Ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis, lyme disease, anaplasmosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and babeosis to dogs.  There are steps we can take to protect our pets. A fence surrounding your dogs outside area would help. The fence would have to be tall enough to keep out deer.  Seven feet is recommended. A wood chip or sand barrier of 5 feet inside the fence and out would also be a further deterrent.  Without a large mammal for a blood meal the life cycle of the tick would be disrupted.  Always check for ticks when you bring your pet in from a walk in a wooded or grassy area.

There are also a number of natural sprays and oils which will discourage ticks from attaching to your dog.  A couple of options are listed below.  Remember even if you do not go outside your pets can bring ticks in and transfer them to you.

Tick repellent oil for dogs

• Rose geranium essential oil

Dogs can tolerate a small exposure to non-toxic essential oils.  Rose geranium essential oil is basically non-toxic.  Place a drop on your dogs collar each week.

Ticks hate rose geranium.  This should help deter them from attaching to your dog.

I would apply this oil on the collar as well as spraying with the following solution.

Tick repellent spray for dogs

Peppermint is great to repel ticks.  The smell is refreshing to people but ticks hate it.  A spray repellent can be made by mixing 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 8 ozs of water.  Mix well.  Spray onto clothing, pets and if you would like around your deck or patio.  You could also brew a pot of peppermint tea, strain into a spray bottle and use this if you do not have the essential oil available.  Make sure the tea is organic.

I use the essential oil spray to repel mosquitoes and so far it has worked really well.  You have to frequently re-apply but it will not harm you or your dog.