A dog in the wrong place at the wrong time can be bit by dozens or even hundreds of ticks. Deer ticks go through stages of life (larva, nymph and adult), and feed only once in each of these stages; a blood meal ends each stage.

Larval ticks dine on mice and other small rodents, but nymphs and adults are a threat to dogs. Because they're small and their bites don't itch, ticks are easily overlooked, especially adult deer ticks and the nymphs of any species. Ticks prefer warm, moist conditions, so double check under collars and around ears. If you aren't sure what a lump or bump is, inspect it with a magnifying glass. Warts, similar skin growths and nipples can feel like feeding ticks.

Be careful when removing a tick to grasp it with tweezers firmly at the head, as close to the dog's skin as possible, and slowly pull straight back. Never twist, press, burn or apply irritating substances like kerosene to an attached tick because doing so can cause the parasite to expel the contents of it's digestive tract, creating an unwanted hypodermic effect.

Three percent hydrogen peroxide, the common disenfectant, is recommended for tick bites because the oxygen it contains kills the Lyme disease bacteria. Hydrogen Peroxide can be liberally poured over bites on light-haired dogs (keep away from the eyes and apply directly to the skin) but because it's a bleach, this method is not recommended for black or dark-haired dogs. Using an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the bite helps prevent unwanted bleaching.

Aromatherapist K.L. Bell, whose Aromaleigh company specializes in products for dogs and cats, created a "tick tincture" contained the essential oils of thyme (chemotype thujanol), hyssop (chemotype decumbens) and lavender. While stuydying with Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt at the Pacific Institute of aromatherapy, Bell learned that these oils prevent Lymes disease when applied to tick bites, and she adapted the blend for canine use. "The thyme and hyssop should be the specified chemotypes," she explains, "because unlike other thyme and hyssop oils, they contain no neurotoxic ketones or burning phenols. As a result, one can take advantage of their powerful antibacterial and antiviral qualities with very little risk."

"I suggest that dog owners use this blend immediately after removing ticks," says Bell, "or upon finding a tick bite or other suspicious bite on a dog's body. It can be applied frequently for a day or two, then daily until the bite heals." Dog owners can use Aromaleigh's Canine Tick Tincture or blend their own by combining one tablespoon vegetable base oil (hazelnut, sweet almond, sunflower, jojoba, etc), six drops thyme (chemotype thujanol), six drops hyssop (chemotype decumbens) and six drops lavender or lavandin essential oil.