21/10/2020
Hi Raw Feeders, it's that time of year again. We have a few people asking what we do for ticks in Qld. There are a number of alternatives to chemical tick collars or spot ons, here are a few.
***I will always put a caution when using essential oils on or around animals, please NEVER USE NEAT(full strength) as they have the potential to cause harm.***
Essential oils can often come to the rescue when it comes to repelling fleas and ticks. The two kinds of insects are repelled by different oils, so if your dog needs protection against both, use one of the following blends in the morning and the other in the afternoon to avoid over-application.
Application frequency depends on how healthy your dog is. Extremely healthy dogs eating a natural raw diet may only need an application once a week.
Neem oil can be used on dogs, neem oil is most commonly used to repel and kill fleas and ticks. It has also been used to kill mange mites that are more commonly treated by western veterinary medicine with prolonged-use medications. The anti bacterial and antiseptic properties of neem leave or oil fight well against harmful ticks. Pour a few drops of neem oil on your palm and gently rub it on the affected region of your pet. If your pet is sensitive skinned, dilute the neem oil by mixing jojoba or almond oil in it.
Recipe Credits: The following essential oil recipes are from 'Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Animals' by Kristen Leigh Bell.
Flea Free Essential Oil Blend
1 ½ oz base oil such as hazelnut or sweet almond
4 drops clary sage essential oil
1 drop citronella essential oil
7 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
Blend all oils and store in a dark glass dropper bottle. Apply 2 to 4 drops topically to the neck, chest, legs and base of tail. You can also add the drops to a bandana or cotton collar.
Flea Free Spritz
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
½ oz grain alcohol or vodka
1 tsp sulfated castor oil
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
7 oz distilled or spring water
4 drops clary sage essential oil
1 drop citronella essential oil
7 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
Blend the ingredients and shake well before use.
This will make 8 oz of spritz. Store in a dark or opaque glass spritz bottle. A spritz makes it easy to apply the repellent but some dogs don’t like the sound of the bottle. In this case, you may need to apply the formula with your hands.
Goodbye Tick Spritz
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
½ oz grain alcohol or vodka
1 tsp sulfated castor oil
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
7 oz distilled or spring water
2 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops rosewood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops myrrh essential oil
2 drops opoponax essential oil
1 drop bay leaf essential oil
Blend the ingredients and shake well before use. This will make 8 oz of spritz. Store in a dark or opaque glass spritz bottle. Spray and apply to your dog using your hands before walks in long grass or wooded areas.
Goodbye Ticks Essential Oil Blend
1 ½ oz base oil such as hazelnut or sweet almond
2 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops rosewood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops myrrh essential oil
2 drops opoponax essential oil
1 drop bay leaf essential oil
Blend all oils and store in a dark glass dropper bottle. Apply 2 to 4 drops topically to the neck, chest, legs and base of tail. You can also add the drops to a bandana or cotton collar.
