Ticks YIKES!

[avoncallingu]

We've moved and the places where I can walk the dogs are in or near longish grass. I found a tick on one of the dogs and also on MY SHIRT!

I flushed it down the sink only to find that it had climbed back up!!!!!

Any natural tick warder- offers? I'm picking up a topical ointment from the vet tomorrow. But what about ME???

[Natalka]

This has been big in the news in our area, because of the increased number last year, and this.

For yourself, honestly the best protection is not natural, the safest for you is to use a repellant with DEET.

http://globalnews.ca/news/1348443/ti...need-you-know/
http://globalnews.ca/news/1361633/ir...-lyme-disease/

[bargain_hunter_lola]

DD had a field trip to a conservation area and ticks were a big concern. Luckily we didn't encounter any. Whew! lol

As Natalka said, Deet is the best protection but not necessarily safe. If you do get something like Deep Woods Off (has around 25% Deet) make sure to spray on your clothes rather than right on your body.

They also recommend wearing light coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, long hair covered/braided, throwing clothes into a hot dryer as soon as you come in, checking yourself and any pets over as before going inside, not allowing pets on furniture.

HTH

[avoncallingu]

I walk these guys about 4-5 Times a day. I'm going to have to get some "walking the dogs" clothes. Value Village, here I come! Thanks for the information about DEET. I'll try to get in the habit of spraying the clothes before I put them on.
Trying to keep the "boys" off the furniture or US is a non-starter. They are our "lap-buddies" for sure.

Maybe I'll make our garage my "change-room."

[Shwa Girl]

I walk these guys about 4-5 Times a day. I'm going to have to get some "walking the dogs" clothes. Value Village, here I come! Thanks for the information about DEET. I'll try to get in the habit of spraying the clothes before I put them on.
Trying to keep the "boys" off the furniture or US is a non-starter. They are our "lap-buddies" for sure.

Maybe I'll make our garage my "change-room."

The veterinarian may have a solution that your dogs could use to be tick free.

[MortgageQueen]

Putting organic apple cider vinegar in dogs water or food will help them repel ticks naturally (1/2tsp per 15 lbs) You can also spray them with a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of water/vinegar prior to walks (cats hate smell so never on them) you can also spray your socks and pants with the vinegar to avoid them yourself.

Always use precision tweezers to remove the tick. NEVER squeeze its body. . . gently pull the tick off so as not to leave any parts of it in the skin. Kill it in alcohol or fire

Always use gloves when handling a tick.

[TooCouponCrazy]

Great tips. I would recommend Deet as well. Best of luck.

[jebner]

I've heard that diatomaceous earth (food grade) helps naturally repel ticks (and fleas, bed bugs, and can help prevent heartworm, ringworm and other pests). From what I read you can feed it to your pet with their food, lightly rub some into their fur and bedding to help too. I haven't tried it, but a lady I work with swears by it!

[Lynn49]

Yikes is right, Avon! I just noticed your thread, here. I haven't had any tick encounters with our dogs, so the only thing can offer is my sympathy for how you're going to look now, while walking Maxx and Jesse.
Seriously, I hope you find effective solutions for you and your little ones. As for diatomaceous earth, my hubby sprinkles it at the base of the house, particularly near doorways....we have earning under our deck, it if Ny of them walk through that stuff and get into the house, they're dead in no time, anyway. It sucks the juices right out of the little creeps....an appropriate death, I believe.
It's just a desiccant...I don't know what good it would do for an animal to ingest it....might even harm them , but I'll check it out for you.
Let us know what your vet suggested......good luck, Hon.

[Lynn49]

Warning: diatomateous earth can control internal pests in dogs, but NOT the garden grade found in garden shops for use outdoors!

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com...maceous-earth/

[jebner]

Warning: diatomateous earth can control internal pests in dogs, but NOT the garden grade found in garden shops for use outdoors!

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com...maceous-earth/

Your exactly right! Make sure if your going to use diatomateous earth, that it is FOOD GRADE!!!