Home Remedies to Remove Ticks from a Dog

If you are wondering how to get rid of ticks and fleas on dogs naturally, you first need to know how to spot them.

Ticks are ectoparasite arachnids, which are parasites that live on the surface of another living being. Ticks are more active from spring to autumn. If you think that your dog may have ticks, especially during these months, we recommend properly examining your dog’s coat after every walk. In addition, make sure that your dog is properly dewormed. This type of parasite not only lodges into a dog’s body, but also feeds on its blood. This then allows the tick to transmit serious pathologies to dogs, such as Lyme disease,gastrointestinal problems, canine ehrilichiosis and rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

For more, we recommend reading our article where we discuss what tick diseases dogs can get.

In general, when a tick latches onto the dog's body, they increase in size as they feed on blood. When it comes to home remedies for removing ticks on dogs, it is better if the tick is still small. Once the tick is larger in size, removing ticks on dogs becomes more complicated.

But, how can you identify a tick when it is small? Well, we’re here to help you. Ticks on dogs symptoms include:

• Redness
• Intense itching
• Inflammation
• Swelling

In more advanced cases, symptoms of ticks on dogs may include:

• Weakness
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Paralysis

For more, we recommend taking a look at our article where we discuss how to identify and eliminate ticks on dogs.

One of the most effective natural remedies to eliminate ticks on dogs is undoubtedly chamomile. To make use of this tick removal home remedy, follow these steps:

1. Prepare an infusion of natural chamomile, make sure it is not too hot to avoid burning.
2. Dip a cotton pad or clean cloth in the chamomile and squeeze well.
3. Rub your dog's skin gently, with emphasis on the affected area.
4. Chamomile is a natural tick repellent and, therefore, the ticks will naturally flee your dogs skin-

Does your puppy have ticks and you are looking for a home remedy for ticks on puppies? Well, chamomile is also a remedy which can also be used on puppies. However, it is important to remember when using any new plant or repellent on a dog’s skin, you first need to make sure that it is not toxic. Avoid these plants that are toxic for dogs.

Ticks hate citrus which is why they are a great preventative method when getting rid of ticks on dogs. Among all of the citrus fruits, the one that produces a greater effect in these parasites is lemon, but also you can use orange, grapefruit or lime. You will have to make a homemade tick repellent, so you will need to get a sprayer.

To prepare this natural tick remedy with lemon, you must:

1. Boil two cups of water and when it reaches boiling point, add two lemons (cut in half).
2. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for one hour, allowing it to infuse and enhance repellent effect.
3. After about an hour, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
4. Remove the lemons and add the liquid into the sprayer bottle. When applying it, avoid eyes.

While this homemade citrus remedy is a great tick repellent for dogs, you must try and make sure your dog doesn’t lick itself. Citrus can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.

In addition, this home remedy for ticks on dogs is a great disinfectant that will help prevent ticks on dogs in the future.

There are a number of highly effective natural oils that can help remove ticks on dogs. As we’ve already discussed, citrus fruits are great natural tick repellents. However, there are more effective tick repellents which need to be mentioned. These recommended natural remedies to remove ticks on dogs include the use of almond oil, neem oil, castor oil, cinnamon oil and lavender oil:

Lemon, cinnamon, castor and sesame

Mix in equal parts lemon, cinnamon, castor oil and sesame oil in a container. In the case that you want to use essential oils instead of natural oils, it is essential that you dilute them in a liter of purified water and add only a few drops of each. Moisten a clean cloth in the mixture and apply this natural remedy on your dog's skin very carefully. Since castor oil is poisonous for dogs, you must prevent your dog from licking this area after you’ve applied the remedy.

Lavender, lemon, cedar, basil and chamomile

Blend these natural oils with an infusion of chamomile to enhance the antiparasitic effect of the home remedy. If you prefer, you can substitute chamomile for peppermint. In case of using essential oils you will have to do the same as in the previous remedy; dilute two drops of each oil in a liter of purified water. Apply the homemade solution on the animal's skin with a moistened clean cloth.

Almonds and Vitamin E

Mix 20 ml of almond oil with a vitamin E capsule in a bowl. This home remedy is ideal for dogs that are suffering from tick bites in a concentrated area. Pour the solution to a dropper bottle, drop a few drops onto a clean cloth and gently massage it into your dog’s exterior ear area. Be very careful and prevent the solution from entering your dog’s ear canal, apply it only onto the outside of the ear. In addition, you can apply this solution as a home remedy to prevent ticks on dogs in the future.

Neem

Neem oil alone is a potent natural repellent for ticks on dogs and you don’t need to mix it with other oils. You can apply natural neem oil directly onto your dog’s skin with a clean cloth, or mix it with water. If you are using neem essential oil, you will need to dilute two drops of the oil in half a liter of water.

But it is very important that before applying any of these remedies onto your dog’s skin that you consult a veterinarian. A professional will be able to tell you which is the most suitable remedy for your dog. In addition, we also advise using natural oils rather than essential oils.

In addition to all of the above natural remedies to prevent ticks in dogs, one of the most popular products among home treatments for humans is apple cider vinegar. This vinegar can also be very beneficial to dogs and can be used to combat these unwanted parasites. Included in its composition is acetic acid, responsible for the sour taste in vinegar. Acetic acid is also a substance that ticks and fleas cannot tolerate, therefore, making for an excellent repellent.

It’s very quick and easy to apply this home remedy to eliminate ticks on dogs. All you have to do is add in equal parts water and apple vinegar into a container. Mix well in order to blend and dilute the vinegar. Soak the mixture onto a clean cloth. Squeeze the cloth out and apply it to your dog’s skin gently. When rubbing the skin with the cloth, avoid contact with eyes and apply it carefully.

This is also a great home remedy for ticks on puppies as it is not toxic for dogs.

The most important things when it comes to fleas, ticks and other parasites on your dogs is prevention. For more on why dewoming your dog is important, take a look at our video below:

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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