This Summer Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, long walks, hiking trails, and spending time in nature with our dogs. Sorry to say, but warmer weather also means more ticks, those itty-bitty pests that can carry diseases that affect people and pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemical repellents are readily available, but many people are looking for gentle, natural ways to help keep ticks at bay during the summer months. Fortunately, there are a number of practical and natural strategies that can help reduce tick exposure while still allowing you and your pets to enjoy the outdoors safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why are ticks more active in summer<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ticks thrive in warm humid environments and are commonly found in: <\/p>\n\n\n\n High grass Shrub and forested areas<\/p>\n\n\n\n Piles of leaves <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gardens Gone Wild <\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor areas<\/p>\n\n\n\n They sit on vegetation and latch on when a person or animal brushes past. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they are often close to the ground and are frequently taken to grassy areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural Ways to Help Avoid Tick Bites <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Use Natural Essential Oil Sprays<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain essential oils are thought to naturally discourage ticks due to their pungent aroma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical choices are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cedarwood oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lavender oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lemon grass oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eucalyptus Essential Oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oil of geranium <\/p>\n\n\n\n Peppermint oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make a simple natural spray for clothing or outdoor gear by mixing: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 cup of water <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Tbs. witch hazel or apple cider vinegar <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10-15 drops essential oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shake well before using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Important: DO NOT<\/strong> use essential oils undiluted on the skin or on dogs. While most oils are safe for pets, some can be toxic, especially to cats. Always do your research and use only pet safe oils on animals but check with a vet first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Dogs <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple Cider Vinegar<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many holistic pet owners incorporate diluted apple cider vinegar into a summer tick prevention routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people: Add a little to drinking water <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spray a diluted solution onto the coat <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clean paws and fur after walks <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its potent scent may help to naturally repel ticks, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: Always dilute properly and avoid contact with sensitive skin areas or open wounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Maintain Short Grass & Clean Gardens<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best natural methods is to do simple yard maintenance. Ticks prefer damp, shady places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ticks habitats can be reduced by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping grass trimmed short <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaf litter clean-up <\/p>\n\n\n\n Weed and brush clearing <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let sunlight into shaded areas <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Check dogs and people following outdoor activities <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily tick checks are very important in the summer months. After walks or playtime outside: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check behind the ears <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collar <\/p>\n\n\n\n Around and between the toes <\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the legs <\/p>\n\n\n\n Near the tail <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the scalp and seams of clothing <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sooner a tick is removed, the less risk for disease transfer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Plants That Repel Ticks Organically<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some plants are said to be natural repellents of ticks and other insects. Possible additions to the garden might be: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lavender Rosemary, Mint Lemongrass, Sage and Marigolds <\/p>\n\n\n\n These plants can also help the outdoor spaces smell fresh and inviting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Wash Bedding Often<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ticks can sometimes be brought indoors on blankets, clothing, or pet bedding. In summer: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wash dog bedding frequently <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vacuum carpets and furniture often <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wash your outdoor clothes after hiking or camping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning indoor spaces can help reduce hidden pests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Coconut Oil for Coat<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some pet owners rub a small amount of coconut oil on a dog\u2019s coat because it contains natural ingredients that may repel pests. Coconut oil can also help to moisturize dry skin and improve coat condition. Use sparingly to avoid greasy coat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Stay Away from Peak Tick Areas<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can, avoid: Tall grass Thick bush Forest edges left wild Walk dogs on clear walking paths and in open sunny areas or hike. Signs of tick-borne illness It\u2019s important to watch for symptoms after a tick bite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Dogs:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lethargy <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fever <\/p>\n\n\n\n Limping <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lack of appetite <\/p>\n\n\n\n Joint swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In People<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fever <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rash <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tiredness <\/p>\n\n\n\n Muscle pain <\/p>\n\n\n\n Headache <\/p>\n\n\n\n If symptoms occur after tick exposure seek medical or veterinary advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Common-Sense Approach to Tick Prevention <\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural prevention methods may be helpful, especially when used in conjunction with good hygiene, regular checks and environmental control. In high risk areas with heavy tick populations, some pets may still need veterinarian approved protection. All dogs and all environments are different so it\u2019s important to learn the right balance of natural care and effective protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer is a time for adventure, relaxation and enjoying nature, not worrying about ticks. Natural repellents, proper yard care, routine checks and healthy habits can help decrease the chance of ticks biting your family and your dogs. A little bit of prevention can go a long way toward making outdoor adventures, safer and more enjoyable all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This Summer Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, long walks, hiking trails, and spending time in nature with our dogs. Sorry to say, but warmer weather also means more ticks, those itty-bitty pests that can carry diseases that affect people and pets. 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