Ticks, for the most part, are a headache to deal with. Like many things, prevention is better than cure. Ticks can range from a complete inconvenience to life-threatening infestation for your dog. Wherever the outcome may fall in this spectrum, it’s best to avoid ticks altogether.
Although it’s a general nuisance on your part, it causes discomfort to your dog. Ticks can affect their sleep, habits, and overall health. Depending on the severity of the infestation, ticks may even cause tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Protect your furry friend and prioritize their comfort, especially during tick seasons. Protect them from the ticks that can be found in their surroundings or from other dogs. Before looking up Bernedoodle dogs for sale, follow these tips to ensure your dog’s health and comfort won’t be compromised by ticks.
Add Garlic to Their Diet
That’s right. Garlic can help repel these bloodsuckers. However, it’s best to consult a vet before adding garlic to their diet. If you’re hesitant about your fur baby consuming garlic, they can still benefit from garlic without consuming it. You can have it in the form of a spray or essential oil. Garlic has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that are useful in getting rid of ticks. Additionally, ticks hate the scent excreted by the body after the garlic is consumed or applied.
Add a Touch of Citrus
Speaking of scents and odors, another one that ticks dislike is that of citrusy fruits. Before discarding any orange or lemon peels, make use of them. Rub some on your dog’s body before going on a walk or spending an afternoon in the dog park. To make it less labor-intensive on your part, you can make a DIY, homemade spray for your dog for easy application.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another item that’s found in your kitchen. As we know, it’s not an attractive taste on its own, but there are ways to mask its taste without your dog realizing it. With a couple of tablespoons of it, add it to your dog’s water or food. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of your dog consuming this, you can make it as a repellent spray, too. Be sure to mix it with water to dilute it.
Use Shampoo With Anti-tick Properties
This is the go-to solution and preventative measure for many dog owners. It’s accessible, store-bought, and comes in a wide variety. Another advantage of store-bought anti-tick products is the reviews one can easily find online. Many brands are transparent about the ingredients they use, so if that’s a concern for you, you’re covered.
Brush Even During Bath Time
Even anti-tick shampoo alone isn’t enough to get rid of stubborn ticks. But brushing during bath time does help with this. The shampoo can already do its part by weakening the ticks. Brushing is the little nudge that’s needed to get the job done. It also helps to let the shampoo sit on the dog’s fur while you brush to allow the ticks to fall off. On top of that, you’re untangling knots in your dog’s fur, too. Brushing hits two birds with one stone!
Purchase a Tick Powder
The perfect time to use tick powder for your dog is after their bath, but you can apply it even on other days. The application is relatively easy, but be careful when doing so and avoid contact with your dog’s ears, nose, mouth, and ears. To ensure the powder’s suited for your dog, consult your vet for advice.
Get a Tick Collar
A tick collar isn’t a solution to your furry friend’s tick problem, but it does supplement other measures you put in place. All it takes is to let your dog wear it like you would any other collar so that it can work its magic. Another great thing about it is that it’s pretty low maintenance on your part. Be sure to purchase from a reliable brand. Many tick collars out there claim to be effective when in reality, they’re just regular collars.
Conclusion
Remaining tick-free is essential, most especially for the health of your dog. Tick infestation, especially if it’s intense, can have serious health outcomes. Whether a dog owner practices the measures mentioned above or not, it’s best to do so, especially during the peak of tick season. Ticks can be found in a pile of dead leaves, dog parks, and more. It’s important to note that before making any drastic changes in their diet or for professional advice, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.
