Arithme-tics

It’s tick season for us fur-critters. What should you do about ’em? Well, we certainly shouldn’t eat the remedy. Sam here. With the weather definitely warming up and summer in full swing (cheer up sports fans…there’s only 73 more days to autumn, but whose counting?), many fur-pawrents wonder how to handle the annual tick season.

We know ticks carry Lyme Disease but did you know their range has expanded over the years. Tick have established a widening of their bunker in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Kentucky though their traditional New England hangout is forecast to be below normal. Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri can expect higher than normal ehrlichiosis activity. Southern California and the southeast part of the country can expect an increased risk to this tick borne bacterial infection. Anaplasmosis transmissions, typically found in the south and west, are expected to be especially problematic. You may recall back in 2009, David Letterman was treated for anaplasmosis which he thought had been transmitted when he camped with his 5-year son in their tree house.

Mom is big on non-chemical treatments as much as possible especially since administering stronger toxic pesticides monthly is no guarantee against tick-borne illnesses. Some pets can still acquire tick-borne infections even if they’re on monthly preventives.

So why are tick-borne diseases so prevalent these days? Well ticks are devilish little buggers and like buggers everywhere, they have expanded their turf. No states are immune from them despite progressively more toxic options being used. Pets are as likely to suffer resistance to treatments just like their upright counterparts are when treated with chemical compounds. Also, tick-borne disease infections are on the rise because some may be transmitted by another evil pest, the mosquito.

So what kind of non-chemical options are out there? Well, glad you asked! As you may know, mom is big on the whole homeopathic thing. I can barely bark that word out but know that homeopathy can offer effective solutions for both the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease.  A 1M dose of Ledum can be effective if used right after removal. It should be followed up with a daily dose of the Lyme disease nosode (Borrelia burgdorferi).

Supplemental herbs like Grape-seed extract or White Willow Bank can ease any inflammation if you find that ticks have attached themselves to your fur.

If ticks live in your home area, beneficial nematodes may also be used to kill ticks and other garden pests such as grubs. Com­mercially available microscopic S. Feltiae will feed on ticks in your yard.  You can also plant Beauty Berry Bush to repel ticks.

Sure, the best way to avoid getting ticks is to limit your exposure.  Avoiding grassy areas that border wooded areas (a tick’s favorite home base). Immediately following your return from a walk, use a wide toothed flea comb over the dog since ticks don’t attached immediately and are looking for the pawfect, fancy-schmancy all-you-can-eat noshery like a leg or belly in which to burrow. Combing is easier than trying to pull those evil things out and while I’m definitely not a big proponent of the procedure, I’ve heard that frequent baths can help impede ticks.

Natural topical applications that will deter ticks include essential oil like Rose Geranium which are easily sourced and provide good results.  To make your own tick repellent, combine about 20 drops with two tablespoons almond oil (which contains sul­phur, another tick repellent).  Mix  together and place a few drops on your dog or on his collar (do not use on cats or pregnant animals).

Finally, there are also electromagnetic products that look promising. The Anibio Tic-Clip uses an electromag­netic barrier which may work for up to a couple-of-years without the need for frequent topical reapplications.

We know some peeps use traditional tick prod­ucts and that’s ok too, but wanted to provide some info about effective alternatives you can use to protect your fur-kid. It’s possible to keep fur-kids safe by avoiding those areas where ticks are commonly found and by the effective use of natural repellents and treatments. Stay safe whichever game plan you chose❣️

Live, love, bark! <3