Question:

For some reason our two labs have suddenly been plagued by ticks. We never had them in our yard before, maybe the drought here in Texas made them worse? We have treated the yard with nematodes and the trees and wood on the house with a commercial pesticide (a last resort), and are using Frontline (luckily we have had no skin reaction), although it seems to work barely three weeks. So a couple questions– We used nematodes on the yard for fleas, are these effective on tick larvae as well? Are there any other shampoos or skin treatments that will repel ticks? Is there a vitamin or herb or something else we can give the dogs to repel the fleas "from the inside" ? Thanks so much, Stacy (and Hershey and Jewel) in Texas

Response:

>For some reason our two labs have suddenly been plagued by ticks. We never >had them in our yard before, maybe the drought here in Texas made them worse? >We have treated the yard with nematodes and the trees and wood on the house >with a commercial pesticide (a last resort), and are using Frontline (luckily >we have had no skin reaction), although it seems to work barely three weeks. >So a couple questions– >We used nematodes on the yard for fleas, are these effective on tick larvae as >well? >Are there any other shampoos or skin treatments that will repel ticks? >Is there a vitamin or herb or something else we can give the dogs to repel the >fleas "from the inside" ? >Thanks so much, >Stacy (and Hershey and Jewel) in Texas

Dear Stacy and pals, You might try the "Preventic" collars — these have been very effective for friends who also do search and rescue work with my wife and me, and were recommended by my vet if we did NOT use the Frontline TopSpot (which we do, successfully).  Good luck — I have friends in Texas, and it has been one hell of a summer down there! Jim Hill Columbus, Ohio

Response:

I second the motion for the Preventic collars as I have used them with great success over the last 3 years Nancy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->For some reason our two labs have suddenly been plagued by ticks. We never >had them in our yard before, maybe the drought here in Texas made them worse? >We have treated the yard with nematodes and the trees and wood on the house >with a commercial pesticide (a last resort), and are using Frontline (luckily >we have had no skin reaction), although it seems to work barely three weeks. >So a couple questions– >We used nematodes on the yard for fleas, are these effective on tick larvae as >well? >Are there any other shampoos or skin treatments that will repel ticks? >Is there a vitamin or herb or something else we can give the dogs to repel the >fleas "from the inside" ? >Thanks so much, >Stacy (and Hershey and Jewel) in Texas > Dear Stacy and pals, > You might try the "Preventic" collars — these have been very effective for > friends who also do search and rescue work with my wife and me, and were > recommended by my vet if we did NOT use the Frontline TopSpot (which we do, > successfully).  Good luck — I have friends in Texas, and it has been one > hell of a summer down there! > Jim Hill > Columbus, Ohio

Response:

You should treat 3 weeks apart until no more ticks the tick eggs take about that long to hatch. Steve

Response:

Stacy, If you want to use something natural to repel ticks, there are herbal collars out there. I know they repel fleas, but am not sure if they do ticks too. Natural Animal makes one. I use a blend of Geranium, Myrhh, Opoponax, Bay Laurel and Lavender essential oils to keep ticks away. I dilute it in a vegetable oil base and add a few drops to the collar, feet, base of tail and neck before they go outside. No tick problems here. Kristen Bell-Sprouse, PIA-Certified Aromatherapist Featuring "Aromadog" natural products & remedies for canine ailments based on essential oils and Aromatherapy: http://www.divinedog.com My Goldens: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/9713/

Response: