Information on Dog Tick Spray
Ticks can transmit numerous diseases to dogs. The four most commonly seen dog diseases spread by ticks are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. The most famous, Lyme disease, is transmitted by the deer tick; Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by the American dog tick, wood tick and lone star tick; ehrlichiosis is spread by the brown wood tick; and a variety of ticks infect dogs with babesiosis.
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Natural vs. Conventional Tick Sprays
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Conventional tick sprays generally have chemicals, toxins and insecticides. While these ingredients make them effective tick preventatives and are approved for sale, dog owners are expressing growing concerns over the safety of these products, according to Vet Info. Of particular concern is the fact dogs lick and groom themselves regularly, making it inevitable these chemicals will end up in the dog's internal organ systems. Quality natural products can be effective tick repellents with fewer risks from chemicals.
Natural Tick Sprays
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Natural tick sprays for dogs are often used on an as-needed basis. While it is not entirely clear why all of the ingredients work, natural sprays effective against ticks often contain one or more of the following ingredients: peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil, thyme oil, eugenol, cedar wood oil and clove oil. These sprays often are effective against fleas as well. Examples include Sentry Natural Defense Natural Flea and Tick Spray and Natural Chemistry 11003 Natural Flea and Tick Spray.
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Conventional Tick Sprays
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Conventional tick sprays for dogs are also quite effective. Bio Spot Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and Puppies uses the active ingredient pyrethrin methoprene, which is safe for dogs 12 weeks and older and can be applied every two months. DeFlea Pet and Bedding Spray is another example of a conventional tick spray and, as its name would indicate, can be used on both the animal and its bedding areas. This product's active ingredients are Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate and undecyclenic acid, and it can be used on an as-needed basis.
Added Advantages
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Tick sprays for dogs, whether they are conventional or natural, are often effective against a number of pests, including fleas and mosquitoes. Natural sprays almost always repel both. Bio Spot Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and Puppies kills and repels adult fleas and ticks, as well as halts the development of flea eggs. DeFlea Pet and Bedding Spray controls not only fleas and ticks, but lice and mites as well.
Other Canine Tick Preventatives
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Methods other than tick sprays can be used to prevent tick bites. Avoiding tick infested areas, applying spot-on treatments, using collars and powders effective against ticks, and administering dietary supplements and oral medications are all effective against tick infestations, either alone or in combination with other treatments. However, a veterinarian should be consulted before combining treatments, according to Pet Education, as overdoses may occur.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by veronika from Fotolia.com
