Oct. 18, 2007, 6:27PM ANIMAL DOCTOR Ticks may require a closer look
By DR. MICHAEL FOX United Feature Syndicate
TOOLS Email Get section feed Print Subscribe NOW Comments Dear Dr. Fox:
We live in Dutchess County, N.Y., which has a very high incidence of deer ticks and Lyme disease.
Our miniature dachshund Bridgette (13 years old) has had three bouts of Lyme disease despite using Advantix, which is purported to be the best preventive on the market.
Last weekend, we found three engorged ticks on her, and she is now on a round of doxycycline. We also have just added a new puppy (9 weeks old) to our family, and, although the manufacturers of Advantix make a dosage for her age, I am reluctant to use chemicals on such a young animal, especially if they're not effective.
We have started combing their coats at night before bedtime with a fine-tooth comb and try to do a thorough visual inspection. However, both are black and tan, and it is very difficult to spot the ticks.
We would like to know whether you have any recommendations for more natural preventives. Thank you.
C. & N.O., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Dear C. & N.O.:
The widely marketed drugs kill these insects only after they have ingested the dog's drug-laced blood. This means, as you have discovered, that the dog is not well protected from ticks that could transmit Lyme and other diseases once attached and feeding on the dog. Plus, these drugs can have harmful side effects.
My advice is daily combing to check for ticks and rubbing a little organic lemon juice into the dog's coat. Slice up three lemons in a pint of water, simmer until pulpy (about 15 minutes), then mash (to get the lemon oil from the rind), filter and store in a cool place. Other essential oils, like neem, cedar and juniper, can also help repel these and other insects. For details, see my book Dog Body, Dog Mind (Lyon's Press, 2007).
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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I have heard the following helps: grapefruit oil extract as a topical, also a diluted amount of TKO Orange, a natural insecticide from oranges. (Put a couple drops of concentrated TKO in a spray bottle and fill the rest of the way with water)
Both of those have come recommended for ground/yard/home use as well.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Thanks Robin for that tip on TKO Orange! I went to their website & read what they had to say.
Very interesting!
-------------------- May we all find peace one day and may peace prevail on earth ~ Traveler Posts: 66 | From traveling the U.S. | Registered: Aug 2007
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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As a Vet Tech the best product for dogs is Advantix.
I really do not have experience with homemade treatments so I don't want to bash them, but I would not use them on my pets.
If you apply K9 Advantix you should do so every 3 weeks in heavy tick season.
For K9 Advantix, the tick does not have to feed in order to be killed. It simply has to come in contact with the fur.
The tick becomes paralyzed in seconds and falls off and dies.
This is just my opinion as a Vet tech for 10 years. I believe Veterinarians would concur, unless they get a deal on another product.
Do not use generic (like Hartz) proucts on your pets. Serious injury and even death could occur!
Just for the record, I have no financial interest in any of these products.
Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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