🐾 Homemade Tick Spray for Dogs (That’s Safe Around Kids)

If you’re like me, you want to keep your dogs protected from ticks without exposing your family, especially little ones to harsh chemicals. After lots of trial and error, I found a natural solution that really works for our Australian Shepherds, and I’m sharing it here so you can make it too!

Why Go Natural?

Many commercial tick sprays are packed with ingredients that are toxic to pets and questionable for use around children or sensitive individuals. That’s why I started looking into simple, homemade alternatives that use herbs and essential oils dogs can tolerate, like cedarwood and rosemary.

This spray is:

• Gentle enough for daily use

• Effective at repelling ticks naturally

• Made with just a few pantry ingredients

• Safe to use around pregnant women and children

  
  

🌿 DIY Herbal Tick Spray for Dogs

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary

• 2 dried bay leaves

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar

• 2–3 drops cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus atlantica or virginiana)

• Optional: 1 tsp witch hazel or vodka (to help preserve it)

• 16 oz spray bottle (glass preferred)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Make the Herbal Infusion:Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add rosemary and bay leaves, cover, and let steep for 30–60 minutes. Strain and let cool.

2. Mix Your Spray:Combine 1 cup of your herbal infusion with 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Add 2–3 drops cedarwood essential oil and the optional preservative. Shake well and pour into your spray bottle.

3. How to Use It:Shake before each use. Lightly mist your dog’s coat before walks, focusing on their neck, chest, legs, and under the tail. Avoid spraying the face and genitals.

4. Storage Tips:Keep it in the fridge and use within 1–2 weeks. If you add witch hazel or vodka, it’ll last a little longer.

   
   

💡 Tips and Notes:

• Wondercide is a great store-bought alternative I also use for backup on heavy tick days or longer hikes.

• For extra peace of mind, do a quick tick check after outdoor time, especially in spring and summer.

  
  

Have you tried a natural tick spray before?

Drop your favorite combos in the comments or tag me on Instagram if you make this recipe! I’d love to see how it works for your pups!