Ticks are here: DIY Tick Spray: Effective and Natural Tick Prevention
Controlling Ticks is challenging, but Healthier animals DO repel pests better. Nutrition is the foundation for health. Efforts to improve your pet’s nutrition and supplement with a vitamin, preferably a whole food supplement can help your pet repel these pests and greatly reduce your chances for re-infestation in the future.
Some supplements of particular value when fighting pests include probiotics and digestive enzymes to help your pet make the most of his meal, and they may make your pet “less tasty".
We have a probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement that can help with this, and IF you have yet to try it you should. They have been very beneficial for our dogs with recurring digestive tract disorders:
Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Digestive Care Soft Chews
Have you been concerned about toxic reactions to flea and tick insecticides? You should be. A recent report has linked a common flea and tick collar to thousands of animal deaths. The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, made by Bayer, is designed to protect dogs and cats by releasing pesticide continuously. However, it has been associated with nearly 1,700 animal deaths in the U.S., as revealed by Environmental Protection Agency documents. Moreover, there have been over 75,000 reported adverse events, including more than 1,000 cases of human illness related to this product. Despite these alarming numbers, the EPA has not issued any warnings about these collars.
Natural Tick Preventives and Dr. Jones’ Homemade Tick Spray
To avoid chemical repellents, consider natural alternatives:
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Bad-Smelling Herbs: Aromatic herbs like pennyroyal and catnip are effective in repelling fleas and possibly ticks. A scientific study identified a compound in catnip that is particularly good at repelling fleas.
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Natural Control in Your Yard: Nematodes, which are microscopic worms, target flea larvae and pupae. They can be purchased at garden stores, and a small canister contains about one hundred million nematodes. Follow the label instructions and apply them to damp, bushy areas of your yard.
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Spray Your Yard with Garlic: Garlic Barrier Liquid Spray has been shown to deter ticks when sprayed around yard boundaries. It is completely safe and worth trying.
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Make Your Pet Taste Bad: Using garlic and brewer’s yeast can make your pet less appealing to fleas and ticks. For a ten-pound dog, add one-fourth teaspoon of garlic and one-fourth tablespoon of brewer’s yeast to their diet daily.
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Cedarwood Oil Spray: This is a safer, natural option that has been effective in eradicating infestations. Use caution with cats or small dogs, and apply only a light mist.
Dr. Jones’ New Turmeric Oil Natural Tick Repellent Spray:
A recent study assessed ten different essential oils for their repellent properties against ticks. Turmeric root essential oil was found to be the most effective at a low concentration (2%). Here’s how to make the spray:
- Base: Witch Hazel with Aloe (100ml or 7 tablespoons)
- Carrier: Liquid Coconut Oil (30ml or 2 tablespoons) – ensures even distribution of the essential oil.
- Active Ingredient: Turmeric Essential Oil (2.5ml or 50 drops) – provides the tick-repellent property.
This recipe creates a 2% concentration of turmeric essential oil, which is safe for dogs. Shake well before each use, lightly mist your pet, and distribute the spray with a flea comb. This can be applied 2-3 times a week for dogs and once a week for cats.
Additional Health Tips:
Maintaining your pet’s overall health can naturally help repel pests. Incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes can improve your pet’s digestive health, making them “less tasty" to pests. Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are recommended for pets with recurring digestive issues.
Best Wishes, Dr. Andrew
P.S. The natural tick spray works really well! P.P.S. Consider trying our digestive enzyme supplement for enhanced pet health.
