Summer means more time outdoors, but it also brings an unwelcome guest: ticks. These tiny pests can carry harmful diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis—posing real risks to your dog’s health. For pet parents who view their dogs as family, finding safe, effective ways to keep ticks away is a top priority.
Many chemical tick treatments come with side effects, from skin irritation, seizures, and lethargy. That’s why more families are exploring natural remedies that work with their dog’s immune system and offer protection without harsh ingredients. If you're looking for gentle, trustworthy options this season, you're in the right place. Here's how to help your dog stay tick-free using nature’s own tools.
Start with Regular Tick Checks
Checking your dog for ticks after every walk or romp in the yard is your first line of defense. Ticks love warm, hidden places like behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and around the tail. Make tick checks part of your daily routine, especially if your dog spends time in wooded or grassy areas.
Remove any ticks you find with tweezers or a tick removal tool, pulling slowly to get the entire body. Prompt removal lowers the risk of disease transmission. Be calm and gentle, and reward your dog afterward to make the process easier next time.
Choose a Natural Tick Shampoo
Bathing your dog with a natural tick shampoo can help prevent infestations before they begin. Look for formulas with ingredients like cedarwood, lemongrass, and neem oil. These plant-based oils are known to repel ticks and are safe for regular use on your dog’s skin and coat.
VetSmart Formulas Protect Shampoo is made with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. It’s tough on ticks but gentle enough for sensitive skin. With a fresh scent and easy lather, it turns bath time into an effective, soothing way to protect your dog from pests.
Use a Natural Home Spray
Ticks don’t just hang out in the woods—they can also live in your yard, your carpet, and your dog’s bedding. That’s why treating your home environment matters just as much as treating your dog. A natural home spray can create a barrier that keeps ticks from settling in.
VetSmart Formulas Protect Home Spray uses essential oils to repel ticks without toxic chemicals. You can use it on furniture, rugs, crates, and even your dog’s collar or leash. It’s a safe, family-friendly way to make your home a tick-free zone all summer long, and keeps your home smelling naturally fresh!
Support Your Dog’s Immune System
A healthy immune system can help your dog fight off tick-borne infections if a bite does occur. Natural supplements with ingredients like turmeric, and medicinal mushrooms can support your dog’s natural defenses and overall well-being.
Daily immune support is especially helpful during tick season, when the body is more likely to encounter threats. Feeding a balanced diet and using supplements designed to boost immune function like Critical Immune Defense can give your dog an extra layer of protection from the inside out.
Maintain a Tick-Safe Yard
Your yard can either attract ticks or discourage them. Keeping your grass trimmed, removing piles of leaves or brush, and creating borders with gravel or cedar mulch are all easy ways to reduce tick populations around your home. Ticks thrive in shady, damp spots, so more sunlight and airflow can help.
You can also plant tick-repelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, or lemongrass along the edges of your yard. These plants naturally deter pests and add beauty to your outdoor space. If you want to treat the lawn, look for natural sprays with cedar oil or diatomaceous earth, which are safe for pets and kids.
Conclusion
Ticks are a summer nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your dog’s fun—or yours. With daily checks, smart yard care, and gentle, effective products, you can help keep your furry friend safe from harm. Natural tick solutions give you peace of mind without the worry of harsh chemicals.
VetSmart Formulas Protect Shampoo and Home Spray offer a powerful plant-based defense that works for your dog and your home. Shop now to give your pup the protection they deserve this summer—the natural way.
