The Importance of Natural Tick Prevention for Dogs
As the weather warms and the outdoor adventures commence, dog owners on Long Island look to their dog’s tick prevention. It’s no secret that the ticks have become more prominent in our spaces, and that we need to make sure we keep our dogs safe from tick-borne illnesses.
With information surfacing about the potential risks of flea & tick medications, many pet parents are searching for more natural tick prevention for dogs.
There have been numerous warnings issued against the class of medications isoxazolines – which includes Bravecto, Simparica, & Nexguard. These formulas have been associated with neurological damage in dogs, especially those with a history of seizures.
If you give your dog one of these medications, be sure to monitor for symptoms even if they have been on it for years. Common adverse reactions include tremors, ataxia, and seizures, even in dogs with no history of such.
Other brands of flea & tick prevention outside the isoxazoline category also use active ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or toxicity when given improperly.
While it’s crucial to protect your dog from ticks, finding natural tick prevention for dogs is the key. Keeping ticks off your dog while you enjoy the outdoors, without harming their body, is the goal of natural remedies.
Tick Risk on Long Island
Long Island has always been a hot spot for ticks and with rising temperatures, they are only getting worse. Tick bites can cause more than just an irritating wound; they can transmit tick-borne diseases that have long-term symptoms.
Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis are the most common diseases spread by ticks to dogs on Long Island. All 3 of these illnesses can be prevented by using a natural tick prevention for dogs.
Deer ticks attached to a host for over 36 hours can transmit Lyme that will begin showing its symptoms in 2-5 months. Signs include fever, lameness, limping, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and lethargy.
Several ticks can carry Canine Ehrlichiosis, including the Brown Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Black-Legged Tick. Symptoms begin quickly, 1-3 weeks after a bite, and can result in fever, appetite loss, and low blood platelets. When caught early, dogs recover fully, however chronic cases can be harder to treat.
Anaplasmosis is carried by Black-Legged Ticks and results in symptoms similar to Lyme. It is often paired with low blood platelets, leading to bleeding disorders.
Natural Tick Prevention for Dogs: Wondercide
Wondercide was founded by a woman who, like all of us, loved her dog the most. When her pup Luna got ill from common flea & tick medications, she knew there needed to be a holistic option that worked.
Plant-based, USA-made & sourced, and cruelty-free, all Wondercide products can be used with confidence. They use natural oils that work and products that can be used on your dog, your home, and you!
Sprays
Their sprays offer full protection – repels, kills, and prevents – against fleas, ticks, & mosquitoes. Their main active ingredient is the purest, highest quality cedar oil. Cedar oil is proven to be a natural deterrent as it contains natural chemicals toxic to ticks.
Collars
Made for dogs and cats over 4 months old, these are a convenient way to protect your pet. Wondercide’s collars are a natural tick prevention for dogs that lasts up to 4 months. These products use steam-distilled cedar & peppermint oil, which are diluted for safe but effective use.
Spot-Ons
These spot-on treatments are applied down your dog’s spine to repel pests for up to a month. Wondercide offers sizes for cats as well as small, medium, and large dogs. They also are safe & effective for pets over 4 months old.
Keep Your Dog Safe!
There’s no need to stop your outdoor adventures when the weather warms. And now with rising temperatures, most ticks aren’t killed off during winter. This means year-long protection is more important than ever!
Wondercide provides peace of mind in all areas of natural tick prevention for dogs. You can be sure you are giving your dog the safest form of repellant that is proven to work!
Of course, nothing is perfect – not even the pharmaceuticals – so it is important to tick check your dog daily. We suggest using a tick comb, or your fingers, to find any ticks that may be crawling or latched. If they have attached themselves, be sure to remove the full tick, including the head.
Wondercide sprays can also be used on your home fabrics, car, & clothing to prevent ticks from following your dog indoors!
All Wondercide products mentioned above are available all summer long at Barkfield Road. We also offer special orders for their Yard & Garden spray. This effective product can be hooked up to your hose to repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes in your backyard.
