Controlling Ticks: A Holistic Approach to Pet Health

As a veterinarian, I can tell you that controlling ticks on your pets can be a challenging task. However, a key factor in preventing ticks and other pests is ensuring your animals are in optimal health. Healthier animals naturally repel pests more effectively, and proper nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving this.

The Foundation of Health: Nutrition

Nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s overall health. By focusing on improving your pet’s diet and supplementing it with high-quality vitamins—preferably whole food supplements—you can help your pet build a stronger defense against pests like ticks. Not only does proper nutrition support overall health, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infestation in the future.

Beneficial Supplements for Fighting Pests

Certain supplements are particularly valuable when it comes to fighting pests. Probiotics and digestive enzymes, for example, help your pet optimize nutrient absorption from their meals. This can also make your pet “less tasty” to pests, giving them one more reason to stay away.

Dr. Jones’ COMPLETE Digestive Care Soft Chews

If you’re looking for a high-quality supplement that combines probiotics and digestive enzymes, I highly recommend Dr. Jones’ COMPLETE Digestive Care Soft Chews. This supplement has been incredibly beneficial for our dogs, particularly those with recurring digestive issues. It’s a great addition to your pet’s diet if you’re looking to improve their health and make them less appealing to pests.

If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to give it a go. It could be just what your pet needs to stay healthy and pest-free.

Beware the Asian Longhorned Tick: A Tiny Pest with Big Consequences for Your Dog

As a pet parent, I’m always vigilant about the well-being of my furry family members. However, there’s a tiny, sneaky hitchhiker that could be a serious threat to your dog: the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). This small pest has a big reputation and can bring about significant health concerns.

What’s the Buzz About This Tick?

The Asian longhorned tick isn’t just any ordinary tick. It originally hails from East and Central Asia, and it first made its appearance in the United States in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 16 states, mainly in the Southwest and Northeast regions. Although it’s small in size, the problems it causes are far from minor.

Here’s why you should be concerned:

Disease Super-Spreader

The Asian longhorned tick is capable of transmitting a range of diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, theileriosis, rickettsiosis, and even certain viruses. These ticks can act as a significant vector for illness.

Heavy Infestations

A single tick might not seem threatening, but these pests reproduce quickly, leading to potentially severe infestations. In extreme cases, blood loss from an infestation can even be fatal.

Furry Sentinels

Dogs are particularly prone to ticks because they spend a lot of time close to the ground, making them easy targets. Our pets, therefore, become the first line of defense in identifying and managing these ticks.

How to Protect Your Pup

Fortunately, you can take simple yet effective steps to protect your dog from the dangers posed by the Asian longhorned tick.

1. Arm Your Dog with Tick Protection

In regions where ticks are abundant, conventional tick repellents may be necessary. In my experience, I recommend considering Revolution if your dog is in a high-risk area. Additionally, it’s crucial to check your dog daily for ticks. You can also use the Tick Spray Recipe I’ve included at the end of this article.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Dog

Make it a habit to regularly check your dog’s fur, especially after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to areas where ticks love to hide, such as the ears, armpits, and belly.

3. Remove Ticks Safely

If you find a tick, don’t panic! Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it out. Once removed, dispose of the tick securely and sanitize the area to prevent any infections.

4. Know Your Enemy

If you suspect you’ve found an Asian longhorned tick, place it in a zip-top bag and bring it to your veterinarian for identification. Early identification is key to managing the situation effectively.

Dr. Jones’ NEW Turmeric Oil Natural Tick Repellent Spray

I’ve always been on the lookout for natural remedies, and I’m excited to share with you a tick repellent that I’ve personally tested. A recent study examined 10 different essential oils for their tick-repelling properties, and one oil came out on top: turmeric root essential oil. In a relatively low concentration (just 2%), turmeric essential oil was found to have the best tick-repelling properties.

Here’s the recipe for this simple and effective spray:

Ingredients:

1. Witch Hazel with Aloe (100 ml or 7 tablespoons)
   A great base for any tick or flea spray. It helps reduce inflammation that might result from pest infestations.

2. Liquid Coconut Oil (30 ml or 2 tablespoons)
   Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has pest-repellent properties. It also acts as a binder to help turmeric essential oil spread evenly.

3. Turmeric Essential Oil (2.5 ml or 50 drops)
   Of all the oils tested, turmeric essential oil proved to be the best for repelling ticks.

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients together to make a 2% turmeric essential oil solution.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Lightly mist your dog or cat, and then use a flea comb to spread it through the fur.
4. Apply 2-3 times a week for dogs, but for cats, it’s best to use it only once a week.

This spray is safe for dogs, and when stored properly, it can be an excellent addition to your pest prevention routine.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Don’t forget that in addition to keeping ticks at bay, it’s important to ensure your pet is in optimal health overall. A healthy pet is less likely to attract pests, as they can repel critters on their own. Probiotics and digestive enzymes can help your pet make the most out of their meals, making them “less tasty" to ticks and fleas.

If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews. These have been especially helpful for my dogs with recurring digestive issues.

P.S. The Natural Tick Spray works wonders!

P.P.S. Don’t forget to prioritize your pet’s overall health, including probiotics and digestive enzymes to help your pet stay healthy and ward off pests more effectively.