As much as I really wanted to write this post about the subject of ticks...and how it is SO important that we talk about it, protect our pets, and PREPARE for these little buggers...I did not want to start my post out with an ugly photo of a tick!
I personally prefer to look at Chloe instead! :)
I am particularly concerned about ticks this year because we had a terrible time with Ticks last year at the cottage. Chloe tested positive for Lyme Disease. I felt just terrible for her and I know she did not feel well at all for a very long time.
I try to go the homeopathic route as much as possible with the girls, but there are times when I absolutely have to rely on my vet's expertise. My vet told me...in no uncertain terms...to immediately put her on something stronger than what I was using...which was a homeopathic remedy for ticks. So, before we head south, I will be applying Advantix on both of the girls this year. I cannot bear for Chloe or LadyBug to go through a bout with Lyme this year.
Ticks can be as lethal as venomous snakes!!
We need to get the word out about ticks and the diseases they carry!
It will be summer soon!!
Time for camping, hiking and spending more time outside. Don't let those pesky annoying
ticks stop you.
For those of you who live in a part of the country where ticks are NOT a problem...
For those of you who live in a part of the country where ticks are NOT a problem...
Here is a simple homemade solution!
Repellent for your pets:
For pets, add 1 cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and will be easily be repelled by this ingredient
alone.
Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another
natural tick repellent).
To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil or peppermint oil, any of which will repel ticks and fleas while also creating a nicely scented repellent. Spray onto your pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and the genital area. When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day.
For you and your family:
In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water. To make a scented solution so you do not smell like bitter vinegar all day, add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.
Eucalyptus oil is a calm, soothing scent that also works as a tick repellent, while peppermint and citrus oils give off a strong crisp scent that also repel ticks.
After mixing the solution, spray onto clothing, skin, and hair before going outdoors. Reapply
every four hours to keep ticks at bay, and examine your skin and hair when back inside to make sure no ticks are on the body.
We must get the word out about the dangers of ticks and how to avoid them!
