Follow this step-by-step checklist to detect, repel, and manage ticks using holistic and conventional strategies recommended by a veterinarian.
Based on: Ticks Are Getting Worse: How to Protect Your Dog This Year by Veterinary Secrets
Did you know that in some parts of New England, more than 10% of dogs tested positive for Lyme disease in a single year — and that was back in 2022? Tick populations have been skyrocketing ever since, spreading into regions where they were never a problem before. If your dog spends any time outdoors, this is not a risk you can afford to ignore.
Here is the part that catches most dog owners off guard: ticks can survive up to seven years without a blood meal, and they hide under leaf cover and snow during winter, which means there is no real off-season anymore. You cannot rely on cold weather to protect your dog. And the diseases these ticks carry — Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rocky Mountain spotted fever — can cause lifelong complications if left untreated. You may not even notice a tick attached to your dog until it is too late.
Imagine knowing exactly what to do every single week to keep your dog protected. Imagine having a yard barrier that deters ticks without harsh chemicals, a safe homemade spray you can make in minutes, and a simple daily routine that catches problems before they become serious. That is exactly what this checklist gives you.
Dr. Andrew Jones from the Veterinary Secrets channel has spent years helping pet owners combine the best of conventional veterinary medicine with practical, affordable natural alternatives. In this checklist, you get every actionable step from his in-depth tick protection video distilled into a clear, printable format — from the exact screening tests to ask your vet about, to the four essential oils with the strongest research backing, to the precise garlic dosage that is safe and effective for your dog. Dr. Jones even shares the full recipe for a homemade flea and tick spray you can make at home today using witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, neem oil, and lemongrass oil.
This checklist covers annual vet screening, daily tick checks, yard deterrence using garlic-based sprays, diatomaceous earth application, essential oil collar selection, DIY spray preparation, and safe garlic supplementation — all organized in a logical sequence so you always know what to do next.
Print it out, stick it on your fridge, and start protecting your dog today. Every step is specific, sourced directly from Dr. Jones's expert guidance, and ready to put into action right now.
Every checklist item comes with actionable notes to guide you — things like "Don't forget to do this before you start," "Avoid this common mistake," or "Set a reminder for 30 days out." Nothing vague, just clear next steps.
+ 15 more action items inside...
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