Ticks on Dogs: How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Them Naturally

Ticks on Dogs: How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Them Naturally

If you’re a dog parent in India, chances are you’ve encountered the pesky problem of ticks—especially during the warmer months. These tiny parasites not only irritate your pet’s skin but can also transmit serious illnesses like tick fever (canine ehrlichiosis or babesiosis). The good news? With a little awareness, safe home remedies, and the right nutrition, you can protect your pup and keep ticks at bay.


🕵️♂️ Where to Check for Ticks on Your Dog

Ticks love to hide in warm, moist areas. When checking your dog, pay special attention to:

  • Behind the ears

  • Under the collar

  • Between the toes

  • Around the tail base

  • Inside skin folds (like armpits and groin)

  • Under the legs and belly

Run your hands slowly over your dog’s body after walks, especially if they’ve been in grassy or wooded areas.

🌡️ When Are Ticks Most Active?

Ticks are most active from February to July and during the monsoon season, especially in humid, grassy environments. That’s when preventive care is most crucial.

 

🧴 2 Safe, Homemade DIY Tick-Repellent Sprays

Skip the harsh chemicals and try these natural alternatives that are safe for dogs:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

  • Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water

  • Add a few drops of lavender or neem oil (natural repellents)

  • Pour into a spray bottle and spritz lightly over your dog’s coat before walks
    Note: Avoid eyes, nose, and open wounds

2. Neem & Coconut Oil Rub

  • Warm 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • Add 10 drops of neem oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil

  • Apply a small amount to your dog’s back, neck, and tail base before going out
    Neem and tea tree oils are natural antiparasitics and safe when diluted.

 

🥦 Foods That Help Repel Ticks Naturally

Boosting your dog’s immune system makes them less attractive to parasites. Include:

  • Garlic (in very small, vet-approved quantities) – Helps repel fleas and ticks

  • Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

  • Coconut oil – Improves skin health and has antiparasitic properties

  • Apple cider vinegar (in food) – Helps alter pH to repel parasites

Always consult your vet for the right dosage, especially for small breeds.

❗ Symptoms of Tick Fever in Dogs

Tick fever can take 1–3 weeks to show after a tick bite. Watch out for:

  • High fever

  • Lethargy or sudden tiredness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Pale gums

  • Nosebleeds or unusual bruising

  • Weight loss

  • Swollen lymph nodes

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, consult a vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can save your pet’s life.

 

 ✂️ How to Remove Ticks Safely

 Removing ticks the right way is crucial to avoid infections:

  1.  Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.

  2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

  3. Pull upward slowly and steadily—don’t twist or jerk.

  4. Drop the tick in a bowl of rubbing alcohol to kill it.

  5. Clean the bite area with antiseptic.

  6. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Do not crush the tick or try to remove it with fingers, as this could release harmful bacteria.

 

🍗 Post-Tick Fever Recovery Foods

If your dog has suffered from tick fever, support their recovery with:

  • High-protein, easy-to-digest meals (chicken, eggs, rice)

  • Iron-rich foods (like organ meats) to combat anemia

  • Bone broth – Hydrating and nutrient-rich (here's a delicious ready made 100% natural bone broth)

  • Multivitamin chews or supplements to restore immunity

🩺 What to Do If You Spot Ticks

  1. Don’t panic. Use a fine-tipped tweezer or a tick remover tool to pull the tick out slowly from the base.

  2. Disinfect the area with antiseptic.

  3. Drop the tick in a bowl of rubbing alcohol to kill it (don’t crush it).

  4. Watch for symptoms like lethargy, fever, or pale gums – these may be signs of tick-borne illness.

  5. Consult your vet immediately if symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can save lives.

 

So, with a bit of care, ticks can be managed!

Ticks are a seasonal nuisance but can be managed easily with routine checks, natural preventives, and a healthy diet. Try DIY sprays at home, keep your dog’s bedding clean, and fortify their immune system with the right nutrition. A tick-free dog is a happy, healthy dog.

Need help with boosting your dog’s immunity post-tick fever?

Explore Absolut Pet’s Skin & Coat Chews—made with vet-approved ingredients to restore your pup’s health from the inside out.

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