Are woodticks out yet this year? Also would like to know people's opinion and advice on different preventatives for dogs? First year with our dog, and we take him out for walks in the bush quite a bit and will be taking him to the lake this year. He is basically an indoor dog though, so don't want ticks everywhere. Eeek Thanks !

Some good info here.  
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/blacklegged-ticks-manitoba-1.4054020

I used to live in the country and the best thing I found to use for my pets (and myself and child) was rose geranium essential oil. Works amazing, and you don't need much of it.

Thanks that's actually just what my cousin told me as well... put a drop on base of tale and in between shoulder blades daily. And it's natural! I think I'll look for some today.

They have been out for about a week already.

Where do you buy that rose oil? And would you apply it every day?

Bravecto for sure. Ask your vet about it.

Yes those little critters are out and they freak me out seriously lol!!!!!!!! For our dog we went to Pet Warehouse and picked up some stuff!

Lots of wood ticks out already. I've found over a dozen on us and the dog so far. We gave the dog Bravecto pill (chew) as well and it's working very well, any that I'm pulling off of him are already dead. I only wish they had it for cats and humans!  
I've done a lot of research into the rose geranium oil as well and I'm going to give it a try since, from what I've read, it is safe for cats as well.

any wood ticks in brandon hills seem yet??  
 
Edited by plus zero, 2017-04-18 10:29:32

Picked 6 off of our dog today. Best we can figure is likely Discovery Centre

Using essential oils on the skin can cause 2nd degree burns if your pet is in the direct sunlight!!

Genevieve said "Using essential oils on the skin can cause 2nd degree burns if your pet is in the direct sunlight!! "

You have to be careful about sunlight/ uv rays when using photosensitive essential oils. If they are properly used they won't cause burns of that kind.  
 
Some examples of photosensitive oils are: Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, Tangerine  
 
 
http://www.usingeossafely.com/phototoxic-essential-oils-which-ones-to-avoid-when-out-in-the-sun/

With Lyme tick disease showing up in the southwest, and southern part of the province, it is advisable to save any ticks that you have to remove from your self if the become embedded. You can save them for a few days in a pill bottle just in case you develope any of the symptoms related to this disease. The bullseye rash is one of the symptoms, but there can be some less obvious symptoms that could pose a need for concern.  
One of the first questions that doctors seem to ask if you do have a reaction to a wood tic bite is "did you keep the tic".

Adam said "Picked 6 off of our dog today. Best we can figure is likely Discovery Centre "

Generally only oils derived from pressing the rind to extract the oils are photosensitive like lemon and orange. Geranium is steam distilled from leaves.  
But always good to be cautious! Citais oils are also extremely toxic to cats

I agree with bravecto used it last year good for 3 months never had a problem all season but it's only by pres:cription so if ur dogs have not seen the vet in the last year it's gonna cost u double depends on the dogs size it will be over $50 for the bravecto and over $50 for the visit

Just a few words of caution/warning.  
 
I pulled a deer tick (the ones that CAN carry Lyme Disease) off the dog last week, and one off of myself earlier this week. First time I've seen them in person. From the pictures I'd seen I knew they were smaller, just didn't realize they were than much smaller than a wood tick.

We live in the country and have never used a commercial tick repellant on our dogs. We use a home made solution of vinegar and water - 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water. simply spray the solution on dogs coat (do not soak the dogs coat only moisten) the solution is good for 8-10 hours, The solution is also a good mosquito repellant. Dogs are checked every evening and have never found a tick yet.

Lol here is a wee 'did you know' from your friendly vet tech. Deer ticks (the ones that transmit Lyme disease) are actually active ANYTIME throughout the year, if temperatures reach 4 degrees centigrade or warmer!! This means that majority of local veterinarians are recommending 6 month tick prevention. As well, the nymph stage transmits disease and is only the size of a pencil tip! Takes approx 40 hours to transmit Lyme disease and the only way to ensure transmission does not occur is to use products that are guaranteed and have the science to back it! Do not waste your hard earned money on collars, that's for sure. The only thing they can guarantee is a nice case of dermatitis!

Bravecto... for sure Worth the $.