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Removing Ticks on Dogs and Cats: Tick Bite Remedies

| Modified on Sep 18, 2024
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Have you or your pet been bitten by a tick? Ticks are a common problem for pet owners. Dogs, cats, and other pets can easily pick up ticks from the yard or the woods and carry them into the home, exposing the whole family and possibly creating an enormous expense--not to mention a real nuisance. Commercial flea and tick collars, sprays, and medicines are an option, but they often contain harsh or even toxic chemicals. Natural tick remedies exist to prevent tick infestations, relieve the pain of tick bites, and prevent ticks from ever taking up residence on your dog or cat. Likewise, a few natural home remedies can help you in removing ticks without causing a further infection or pain.

CAUTION: With any dog tick bite or with ticks on cats or other pets, you need to be cautious that the tick was not infected with Lyme Disease. Watch for the characteristic bullseye appearance of the wound site to develop if bitten by a lyme tick. If it does, seek immediate treatment.

Natural Cures for Ticks and Tick Bites: Since the tick breathes out of its backside, coating it in oil may encourage it to back itself out of the skin on its own. Otherwise, use a pair of tweezers to remove the tick, careful not to leave the head in the skin, where it could transmit infection. A number of other home remedies are described below for removing ticks on dogs and other pets. Good luck!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by Shirley (Midwest, USA) on 09/10/2007
 ★★★★★

Borax Bath, ACV remedies -- I have two dogs; both are less than 5 lbs. One has itchy skin so I started using the borax solution bath on both dogs. In about 3 hours after the bath, the one with itchy skin was scratching again. I didn't know what to do at that point so I rubbed dry baking soda over her whole body. While I had her on her back applying the soda under her legs, she went to sleep. It was that comforting to her. Anytime she starts scratching and it seems it won't quit and I don't have time to do a bath, I have been using the baking soda. She seems to love it and her skin stops itching for at least 3 days.

While she was in her comfort zone of no itching, she was walking better, running and playing and wasn't so scared all the time. So the itching was causing some social behavior problems too. I have tried both recipes of borax and peroxide and then I've done borax and ACV, Her skin still itches after each but she does seem a lot better then before, not quite as much scratching going on. One question though.

Do you think if I added some baking soda to the solution that would help her since the dry soda does wonders for her? They do not have mange or fleas. Also I have been putting a teaspoon of ACV in their drinking water all summer. Their water bowl holds 2 & 3/4 cups water. I do add about 1/16 teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar. For a couple years I was putting the medicine on their backs for fleas and ticks. Ticks are the worst problem here. I decided to put the ACV in their water and I then stopped the spot on- medicine. They have gone the whole summer without getting one tick on them. We live in a heavily wooded area with lots of tall grasses where ticks love to wait for a host to walk by so they can latch onto them. Both dogs play in the woods a lot because they are always looking for something to chase Using the ACV water instead of the medicine has saved me a bunch of money and made both dogs a lot healthier.

Replied by Linda
(Montgomery, Alabama)
07/01/2010

Shirley from Midwest, USA said she puts baking soda in her dogs water with vinegar. I hope she knows this combination creates carbon dioxide. This is used in my teaching science experiments to create volcano eruptions. I don't think she wants to give her dogs this combination. It could be deadly for her dogs. I hope she reads this.

Replied by Rainman
(Central, Vt, Usa)
07/19/2010

Linda, if you are a teacher of science, you must know that carbon dioxide (CO2) is only a biproduct of the secondary reaction of this mixture. Basically acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate create the unstable carbonic acid which immediately breaks down into water and CO2 (fizzing). However, once the CO2 has been dispersed in the air you are left with nothing more than sodium acetate diluted in water (no more fizzing). Which is basically a common electrolyte. Simply put: Once the fizzing has stopped. . . So does the production of carbon dioxide. Do not consume while fizzing.

Replied by Louise
(South Carolina)
06/15/2015

I read with interest all the posts pertaining to using Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar for flea control on dogs. Could someone tell me why Apple Cider Vinegar works better than the white vinegar? I just mixed up some white vinegar, a few drops cedarwood oil, and water to spray my dogs with. It seems to be working, but if Apple Cider Vinegar is better, I will switch.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
06/16/2015

Hey Louise!

I use both white vinegar and the raw, organic, unfilitered/'with the mother' type apple cider vinegar with my pack.

I use the white vinegar for cleaning or bathing or in a spritzer bottle; the vinegar scent isn't so attractive to fleas and it does a nice job balancing the PH of the skin when used as a rinse after a bath which helps keep the skin healthy.

The more expensive organic, raw Apple Cider vinegar 'with the mother'/live cultures I use medicinally /for taking internally. This can be added to the drinking water or added to food. This type of vinegar while acidic to start in the body has an alkalizing effect; this too serves to balance the body's PH which makes for a healthier body; a body out of balance attracts fleas - a balanced body is not attractive to fleas.

The other kind of apple cider vinegar is the cheap stuff; this stuff is just white vinegar with stuff added to it so it can be called apple cider vinegar. I don't bother with this type of ACV at all.

Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
06/16/2015

Read this earthclinic link. It explains why organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is so much more beneficial than white vinegar and other regular vinegars:

https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/acvinegar.html

"There is nothing beneficial about commercial distilled vinegars except for pickling, cleaning and disinfection ---they have no health value! They do not contain the health values of organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the mother still intact and viable. Distilled white vinegar and cider vinegar sold in supermarkets are considered "dead" vinegars with none of the enzymes and other live factors that make raw, unpasteurized vinegars so valuable. Distilling removes the beneficial "mother" from the vinegar, thereby, destroying the powerful enzymes and life giving minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, natural organic sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron copper, natural organic fluorine, silicon, trace minerals, pectin and other powerful nutrients. Also destroyed are natural malic and tartaric acids, which are important in fighting body toxins and inhibiting unfriendly bacteria growth (_____ 1- 4)."

Replied by Louise
(South Carolina)
06/17/2015

Hey Theresa!!!!

Thank you so much for clarifying that. Yesterday I went ahead and mixed up some of my Bragg's vinegar, water, and cedarwood oil while I was waiting for someone to answer my post. I will use it , then I will go back to the white vinegar, and save the Bragg's for me. You sound like you really know about fleas and vinegar. Thanks again!

Louise

Replied by Ann
(Tucson)
08/10/2024

I use baking soda and vinegar to clean out my pipes in the sink I don't think you should add the two together- no!

Dano
(North Carolina)
08/11/2024

There is no reason not to combine them as they produce nothing toxic when mixed. The reaction of baking soda and vinegar produces sodium acetate (an electrolyte), water, and carbon dioxide.

Buttermilk

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Posted by Sharon (South Hadley, MA) on 06/01/2008
 ★★★★☆

I just got my June/July issue of Mother Earth News and in their reader-reported tips section, someone wrote in about an old-time remedy for ticks. Apparently if you drink a quart of buttermilk every day the ticks will leave you alone. The change in smell of perspiration repels them. Not sure how anyone would manage a quart of buttermilk a day, but perhaps a lesser amount would work. Maybe this is an effective remedy for the doggies in our lives too. Thought I would mention it for the folks in the Lyme disease areas.

Replied by Mica
(Cavite, Philippines)
06/02/2009

what will happen to the ticks when they leave the dogs or us? do they die? i am afraid that it might roam around and find a better place...like other people? or our homes, carpets, etc?? sorry to ask, but i just need to be sure...

Replied by Yeszz
(Saint George)
05/16/2013

I already read about raw amber from Baltic area as a tick repellent, due to liberation of succinic acid and an electrostatic change of the fur. I will try instead of buttermilk that could block my heart's arteries

Cedar Oil

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Posted by Sue (San Rafael, California Usa) on 01/22/2012
 ★★★★★

Have any of you tried cedar oil for ticks? Last year, after tick collars and Frontline Plus stopped working, and I became concerned about the toxic effects of them anyway, I bought a cedar oil spray. I put it on them once a day when we we go hiking in the hills around our house, which are filled with ticks during the winter rainy season (backwards from the mid-west where I used to live). I spray them directly if it is not too windy and also spray it in my palm (I usually wear a surgical glove when I do this so my hands don't smell cedary) to rub around the face and tummy area. As long as I do this, they pick up very few ticks, and usually only on areas I forgot to cover well. Before, the lighter colored of my two dogs, who is a tick magnet, could come home with 30 or more ticks walking on him, even with the Frontline, and I routinely spent 40 minutes brushing him to get them out. You can also spread some of the oil on any imbedded ticks, and it will usually kill them in a few minutes, though they still have to be pulled out, but they come easier.

My dogs also seem not to get fleas on them since I have been using this oil. I assume it works similar to the other oils mentioned here and I might try these as well, plus the diatemaceus earth in my yard. Thanks for all the good advice by everyone here.

Replied by Kayla
(Missouri)
05/10/2013

Where can u get the cedar oil?

Replied by Lisa
(Uk)
05/09/2014

Can you use cedar oil on cats too?

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
05/09/2014

Hey Lisa!

Unless you have medicinal grade pure cedar oil, you probably should NOT use this oil on your cat. You may wish to explore cedar granuals that are applied to your lawn, as well as predatory nematodes to reduce fleas in your area.

Cedar Oil + Neem Horse Spray

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Posted by Suzy (Queensland AUSTRALIA) on 12/10/2021
 ★★★★★

Regarding ticks. We get nasty paralysis ticks here. I've tried cedar oil alone which didn't do much. So I started mixing it with neem horse spray which was more effective. For bites, I dose with 1x tablespoon of activated charcoal mixed into BARF food. 1.5hrs later the paralysis was gone. My border collie also had his eye swollen shut as well as lost his back leg movement. All without any nasty liver damage from drugs. I don't find the Baltic Amber collars work for ticks, yet are far more effective for fleas. And my cat (maine coon mix) has never had any ticks or fleas with his collar.

For parasites and worms I use a Don Croft style zapper first designed by Dr.HULDA Clark, twice a year I'll add parasite drops to their food. I just hold the zapper on their belly at night while they doze for 20 mins.

ie wormwood, black walnut, Clove etc. also

Cytauxzoonosis- Feline

Posted by Lokirk (Yellville, AR) on 06/24/2009

I have lost several cats to cytauxzoonosis, a disease carried by bobcats and transmitted to domestic cats through tick bites. Most tick treatments do NOT prevent the tick from biting - they only kill the tick after it has bitten the cat. Does anyone know of something that works as a tick repellent? This disease is horrible and fatal.

Replied by Jim
(Pattaya, Thailand)
09/30/2010

I live in Thailand. I have 10 dogs. (all strays). My dogs were covered in ticks Some dogs had hundreds of ticks on them. I had tried everything. Tick collars, Frontline (Which was useless) Sprays dips you name it I have tried it. I started using a product containing PERMETHRIN. Not had a tick in months. The dogs are happy again

Replied by Trix
(Miami, Fl, Usa)
01/22/2011

I'm interested in the type of product That you use... Is it a pill, cream, spray? Thank you

Replied by Cheryl
(Dallas, Pa)
02/27/2012

Permethrin is toxic for cats. Don't use it on them. It's fine on dogs and its used in fly spray for horses and cattle but it can be deadly for cats. I wouldn't use it even on a dog that lives with cats. Be careful.

Replied by Mel
(Kodak, Tn)
04/05/2012

Permethrin is what kills scabies and lice... It isn't very good for the liver as it sinks into their skin.. Hope it's not constantly getting on your skin!

Replied by Jim
(Ban Klong Tong Nûea, Songkhla, Thailand)
06/19/2012

Just wanted to tip my hat to Jim in Pattaya for taking care of the strays.

I live about 28 kilometers from the border checkpoint of Dannock, Northern Malaysia - Southern Thailand. My home is a tiny cottage buried deep in the jungle in the fruit tree orchard hills of Ban Klong Tong Nûea, a tiny village tucked away near Ban Thung Lung.

My first dog, "Puppy" was a Thai ridgeback cross that I found dumped, with his brothers and sisters at the local Buddhist temple. My second dog, "Chok" was rescued from certain death after wandering onto a busy road as a very young puppy. Unfortunately, both dogs died within weeks of each other after a couple years... victims of Leptospirosis, a disease carried by rats and often on host animals such as cats.

After my two dogs died, several strays began showing up at my house, since none of the local strays would have ever come here due to Puppy's agressive nature.... He was a fighter. I believe the animals all knew I was an animal lover, no doubt. So, I began feeding them and now my hoard has grown to a grand total of nine dogs and five cats. But, this year is a bad one for ticks. Not sure why. So, was surfing a few websites looking for some home cures and saw your post!

Kudo's to you Jim! Keep up the good deeds, as I shall! Jim

Replied by Susan
(Ms)
12/18/2014

I love this site. Use it soo much. Was looking up tick problems for a friend, and come across this monologue of not pulling off the ticks. I have NEVER left the ticks on my dogs. When I find one or more they are removed as soon as I can. With my bare fingers. Yes, just my fingers. Have never any problems, at all. I also I find a tick om me, sometimes in summer. Same thing off comes the tick, no antiseptic on me or the dogs. Ever. My vet sometimes has to do ear tick removal, he uses no antiseptic either. Stop leaving the ticks on. Get them off. My family has never let ticks stay on. Sorry to sound mad, but come on get the tick off, use tweezers if you are scared. But get them off. The heads will die faster, with no problems.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
12/19/2014

Hey Susan!

I was not able to find the thread to which you refer re: leaving ticks on dogs to fall off naturally.

I agree - ticks should come off. That said, I think it is important to be sanitary about the process; using a drop of nearly any essential oil can both sanitize/sterilize and also kill the tick. The key is to wait for about 3-5 minutes for the tick to die and to work it out once dead as the oils can be drying and leaving it go much longer and the head breaks off and then takes a while to come out, sometimes resulting in a tiny lesion.

While I know you have had no problems not bothering to wash up after handling ticks, you might consider changing that protocol as ticks are carrying more diseases today than ever. Not so long ago in certain rural areas it was common for people to remove a tick and then bite it to kill it: this olde time practice resulted in humans contracting tick borne diseases at an alarming rate when the disease began to infect ticks. Times have changed and will continue to change - safe and sanitary handling of ticks is one of those needed changes.

Replied by Tara
(Trabuco Canyon, Ca)
11/02/2015

It is best to remove ticks and flush them down the toilet as they are hard to kill. I personally use tweezers (that I keep with my dogs stuff) specifically for ticks. Remember, ticks can spread lime disease so you don't want to leave them on the poor dogs.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/04/2015

I agree ticks should be removed. I like to use a drop or two of tea tree oil on the tick - and then wait 5 or so minutes and the tick will die. I then use an ordinary human hair comb to comb the dead tick out and then toss/flush away. The tea tree oil not only kills the tick it works well as a disinfectant too.

Epsom Salt, Hydrogen Peroxide Bath

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Posted by Lina (Chicago, Illinois) on 11/05/2008
 ★★★★★

Erichliosis/lymph nodes

I tried the epsom salts, with 1 pint of h202 for the bath. The epsom salts had spearamint in them. It was the first time in 3 days my dog has been able to lay on her side, and sleep, without so much respiratory distress. The bath was hard, I feel buzzed from the oxygen on my arms, I can't believe what's it's done for my dog this evening. She hadn't eaten all day, and then ate, just now. We've been doing the castor packs for some time. I just tried the ACV tonite. I am also going to try POKE and American Mandrake Root tinctures, 1 drop each. She's also on Cat's Claw, Una da gato, only, and also Gravizon, and ning xa and essiac herbal remedy. Keep your thumbs up, if my dog wants to live, then I'm going to find a way to make it happen for her. She's only 8.

EC: "Ehrlichiosis (also known as canine rickettsiosis, canine hemorrhagic fever, canine typhus, tracker dog disease, and tropical canine pancytopenia) is a tick-borne disease of dogs usually caused by the organism Ehrlichia canis. Ehrlichia canis is the pathogen of animals. Humans can become infected by E. canis and other species after tick exposure. German Shepherd dogs are thought to be particularly affected by the disease, but cats can also be infected."

Replied by Alicia
(Shawnee, Oklahoma)
07/15/2012

I'm confused, are the Epsom salts for ticks?

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

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Posted by Tara (Baton Rouge, La) on 12/25/2011
 ★★★★★

My cat had a tick behind his eat for a while because I didn't know what it was. Luckily my brother came over one day and recognized it. I had some food grade diatomaceous earth on hand because I've used it for other things. I sprinkled some on the tick area and rubbed it in once daily. The tick just seemed to shrink and disappear and was gone within a week or two. I even forgot to do it some days. :D

I also sprinkle it on my cats' fur and rub in every now and then to control fleas. It works well.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is awesome and has many uses and benefits. I bought 50 lbs. online.

Replied by Tara
(Baton Rouge, La)
05/08/2017

Update! My kitty got another tick on his back recently. I dusted diatomaceous earth on it 3 days in a row, and it disappeared.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Pennie (Indpl, In, Usa) on 10/16/2010
 ★★★★★

Natural Flea & Tick Remedy

Hi everyone! After almost losing our Baby Kitty to those dangerous advantage medications, I decided to figure out a way to live without using them year after year. So I did searches and found out about, "Diatomaceous Earth". This stuff is miraculous! I found mine at the local True Value Store, but you can also buy online at different retailers. BUY: FOOD GRADE! I spread this in all different areas of my lawn as well, and within 48 hours you have no more ticks or fleas. It harms all insects. I have plenty of flowers bees, and other wonderful insects roaming around, but this gets rid of the fleas and ticks really great. And I put it down on the ground on a NON-Windy day. ALSO: WEAR A MASK TO PREVENT BREATHING THIS SUBSTANCE! It worked great and I will never have to buy pesticide and put it on my animals again!! Late fall I again had fleas on my dog and all I did was put small quantity on his fur and within 48 hours all fleas were dead, then I washed him, the fur was slightly dry, but so well worth it to keep him flea free. After 3 days I washed him and put some good conditioner on him and he felt great. Usually you just have to put the Diatomaceous Earth around their tail and back area. Again in the fall, I put more of the earth around the areas that he lays in and no more fleas, after it rains you will have to put it back down again, but it's cheap. I also put it on all my fruit tree's and surrounding tree's to keep the leaf hoppers off, and my tree's look great too! Hope this works for all of you looking for a natural approach. With carefully placing it on the ground, I did not harm any beneficial bugs that roamed freely on my flowers. Lot's-O-Love to all our Animal Lovers out there! Pennie"

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
10/28/2010
★★★★★

Hi Pennie from Indpl, I also use food grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is awesome stuff. I use it around my foundation to kill fleas and ticks, instead of pesticides. I also mix 1/2 cup, with 1 tablespoon of dish washing soap, into a gallon of water. I mix this into a pump sprayer and spray my lawn. It's alot less messy looking, than spreading it dry. No tick and fleas;0) You can also give it to your dog as a dewormer. I don't use it as a dewormer, because I use garlic and RAW ACV. Garlic will get rid of heartworms and intestinal parasites and ACV will get rid of fleas. I've also used Diatomaceous Earth, to get rid of bed bugs. Fill up a sock and pat around your house. Wear a dust mask while doing this. Than leave your house until the dust settles. Leave it there for 3 weeks and say goodbye to the bed bugs and roaches;0)

Garlic

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Posted by Tucson_arizona (Tucson, Arizona, U.s.a.) on 05/16/2010
 ★☆☆☆☆

I have been giving our 3 month old puppy Magnum Garlic for kennel cough, which has worked awesome, however we have still been finding ticks on him, so I do not recommend garlic for ticks.

Replied by Vet Student
(Oslo, Norway)
10/16/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Garlic is poison for dogs and cats. It actually changes the red blood cells and can make then anemic and could potentially be fatal.

Katzie
(Cancun, México)
09/18/2024

WRONG!! Garlic contains little thiosulphate in comparison to onions! A dog would have to ingest ALOT of garlic to incur any negative effects. As a veterinary student, your posting is disappointing.

Replied by Doglvrx3
(Westside, Ma)
03/29/2012
★★★★★

Garlic is okay for dogs in the right dosage. If you buy garlic formulated specifically for dogs and follow the directions, it is quite safe. Dosages too high can be toxic. My lab has been on it for 2 years now. Bug Off Garlic from springtimeinc.com.

Replied by Heidi
(Bennington, Vt)
10/12/2012

It seems to be a myth that garlic is toxic to dogs (maybe similar to the one about cinnamon powder and cats?). At least according to many holistic vets who haven't seen garlic poisoning in any of their canine patients. We have fed our > 2 yr old dogs garlic as soon as we adopted them as 2 month olds. No problem whatsoever, but perhaps healthier dogs than w/o garlic (we use fresh garlic).

Garlic
Posted by Tanya (Apopka, Florida) on 10/17/2008
 ★★★★★

I had been having trouble with ticks on my cocker spaniel. We started giving her one garlic pill everyday and we have not had any more tick issues. The only way she will take it is if I hide the pill in a small piece of banana. If the banana is too firm, she will break it and spit out the pill. So be sure it is a ripened banana.

EC: Read more about Garlic for Dogs here: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/garlic_for_dogs.html

Replied by Cole Vidrine
(Cali, Colombia)
01/14/2017

Open dogs mouth, place pill at back of throat, close mouth, blow on dogs nose. They will swallow the pill believe me. I used to worm my dogs with huge worm pills and they will swallow them in a second. Cats as well can be given pills this way. If you don't agree that is you it is effective works every time and quick.

General Feedback

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Posted by Destingirl54 (Fort Walton Beach, Fl) on 09/01/2012
 ★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I thought my cat had sores on her neck but they were ticks and the coconut oil being on her neck just attracted more ticks! I felt so sorry for her I had to bathe her and get them off. Was it the sweetness of the coconut oil that attracted them to her skin? It really made me upset because I thought coconut oil on a cats skin was healthy!! Please can someone reply to this. I still give her a bit to eat she loves it but I feel so guilty putting it on her neck thinking she had sores and they were ticks from the coconut oil!!

Replied by Destingirl54
(Fort Walton Beach, Fl)
09/03/2012

BIG MISTAKE it wasnt ticks it was burrowing mites. They traveled from her ear on her body. So will continue with coconut oil because this is totally safe and non toxic and will smother the mites and cure the mange. I have no idea how she got these she never goes outside. I guess they were in her ear for a while, also put a bit in her ears and already her ears are alot better, also treated all 3 cats with frontline. Am keeping her separated from other cats. I read online that someone used coconut oil for mange and it cured it within 2 days. She also loves to eat it, so will continue this treatment. Sorry for big mistake in saying it attracted ticks. IT DOESNT. it was burrowing mites.

Replied by Angela
(Seminole, Fl)
09/08/2012

Does coconut oil kill ticks on a dog? I found a 3-4 month old puppy with hundreds of ticks. I've been removing them by the head, but this will take me weeks. Any advice?

Replied by Destingirl54
(Fort Walton Beach, Fl)
09/08/2012

give it a shot, the coconut oil wont hurt the doggie. It is very good for him! Am still battling the mites, I feel so sorry for her, have bought her fancy feast to feed her extra well, these things are so horrible..!!! I might take her to nonprofit vet on monday just to see what they say..

Replied by Debbie
(Brighton, Uk)
09/18/2012

Hi, Don't pull them off. This can leave some of the tick in, which could then become infected. You can smother them in vaseline, they then suffocate and fall off. You can also feed the puppy some DE food grade. Diatomaceous Earth. Mixed in with food.

Replied by Heather
(Truro, Ma)
11/15/2012

Please find a better food... They have several holistic / organic out there and it sounds like little guy could really use something to boost his immune.... Check the Diatomaceous earth recommendations and be sure not to let little one breath it in, or you for that matter. I do it out on the deck and can better point our noses away from dust. It is very safe and very effective. Glad you two have found one another :))

Replied by Cherieb.
(Pembroke Township, Illinois)
05/23/2013

To remove ticks, heat the tip of a needle with a lighter, touch the tick and it will bring it's head up and let go.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

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Posted by Jp (Monroe, Ny) on 10/11/2010
 ★★★★★

We have a tick infestation out here, so I try ACV and garlic to rid these bloodsuckers. I don't think it really helps for ticks. I'm always pulling 3-5 ticks off him, after we come out of the woods. What I did fine to be effective was lemon eucalyptus oil and witch hazel. Mix it 10 parts witch hazel and 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Spray you and your pet down and you should see a great reduction. Most times I find no ticks on my dog, but sometimes I find one ;0( At least I'm not putting toxic chemicals on either of us ;0) Thanks for this site, I wanted to give A little back.

Replied by Helen
(Thessaloniki, Greece)
10/27/2010

Have the ticks ever invaded your home? I had (have?) a seed tick infestation (a couple of these bloodsuckers latched onto the dog and fell off in the storage area). I never knew these suckers bred by the thousands. I've been fighting them all summer and finally treated the room with something called Pubex. Now I've been finding a couple of dead dried out ticks in there but I did major house cleaning and threw a lot of stuff out, washed all stored clothes in very hot water and am wiping stuff that I don't want to throw out with rubbing alcohol but I don't have any experience with this. Are they gone? Should I still worry?
Please help!

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
10/27/2010

TO: Helen from Thessaloniki

I have had ticks fall off if in my house. I have been lucky so far and caught them before they could mass multiply. I would dust my house with food grade Diatomaceous earth. It should get rid of your tick problem. Only put down a fine dust. Do not use too much. I fill it in an old sock and pat it around the house. Make sure you use a dust mask and than leave your home until the dust settles. I'm still experimenting with the lemon eucalyptus oil mix. I had to add other oils to the mix, because it wasn't effective by itself. I also am using distilled or filtered water, instead of witch hazel. I'll keep this thread updated on my progress. As of now this is the mix:

10 drops of rose geranium oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops cedarwood essential oil
10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
4 oz. Distilled or filtered water

Replied by Helen
(Thessaloniki, Greece)
10/28/2010

Not sure if I can find Diotomaceous earth here. I ended up going to the pharmacy for the pubex (in powder and spray form) which contain permitherin. I was so disgusted that I went for the only thing that I knew kills ticks 100%. Never let the dog, husband or child in that room again till I'm sure those buggers are dead. Like I said, I've been finding only dried out carcasses and am checking the dog like crazy. Had them fall off in the past as well but caught them just as the dog was on her way in the house. Warning to all during the start of tick season, don't neglect to check your pets for ticks after they've been out and about! Take it from me I've been cleaning house sine April and still not done! Thanks for the help!

Replied by Marlaina
(Mclouth, Ks)
10/29/2010

Dear JP, where do you buy your oils? I'm in the Kansas city area! Thanks, Marlaina

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
10/31/2010

Hi Marlaina, I get mine from ebay. You can also get them from healthfood stores. If you wait a week or so, I'll post an update on, the effectiveness of the mix.

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
11/06/2010

Update: After being in the woods today, I Still found a couple of ticks on my dog. It was much better than usual. Usually it would be 5-10 ticks. This is the worst time of year for ticks. Also, I found the ticks crawling. They did not bite my dog. This mix looks good so far;0) I'll keep this thread updated.

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
11/06/2010

I forgot to mention to only use essential oils. Do not use fragrance oils. Also only use them diluted according to the mix. Do not use them full strength.

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
11/06/2010

Also always shake well before applying, and avoid your dog's face. Spray liberally elsewhere and repeat as needed. Make sure you spray underneath as well as from top. It should last a few hours. Never use essential oils on cats.

Replied by Jp
(Monroe, Ny)
06/06/2011
★★★★★

Hi, I wanted to give an update. I use a new mix that is highly effective at repelling ticks. It works on skeeters and biting deer flies too;0) It last a couple hours so you have to keep spraying, but it's alot more effective than pesticides.

1 cup Avon Skin-So-Soft

1 cup Water

1 tablespoon Lemon Eucalyptus oil

2-3 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar

Replied by Angela
(Memphis, Tn - Tennessee)
07/16/2012

My problem with this recipe is that Skin-so-soft is mineral oil which robs the body of the vitamins which are soluble in oil which are e, d and k if I remember correctly. Read this several years ago in a nutritionist's book.

Replied by Solehah
(Malaysia)
11/27/2017

Can I spray it on my cat as well?. My cats been getting ticks all over her ears lately. She's an outdoor cat so she's often outside. When she started getting the ticks, we've been preventing her from getting inside the house, afraid that the ticks would drop inside the house. It's been getting worse. My whole family been getting ticks on their body too. The worse was almost inside the two years old kid that I was babysitting. I've been trying to find ways but I'm about to give up and give my cat away for the sake of my family. If there's any other natural way to remove and prevent the ticks from coming back please do tell me. It'd mean so much. Thanks.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/27/2017

Hello Solehah,

I cannot speak for the Lemon grass/Eucaplyptus formula, however this person used Neem oil to good effect:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Natural-Tick-Repellent-for-Cats/

They used:

4 drops neem oilwith a teaspoon and mixed them with 20 drops rapeseed oil. This results in about 2 mL, which is plenty for one treatment.

Part the hair on your kitty and apply to the skin - you do not want it all over the fur. Apply between shoulder blades, on the neck and top of head, and on the back and at base of tail. It helps to first remove all the ticks that are already on the cat - I do this by using essential oil of lemon on a q-tip or swab and use directly on the tick. Wait 3 minutes for the tick to die and remove using a human hair comb to gently pull it out- just comb through the fur and the tick will come off in the teeth of the comb. You should check your cat daily for ticks if you do not want the house infested.

Oregano Oil

1 User Review
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Posted by Riccirak (White Lake, Michigan ) on 05/21/2023
 ★★★★★

Safe tick removal on pets

Wild oil of oregano is what we use on our dogs to remove ticks. It is a great anti viral as well. I put two drops of the oil directly on the tick and next morning you will find it dead in the bedding. Then I put colloidal silver on bite wound.

Paw Paw

1 User Review
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Posted by Richard (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) on 01/26/2012
 ★★★★★

We had 2 cats. Bella was found half paralysed and we took her to the vet. The vet removed the tick and administered anti venom. She didn't make it.

A week later we found Chewy half paralysed. It was Saturday afternoon and the vet was closed. I searched the internet and found an article about a foal that had recovered from a paralysis tick by feeding it Paw Paw. We hand fed Chewy Paw Paw which wasn't easy as he was virtually dead. Not moving his body at all. He was barely even breathing. We had to put the food as far down his throat as we could without choking him and massage his neck for it to go down to his stomach. We fed him 4-5 times a day mulched up Paw Paw and he was fully recovered in one week.

Paw Paw is known to heal wounds and is now commercially sold as an ointment.

Rose Geranium Oil

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Maryland (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 09/03/2011
 ★★★★★

Apply a few drops on your dog every day if they have ticks. I applied on both my dogs last year when I discovered that they had HUGE ticks hiding in their paws and behind their ears, plus several other little ticks in their body :( The ticks disappeared after a week or two.

I like to apply this oil on them every now and then to keep them free from ticks.

Replied by Selah
(Los Angeles, Ca)
12/17/2011

I'm going to try rose geranium oil because I don't see anything else on this site that may help a dog with an imbedded tick. I hope it's not too late.

Replied by Frances
(Land O' Lakes, Fl usa)
05/21/2012
★★★★★

Rose Geranium Oil- My cat had a huge tick on her tail. I soaked a Q-tip in geranium oil and placed it on the tick where it was attached. Within seconds it fell off. I picked the tick up with a tweezers, and placed it in alcohol to die. What an easy and effective remedy.

Replied by Angela
(Memphis, Tn - Tennessee)
07/16/2012

Hi Maryland from Los Angeles, Ca, Usa, I hope you see this. I would like to know if you are referring to the pure rose geranium oil with nothing else added and if you are putting it undiluted on your dog's skin. I am asking because I always read not to put pure essential oils on animal's or our skin as it is supposed to be too strong but maybe this is not the case with the rose geranium oil? We are having such a terrible problem with ticks and fleas this year. I really need the advice. Thank you.

Replied by Maryland
(Los Angeles, Ca, Usa)
04/03/2013

To Angela from Memphis, yes I applied undiluted, just a few drops. It really worked! Of course you would have to reapply every now and then, especially during Summer.

Replied by Maggi23
(Bristol, Uk)
06/18/2013

Maryland - did you put the oil on your dogs paws as my labrador is licking hers till raw and after visiting the vet who prescribed steroids for it - I then when at home again found a tick on the base of her facial hair (whisker) and some more on her chin.

Maybe she has more ticks on her bottom as she scoots around when she never did before? I can't see any but now want to know what I can use to help get rid of them and help her. She looks so miserable and has been off her food.

The vet finds nothing wrong with her other than a hot ear (which she keeps flicking and rubbing along the floor) and said to give her the steroids. I havent given her the steroids but so far have bathed her sore feet with ACV. Now she has bald elbows and has chewed her inner leg skin till no hair left on them.

I feel so bad I am in a quandary where to start with helping her. Can you tell me about the Rose Geranium oil and if they can lick it off without poisoning themselves on it?

Please help.

Replied by Jb
(Atlanta, Ga)
08/03/2013

To Maggi23 from Bristol, Uk, the symptoms you decribe sound more like food allergies than a tick problem. One does not feel tick bites. Ticks secrete a substance that dull sensation so you do not feel the bite.

Try feeding a raw diet, no grains, no veggies, no fruit. Meat & bones. Monitor bone eating. Teach your dog like traching a toddler to eat solid food. NEVER feed anything smaller than it's head. The skull portion. Make them "work" the bone. I really think your dog has an allergy to what you are feeding. Absolutely No Commercial Food. Know what you are feeding.

Replied by Jb
(Atlanta,ga)
08/03/2013

For Maggi23 from Bristol, Uk

You may also consider vaccine reaction. Do not revaccinate. Do Titer testing first. If you vaccinate needlessly you will compromise your companions immune system. If I were you, I would find another Vet. Steroids only mask the root problem. Have blood work done, testing for any tick bourne diseases, to rule that out. Find a Good Vet, that will find cause not do trial & error medicating/bandaides. Steroids can damage organs & do not correct cause.

Replied by Ajan
(Cape Cod, Ma)
11/04/2013

I have been following your posts and would like to know if I can apply rose geranium oil on my dogs in areas that they may lick ? We have a terrible infestation of Lymne ticks in the area and I am in need of something stronger than garlic which Iuse everday and refuse to use Frontline. Thanks

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/04/2013

Hey Ajan!

I'm with you all the way in avoiding applying poison to my pets!

To keep your pets parasite free, you may wish to use cedar granules /cedarcide in the yard - you will need to reapply from time to time, but cedar does a great job at keeping fleas and ticks at bay in the yard.

Next, daily grooming is essential during the flea and tick season. Comb with a flea comb targeting the areas where fleas congregate; the groin, armpits and then ears, eyes and mouth.

And then as you know, using a repellant prior to going for walks outdoors.

For one person, 1 drop of rose geranium oil applied at both base of tail and between the shoulder blades of her dog worked well for this gal:

http://www.primallyinspired.com/easy-natural-tick-repellent-that-really-works-essential-oils/

She goes on to offer a variety of essential oil based repellants that you can easily make at home:

http://www.primallyinspired.com/favorites-how-to-make-a-homemade-bug-repellent-oil-easy-essential-oils/

Not every remedy will work for everyone, so see what works for you and please report back!


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