How to Repel Ticks on Dogs Naturally

Apr 8, 2022
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Man petting his labrador fondly outside

There are nearly one million positive cases of Lyme disease in dogs every year. Lyme disease is transmitted through bacteria from a tick bite, which your dog could get in grassy or wooded areas. If Lyme disease is untreated, it can lead to damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and heart, and can even be fatal.

So, pet owners go to great lengths to prevent tick bites on their dogs. For many dogs, the ideal topical tick preventative may be the synthetic, topical formula recommended by veterinarians. It contains fipronil, a powerful chemical used to kill adult fleas and ticks on animal fur. But just like people, some dogs have very sensitive skin. So, those harsher chemical tick repellents can cause itching, irritation, and even skin lesions on pets. For this reason, many dog owners choose to use gentler, natural products. But which options work?

Related Topic: What to Do If a Tick Head Is Stuck in Your Skin

Four Natural Tick Repellents for Dogs

Don’t forget to consult your veterinarian before using any of these products on your pet. They may suggest testing a product on a small portion of your dog’s skin before using it all over.

  1. Store-Bought Formulas: There are many pre-mixed natural tick repellents for dogs on the market, all with differing ingredients. Many of these contain essential oils. Be sure to read the instructions, as some products may require dilution before you apply them to your pet.
  2. Homemade Essential Oil Tick Repellent for Dogs: Essential oil tick repellent for dogs is also a popular choice of pet owners looking to keep their dogs protected in the warmer months. The essential oil commonly used to repel ticks on dogs is lavender oil. It has a sweet, calming scent that is attractive to humans and dogs but loathed by bugs like fleas and ticks. Amazingly, lavender oil also prevents tick eggs from hatching. You may have heard that lemongrass is a good tick repellent for dogs, but it could upset your dog’s stomach if they licked it, so it’s generally not recommended as a topical treatment.
  3. Natural Tick Spray for Your Yard: One of the best ways to prevent ticks on your dogs—and on your other family members—is to keep ticks from coming to your yard in the first place. Mosquito Joe can help with that! Using our natural tick treatment on strategic areas of your yard, we’ll make sure no pesky ticks can bother your fur babies.
  4. Reduction of Tick Habitat: Eliminate tick breeding grounds in your garden and lawn by cleaning up debris they might hide in. Mosquito Joe will provide some guidance for this if you’re already having us spray for ticks outside.

So, those are the four major ways to repel ticks that might bother your pets. Here are more details about the homemade option.

How to Make Your Own Tick Repellent

You may think a DIY tick repellent for dogs would be tricky, but it’s quite easy to make your own! Here’s a method you can try at home with the approval of your veterinarian:

  • Thinly slice a lemon into a large glass jar.
  • Boil a quart of water, and slowly pour it over the sliced lemon. Let the mixture steep overnight.
  • Strain the lemon water into a glass spray bottle, filling it about half-full. Save any remaining water for later.
  • Add 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Add ten drops of lavender oil. Shake it up and put it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
  • To use it, lightly spray the mixture on your dog’s fur, using your hand to work it in. Avoid spraying it around your pet’s eyes and mouth. Apply the spray every two hours when your dog is outside.

Pull Out All the Stops to Keep Ticks Away

Your dog is a member of the family, and you want to protect your whole family from ticks. While you might try any of these natural methods for tick repellent, the most effective plan is to use a combination of all these things: a topical (vet-approved) treatment, a professional yard treatment, and tick habitat removal. You can trust Mosquito Joe for professional yard treatment and advice about habitat removal. We’re experienced and equipped with a proprietary, all-natural formula that works for weeks. To get started, give us a call at 1-855-275-2563 or request a quote online.

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