Homemade Tick Repellent for Dogs: Easy, Natural & UK-Friendly Recipes

Hi Folks🌱

If you’ve ever come back from a countryside wander only to spot a tick hitching a ride on your dog’s ear or crawling up it's tail? — I feel your pain. Ticks are part of UK summer life, but that doesn’t mean that can come along for the walk!

Shop-bought sprays can be full of harsh chemicals, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought, “There’s got to be a gentler way 🤔”

So here’s a simple, homemade tick repellent you can make with natural ingredients — easy to make, no nasty stuff, just soft, safe, dog-friendly protection.

Keeping your dog safe should feel as easy as a slow stroll on a breezy day.

🌿 Why Homemade Tick Repellent?

Ticks are on the rise in the UK 😬, especially in long grass, woods, and heathland. Unfortunately, no repellent can promise 100% protection, but natural sprays can make your dog a lot less appealing to these little hitchhikers.

Plus, homemade sprays:
✔️ Avoid harsh chemicals
✔️ Smell way nicer
✔️ Are super simple to make with things you probably already have!

🐾 Simple Homemade Tick Repellent for Dogs...

✨ Ingredients:

250ml cooled boiled water

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps to naturally repel ticks and fleas)

2-3 drops pure lavender essential oil (safe for most dogs and naturally deters ticks)

2-3 drops pure cedarwood essential oil (another gentle tick repellent)

🧺 Method:

1. Pour the cooled boiled water into a clean spray bottle.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and essential oils.
3. Shake well before each use.

🐾 How to Use:

Lightly mist your dog’s coat before walks, avoiding their face, eyes, and nose.

Spray on your dog’s collar, harness, and your own trouser legs for extra protection.

Reapply if your dog gets wet or after a couple of hours outside.

🌿 A Few Gentle Notes:

Always test a small patch first — every dog is different, and some can be sensitive to essential oils.

Check with your vet if your dog is pregnant, has skin conditions, or if you’re unsure about using essential oils.

This is a supportive step — not a guaranteed block against ticks. Always do a thorough tick check after walks.

🌱 Eco Tip:

Use a reusable glass spray bottle if you can, or repurpose a clean one you already have to keep your waste low.

🐾 Want More Tips?

If you’d like more natural eco tips for you and your dog, you’re always welcome to join my email list. It’s a cosy little corner where I share simple things like this (and sometimes, the first sniff of a new handmade piece).

👉 Simply pop your email in the form at the bottom of the page

Thanks for reading!

Christy