Shorter protection window – Most need more frequent reapplication than chemical alternatives
- Less effective in severe infestations – May struggle with heavy tick populations
- Primarily repel rather than kill – Some ticks may still find their way to your dog
- Varying effectiveness – What works for one dog might not work as well for another
As someone who’s tried nearly every natural option out there, I can tell you that they DO work – but they require more diligence than just applying a chemical treatment once a month.
Making Natural Tick Repellents Work Better: My Strategy
After years of trial and error, I’ve developed a multi-pronged approach that maximizes the effectiveness of natural tick repellents:
1. Be Proactive
Start using natural repellents before tick season begins in your area. It’s much easier to prevent an infestation than to deal with one after it starts!
2. Create a Treatment Schedule
For my active dogs, here’s my typical routine:
- Daily: Quick spray before outdoor activities
- Weekly: Bath with natural tick-repelling shampoo
- Monthly: Thorough home cleaning (vacuuming, washing bedding)
- Seasonally: Yard treatment with cedar oil spray
3. Environmental Control is Key
Remember, fighting ticks isn’t just about treating your dog – it’s about managing your environment too:
- Keep grass short and remove leaf litter where ticks hide
- Create gravel or wood chip barriers between wooded areas and your lawn
- Consider tick-repelling plants like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds in your garden
- Vacuum frequently and wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
4. Tick Checks After Outdoor Activities
Even with the best repellents, you should still:
- Inspect your dog thoroughly after walks in wooded or grassy areas
- Pay special attention to ears, between toes, under collars, and in armpits
- Keep a lint roller handy – they’re great for quickly removing ticks from fur before they attach
- Use a fine-toothed comb to go through thick coats
DIY Natural Tick Repellent Recipes You Can Make at Home
If you’re the DIY type (like me!), here are some homemade recipes that have worked well for my pups:
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons organic neem oil
Mix in a spray bottle and apply to your dog’s coat before outdoor activities. The acidic taste deters ticks!
Essential Oil Blend
- 9 drops citronella essential oil
- 6 drops tea tree essential oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 tablespoon almond or jojoba oil (as carrier)
Mix together and apply to exposed skin or collar. Don’t apply directly to your dog’s skin without diluting!
Eucalyptus Spray
- 4 ounces purified/distilled water
- 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Shake well before each use and spray on your dog’s coat, avoiding the face. Also works great when applied to collars!
When Natural Methods Might Not Be Enough
I’m a huge advocate for natural options, but I also believe in being realistic. There are some situations where you might need to consider traditional treatments:
- If you live in an area with extremely high tick populations
- If your dog has previously contracted a tick-borne illness like Lyme disease
- During peak tick seasons in your region
- For immune-compromised dogs who are at higher risk from tick-borne diseases
Sometimes a hybrid approach works best – using natural repellents for daily protection but adding a conventional preventative during the worst tick months.
What To Do If You Find a Tick On Your Dog
Despite your best preventative efforts, you might still occasionally find a tick. Here’s what to do:
- Don’t panic! Not all ticks carry diseases, and quick removal reduces risk
- Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward with steady pressure – don’t twist or jerk
- Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water
- Save the tick in alcohol if you want to identify it or have it tested
- Monitor your dog for any signs of illness in the following weeks
IMPORTANT: Never apply substances directly to an attached tick in an attempt to remove it. This can cause the tick to inject more infected fluid into your dog.
The Bottom Line: Do Natural Tick Repellents Work?
Yes, natural tick repellents for dogs do work – but they require:
- Consistent application
- Environmental management
- Regular tick checks
- Realistic expectations
I’ve successfully protected my dogs from ticks for years using natural methods, and the peace of mind knowing I’m not exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals is worth the extra effort.
Have you tried natural tick repellents for your dog? Which ones worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear what’s working for your furry friends!
Disclaimer: While I’ve had success with these natural methods, every dog is different. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if your dog has health issues or is on medication.
Dietary Tick Repellents For Dogs
Garlic is an excellent natural tick repellent for dogs. When fed in safe, moderate amounts, garlic releases allicin, an active ingredient that makes your dog less appealing to ticks.
To prepare, peel and chop the garlic, then let it sit for 15 minutes to activate the allicin before adding it to your dogs food.
Here are safe dosage guidelines based on your dog’s weight:
- 5 lbs: ⅙ tsp
- 10 lbs: ⅓ tsp
- 15 lbs: ½ tsp
- 20 lbs: ⅔ tsp
- 30 lbs: 1 tsp
Caution: Avoid giving garlic to pregnant females, puppies under 6 months, and breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus.
Adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your dog’s diet can also repel ticks. ACV makes your dogs blood less attractive to ticks and fleas.
Use organic ACV if possible, and add 2 tablespoons to your dog’s food or water bowl daily.
You can create a natural tick repellent powder using diatomaceous earth, NEEM powder, and yarrow powder. Mix equal parts of these ingredients and sprinkle a small amount over your dogs coat, ensuring it reaches the skin.
Avoid getting it in your dog’s eyes and mouth … aim for your pets coat only.
Make a natural flea and tick collar by mixing 2 tablespoons of almond oil with a few drops of rose geranium oil or Palo Santo.
Apply a few drops to your dogs neck or collar once a week for effective tick prevention.
Create a tick-repellent shampoo by adding several drops of Palo Santo to an organic lavender shampoo.
Lather your dog with the mixture, allowing the suds to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
This helps kill existing ticks and prevents new ones from attaching.
Prepare a citrus-based tick spray by cutting a lemon into quarters and adding it to a pint jar. Cover with boiling water and let it steep overnight.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to your dog, focusing on areas like behind the ears, around the head, at the base of the tail, and in the armpits.
Natural Tick Repellent Options
Protecting your dog from ticks doesnt have to involve harsh chemicals. In fact, many natural tick repellent methods are effective and safer for your pet.
These methods can be categorized into dietary, topical, and environmental approaches to protect your dogs naturally.
With the natural solutions below, you can keep your dog tick-free and prevent future infestations while also promoting overall health.
Lets look at dietary strategies first.
Chemical-FREE Tickless Tag | An Ultrasonic Tick & Flea Repellant Device
FAQ
What is the most effective natural tick repellent for dogs?
Citronella– Great for discouraging mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, citronella oil can be placed in a spray bottle and used on your pet, yard, or inside your home.Jun 2, 2022
What do holistic vets recommend for flea and tick prevention?
Nematodes (tiny worms) and diatomaceous earth applied to the areas in your lawn and garden can prevent infestations. For your pet, he recommends using a flea comb to remove fleas manually 2-3 times per week and applying Wondercide daily.
What is the alternative tick treatment for dogs?
Tick treatments for dogs
You could spray your dog’s coat with an Apple Cider Vinegar and water solution before the walk to repel any ticks that may be around and offer your dog some protection from these critters. We also recommend you keep a Tick Twister tool on hand to remove any ticks that may appear on your dog.
What is the safest tick prevention for dogs?
The safest oral flea and tick treatments typically include products like NexGard and Bravecto, but individual reactions can vary. Always consult your veterinarian to find the best option that considers your dog’s health history and any potential side effects. For additional tips, visit my Quora Profile!