Ticks are a nuisance to dogs, and they lead to health problems and irritation to them. Also, removing ticks on your dog every now and then is nauseating. Killing them physically after removing them from your dog and squashing them is also appalling since they are full of blood. So, what kills ticks on dogs instantly?
What Kills Ticks On Dogs Instantly
You can kill ticks on dogs instantly using alcohol, Eucalyptus oil, bleach dish soap, and vinegar. However, each of these substances should be used with caution because they can adversely affect your dog.
Furthermore, there are other ways that you can use to repel ticks on your dog and ways of keeping your home tick-free that are discussed in this article.
5 Ways Of Killing Ticks Instantly
1. Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol does a great job of killing ticks instantly. It is well known for eliminating any harmful bacteria from wounds, but it can also totally eradicate a tick.
Once you remove the tick from your dog, please place it in a cup of alcohol, and seal the container with a lid to restrict it from escaping.
You can also use alcohol to cover the tick on the dog using a cotton ball and wait for a few seconds. It will lead to the tick detaching after some time. It would be best if you diluted the alcohol with water before application.
It would help if you were extra careful because rubbing alcohol can result in the following issues;
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Incoordination
- Collapse
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Death
The use of highly concentrated alcohol can damage the skin. Therefore, it should also be used in small amounts and only when necessary.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is not only efficient at killing ticks, but it also works well as a repellant. It is also naturally safe for use in humans.
Spray 4 ounces of distilled water mixed with 20 drops of eucalyptus oil on your body and your pet for relief.
It has a lovely smell that neither you nor your dog will find offensive.
Apply it with care because it is poisonous to pets if consumed. According to the ASPCA, Eucalyptus oil toxicity in pets can result in many unpleasant side effects. They include;
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
3. Bleach
There is no doubt bleach is a strong substance. If a drop of it can stain your clothing, it can unquestionably kill a tick.
Exercise extreme caution when putting the tick in a tiny container with bleach. The ticks will be eliminated instantly by the beach.
Ensure that you dispose of the dead tick properly.
4. Dish Soap
Although no research supports this assertion, many dog owners have successfully used dish soap to eliminate ticks.
Dish washes like Dawn soap destroy the exoskeleton of the parasite.
Using a piece of moist cotton, hold it against your dog’s skin with a tick for about 30 sec. The tick will come out after some time.
5. Vinegar
Ticks and fleas can be avoided by applying a DIY spray mixture of vinegar and water to your pets. Spray the mixture directly onto your pets, but take care to avoid getting it in their eyes.
If you find a tick after checking your pet and yourself for them, apply distilled vinegar to the area around it using a cotton bud or cotton ball until the tick releases. Once the tick has loosened its grip, remove it with tweezers, submerge it in a cup of vinegar until it has drowned, and throw it away.
Best Natural Tick Repellants for Dogs
a) Tobacco
Tobacco has been in existence for many years, and it contains nicotine. It can also be used as an insecticide.
You can rub tobacco leaves on your pets’ skin to repel ticks. Additionally, the juice from any part of the tobacco plant can repel ticks.
b) Mint Leaves
Using mint leaves on your dog has double benefits as it will repel ticks and leave your dog smelling heavenly.
To make a mint-fused spray, squeeze juice from 2 lemons and combine with 10 teaspoons of apple cedar vinegar in warm water. Ten to fifteen mint leaves should be soaked in the liquid and left to stand overnight. The following morning, filter the liquid into a spray bottle and apply it to your dog’s fur. To completely get rid of ticks, do this for two months.
c) Bay Leaves (Crushed or Ground)
Bay leaves can strongly repel ticks. You can either crush grind or crush them and rub it over your dog 3-4 times a week.
Furthermore, you can place bay leaves near your dogs’ beddings to stop them from multiplication.
d) Cloves
Cloves can also be used to repel ticks on dogs. Cloves’ anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics aid in the eradication of ticks. To make the clove spray, you must thoroughly combine three camphor crystals and three dried cloves in one liter of ethanol or alcohol. Next, pour in 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Spray the liquid onto your pet’s fur while being mindful to keep its eyes and mouth closed using a squirt bottle. After letting it sit for two hours, rinse the water.
What Not To Use When Repelling or Killing Ticks
- Petroleum jelly
- Drowning the tick with turpentine or nail polish,
- Burning match or cigarette directly to the tick’s body.
- Don’t throw the tick in your trashcan or sink.
How to Keep Ticks out of Your Yard
1) Plant tick-repellent landscaping plants
Some landscape plants repel ticks. Some of the most efficient tick-repelling plants include garlic, sage, mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, and beautyberry.
Plant these types along landscaping borders, surrounding patios, pet runs, decks, and other areas where you want to deter ticks for optimal results.
To prevent ticks from entering your home, you may arrange these varieties in containers and set them close to windows.
2) Nematodes
Ticks can be killed in your yard by spraying tiny microscopic organisms known as nematodes. They are parasites, but they only cause harm to the tiny insects and arthropods they select as hosts. They can live in your soil for 6 months and a year; thus, the application can be very sparingly done. Once inside the ticks, they release a toxin that kills them.
3) Diatomaceous earth
Diatom skeletons that have been preserved as fossils are used to create diatomaceous earth. It can be distributed through your garden to eliminate small pests with an exoskeleton and is natural and safe for pets and kids.
Since these fossils are harder than the pests’ exoskeletons, which are made up of billions of microscopic fragments, the powder soon kills the pests by making tiny incisions in them and drying them out.
