I use to think that ticks fell out of the trees and onto pets and people, but it turns out that is not the case. The opportunistic blood suckers instead do what is referred to as “questing”, that is to say, they climb to the top of a blade of grass or a twig and wait for a perfect host to walk by, then using their legs, the hitch a ride. Our pet dogs, more often than not, are that perfect ride. Because of how close they are to the ground, a dog’s legs and belly are often the perfect place for a tick to grasp on to. If you find a tick on your pets head, this just means that the tick crawled there. Of course ticks don’t only like our dogs, but they also like their owners.
A tick bite can cause both dog and owner a variety of illnesses. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis,anaplasmosis (aka: dog fever) and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are among some that can have lasting impact on the victim’s health. The CDC is also warning about POW (Powassan) which is even deadlier than Lyme disease. Like Lyme, POW is carried by deer. The CDC reports that POW will kill 10% of those infected and will permanently disable 50%. (CDC Link On POW) Some ticks may be carrying more than one of these at a time, and it only takes one bite to infect. It is for this reason that tick prevention is critical.
There is good news if you are looking for a natural way of protecting both yourself and your dog.
The essential oil Rose Geranium Oil (Pelargonium capitatum x radens) is well known for its ability to repel ticks. It is important, however, to know that there are two varieties of Rose Geranium oil. At wfmed.com, our GreenHealth Rose Geranium is the type that works.
Where many essential oils require dilution, Rose Geranium does not. Protecting yourself and your dog is as simply as applying a couple of drops directly to strategic areas. To protect yourself, a drop on your wrists, behind your knees and back of neck should do the trick. For your pet dog, you can place a drop between the shoulder blades and another at the top of the base of his tail. Another option is to apply the non-diluted Rose Geranium to the dog’s collar.
If you prefer to dilute prior to application, mix 20 drops of Rose Geranium oil to 2 Tbsp of Sweet Almond Oil and apply in same way as above, or prepare the DIY Tick Repellent Spray Recipe below.
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Tick Repellent Spray (DIY) Recipe
Ingreedients:
2 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
20-30 drops of Rose Geranium
Directions:
Mix and pour into (Spray Bottle).Shake well before use. Spray on self in areas most likely to attract ticks such as pant legs. For dogs, spray on legs, belly and/or neck. Do not get in eyes or nose.
NOTE: Rose Geranium oil is considered TOXIC to cats. Rose Geranium should not be used on cats or on pregnant animals. Please check with appropriate medical specialist prior to use.
Disclaimer: Please note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, or Hydrosols be taken internally unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy