Helpful Hiking Tools: Tick Spray
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One of the biggest dangers to hikers and dogs alike is one of the smallest creatures you can encounter: a tick. Ticks latch onto skin and can pass on all sorts of scary-sounding diseases without alerting the host of their presence. Although it can take several hours of the tick staying latched onto the skin to transmit a disease, the safest measure is also a preventative one: keeping them off you entirely!
Unfortunately, our dogs don’t know the dangers of ticks like we do, so their risk can be even higher. They wouldn’t be alarmed if they see a tick in the wild, a dog’s fur can cover up ticks, and dogs are generally unable to communicate if they’re feeling sick. Not only that, unless you have an incredibly fashionable pup their limbs aren’t covered by pants and long socks. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to ensure hikes are just as safe for them as they are for us.
The solution: Tick Spray
A simple concoction of tick spray and water is affordable, easily portable, simple to apply to your dog, and effective in keeping the creepy-crawlies off! Though most tick sprays are meant for bedding, combining some of the solution with water makes it safe to spray onto your dog (in appropriate quantities). In a watered-down form the smell and chemical makeup is tolerable for the noses and skin of our canine companions.
Applying to your dog:
Have the tick spray ready to go. We recommend a ratio of 2 parts solution to 1 part water to properly reduce the smell and chemical-ness of the spray, but still effective in deterring ticks. Pour the solution into the size spray bottle of your choice and fetch the pup!
Get your dog in a position to spray them easily. This can mean positioning them between your legs while standing, holding them, or just standing next to them!
Spray each limb, their belly, and chest a couple times each. Number of sprays depends on their size - your cousin’s Bernese Mountain Dog is going to need a couple more sprays per limb than your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Be careful to avoid spraying the eyes, ears, and mouth. If the spray enters any of these areas, seek medical attention immediately.
And they’re ready to go! A specific brand of tick spray isn’t necessary, as long as the solution is water-soluble (which most are). To make sure that the tick spray you’re using can be mixed with water, we compiled a list of some good options below. These were chosen for their price, pet-friendliness, and water solubility.
Tick Spray Recommendations
Don’t let the thought of ticks hold you back from exploring the wilderness with your pup! Remember that this tool, though extremely helpful for fast prevention, is just one way to handle wilderness safety. For our deep dive into tick season, tick removal, and other preventative measures, check out our blog: Tick Season: What it is, How to Prepare.
Enjoy the peace of knowing your dog is well cared for and the beauty of your hike!