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Herbal Tick Repellent for Dogs

posted by Annie B. Bond Jan 16, 1999 4:59 pm
Herbal Tick Repellent for Dogs
24 comments

By Annie B. Bond

I dug deep in my herbal formula books for this recipe out of desperation,
given that I live in the epicenter of the tick-generated Lyme disease
epidemic. I tested the essential oil that is recommended for ticks, Rose Geranium, by putting a few drops—no more!—on
our dogs’ collars, to see if it would repel ticks. Lo and behold, we went
from 20 ticks a day on each dog to none. The second best essential oil for
repelling ticks is American Pennyroyal (also called tickweed).

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons vegetable or nut oil (almond oil contains sulfur, a repellent
in its own right)
10 to 25 drops Rose Geranium essential oil

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; shake to blend.
Make: 2 tablespoons with a shelf life of about six months.


Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing, making sure to avoid eyes.


Caution:
Skip the Pennyroyal if there is anyone pregnant (including pets) in the home,
as it can induce miscarriage. And as always, use essential oils with caution
as they can burn the skin and harm eyes. Don’t use these essential oils around cats.

More on Health & Safety (194 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3248 articles available)

24 comments

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24 comments

add your comment »
24 comments add your comment
Diana D.

Thanks for the tick repellent!i really don't like them but who does:) I was wondering if you also knew a repellent that would work on horses and cats?If so I would really be great full!Thank you again

Amy Renz

Annie, thank you for your post about the Rose Geranium oil. With more than 10 years having past since you originally posted this suggestion, I'm wondering if Rose Geranium proved to be a worthwhile tick repellent. If you're still out there, could you let us know how your dogs did against the ticks using Rose Geranium? Thank you.

Julie Hammond

does this repellant have to go on the collar? What effects will it have if put directly on the dog? And where can I find Rose Geranium?

Caralien S.

Onions are toxic to dogs (http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/onions.html), so please be aware of putting onion extract on your pooch! Garlic, however is fine.

Kristy C.

How often do you re-apply the herbal tick repellent to the collar?

Nadine Bartlett

So what about flea repellent for cats??

Cindy R.

I have 2 border collies and we have been battling tic fever in Costa Rica. We have given the medicine to fix the problem for now. I want to try to keep them on track so how much do you give your dog when it comes to garlic pill and they weigh 40 and up to 60 pounds.Please anybody out there that can help it is greatly appreciated more than you know thanks from Costa Rica need feed back asap since there is not a whole lot of help here.

Cindy R.

I have 2 border collies and we have been battling tic fever in Costa Rica. We have given the medicine to fix the problem for now. I want to try to keep them on track so how much do you give your dog when it comes to garlic pill and they weigh 40 and up to 60 pounds.Please anybody out there that can help it is greatly appreciated more than you know thanks from Costa Rica need feed back asap since there is not a whole lot of help here.

Pat S.
  • Pat S. says
  • Mar 30, 2008 5:51 PM

am I restricted to putting the rose geranium on a dog collar, can I put it on my dog's hair( as opposed to fur)

Colleene Eberle

to treat fire ant bites, a/s/a/p rub a dab on a cloth, cotton ball, or fingers apply to bite. Do not apply on chest area, as it can cause too much inahalent. Itching will subside in a few seconds, & no pustle will form.

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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