DIY Tick Repellent Spray: Keep Your Pup Safe and Tick-Free Naturally
Ticks. The word alone is enough to make any dog parent shudder. These creepy crawlies aren’t just gross—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
Good news? You can make a natural, effective tick repellent at home using simple ingredients. It’s safe, affordable, and smells great to humans (but not to ticks).
Ready to create your DIY tick-fighting weapon? Let’s go!
Note: If your dog has allergies, sensitive skin, or any existing skin conditions, consult your veterinarian before trying any new recipes.
Why This Recipe Works

This DIY tick spray uses essential oils and natural ingredients that ticks absolutely despise. Eucalyptus and rose geranium oils are the stars of the show, thanks to their strong, natural repellent properties. Meanwhile, witch hazel helps the mixture stick to your dog’s coat for long-lasting protection.
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- Safe and non-toxic for your pup.
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
- Free from harsh chemicals and artificial additives.
DIY Tick Repellent Spray Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops rose geranium essential oil
- A clean spray bottle
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients. Pour the distilled water and witch hazel into your spray bottle.
- Add the essential oils. Drop in the eucalyptus and rose geranium oils.
- Shake well. Secure the spray nozzle and shake the bottle thoroughly to mix everything.
How to Use Your DIY Tick Repellent Spray

Step-by-Step Application:
- Check your dog’s coat. Before applying the spray, brush your dog’s fur and check for any ticks that may already be present.
- Spray lightly. Hold the bottle about 6–8 inches away from your dog and lightly spritz their coat. Focus on areas where ticks love to hide, like:
- Around the ears
- Under the collar
- Between the toes
- Near the tail
- Massage it in. Use your hands to gently rub the spray into your dog’s fur for even coverage.
- Reapply as needed. Apply before outdoor activities or once daily in tick-heavy environments.
Safety Tips for Using Tick Repellent Spray
While this spray is natural and dog-safe, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid the face. Never spray near your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to a patch of fur and wait 24 hours to ensure your dog doesn’t have an allergic reaction.
- Consult your vet. If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, check with your vet before using essential oils.
Here’s also a great video that you should watch:
Bonus Tick Prevention Tips
While this DIY tick spray is a fantastic tool, combining it with good tick prevention habits ensures your dog stays protected. Here’s how to create a tick-free environment for your pup:
- Regular Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat brushed and clean. Long-haired breeds are especially prone to ticks, so regular grooming helps you spot and remove them early.
- Daily Tick Checks: After walks, hikes, or time spent in grassy or wooded areas, inspect your dog thoroughly. Focus on common hiding spots like behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and around the tail.
- Yard Maintenance: Ticks thrive in tall grass, leaf piles, and wooded areas. Mow your lawn regularly, trim overgrown bushes, and remove yard debris to reduce tick habitats.
- Create a Tick Barrier: If your yard borders a wooded area, consider creating a buffer zone with wood chips or gravel. Ticks dislike crossing these materials, so it acts as a natural barrier.
- Wash Bedding and Toys: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water to eliminate any ticks that may have hitched a ride indoors.
- Consider Natural Landscaping: Plant tick-repellent plants like lavender, mint, or rosemary around your yard. Not only do these plants deter ticks, but they also make your yard smell amazing.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: During peak tick season (spring and summer), limit your dog’s time in tick-prone areas like dense woods or tall grass.

FAQs About Tick Prevention and DIY Spray
1. Is this spray safe for puppies?
Yes, but use with caution. For puppies under six months old, dilute the essential oils further or consult your vet before use.
2. Can I use this spray on cats?
No. Cats are highly sensitive to essential oils, especially eucalyptus, and it can be toxic to them. This spray is for dogs only.
3. How often should I apply the spray?
Apply it once daily in tick-prone areas or before outdoor activities. If your dog gets wet (from rain or swimming), reapply after drying them off.
4. What if my dog has sensitive skin?
Do a patch test first by applying a small amount to one area of their coat. Wait 24 hours to ensure there’s no reaction. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
5. Does this spray kill ticks or just repel them?
This spray is designed to repel ticks, not kill them. For existing tick infestations, manually remove ticks with tweezers and consult your vet for further treatment.
6. Can I use different essential oils?
Stick to dog-safe oils like rose geranium, eucalyptus, or cedarwood. Avoid toxic oils like tea tree, citrus, or peppermint. Always research the safety of any oil before use.
7. How do I store the spray?
Keep the spray in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or pantry. Essential oils can degrade when exposed to sunlight, so avoid storing the spray in clear bottles left out in the open.

Final Thoughts
Ticks are persistent, but with this natural repellent, you can stay ahead of them. No harsh chemicals, no scary side effects—just a simple, effective way to protect your pup. Plus, the eucalyptus and rose geranium combo smells fantastic (to you, at least).
So grab your ingredients, mix up a batch, and enjoy worry-free outdoor adventures with your dog! 🐕✨

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉