tics!

[Mac]

Hi All, does anyone know the point of tics? More importantly, does anyone know a good (natural if possible) way of stopping dogs getting them? We have used collars in the past, but the boys still get quite a few. We take them out with a tic hook (best invention ever!), but I wondered if anyone knew of a way of stopping them getting them in the first place?

[TEB]

I always thought ticks were caught by going through long grasses or fields where sheep had been/are so I dont think there is much chance of prevention

[SlugLobber]

Lavender is supposed to be a good flea and tick repellent. There is a recipe somewhere for the solution, which is brushed onto the coat. It involves oil, that's all I remember! Frontline is supposed to deal with them, I think? Certainly my cat never gets them and we back onto a field frequented by deer.

[Incy]

frontline is supposed to deter them. As are a number of other contact flea treatments. The stuff the vet gave us for the kittens says it does.

[Two_Sheds]

I guess you just have to avoid the woods and areas of long grass where the ticks are

[Mac]

Thanks for the advice, I'll look up the lavender one as have got some big bushes in the garden (don't think the boys will be too impressed smelling like that, but hey ho....). Unfortunately our garden is the start of the woods behind the house, so can't really avoid them

[SarzWix]

I've just done the dog and cats with Frontline drops, easiest thing ever - just part the coat above the shoulder blades and drip the stuff on. Got to keep them dry (no swimmining in the beck for the dog) for 48 hours, then go on as normal. I'd have a right job finding any ticks on the dog before they became a problem (German Shepherd with a thick 2 layered coat!) so this is the best option for me.

[NOG]

I agree with the shee part....you tend to get more where there are sheep.