Animal Wellness Magazine Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs

Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme are on the rise. Find out how high-quality essential oils can help support your dog’s immunity, relieve pain, and protect his vital organs.​

Now that spring’s here, it’s time to think about protecting our dogs from the surge in ticks and the diseases they carry. Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs are gaining attention as a complementary approach to supporting canine health during tick season.

Tick-borne diseases are proliferating ​

Diseases carried by ticks are on the rise across the continent. They include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, and bartonella.

Perhaps the most familiar is Lyme disease. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is the primary cause. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). However, other tick species can also transmit disease.

The prevalence of Lyme disease varies by region. Certain areas have higher risks associated with specific tick species. Not all ticks carry the bacterium that causes Lyme and associated disease. However, cases are rising, especially in the eastern and north central sections of the US and southern Canada.

Symptoms of tick-borne infections in dogs​

Common symptoms in dogs can include lethargy, lack of appetite, depression, and lameness that shifts from one leg to another. In later stages, swollen joints, fever, chronic lameness, and overall body soreness can occur. Chronic kidney failure (Lyme nephritis), heart failure, severe osteoarthritis, and neurological disease may also arise.

Diagnosis can be tricky ​

A dilemma arises when an animal tests positive for Lyme, anaplasmosis, or ehrlichiosis yet has no visible symptoms. Controversy surrounds “positive” antibody tests — is it actually infection or simply exposure?

Many veterinarians tell their clients not to treat unless symptoms appear. However, once tick-borne organisms establish themselves in the body, they may have already damaged vital organs and joints.

Even more sophisticated testing, such as a C6 test, may be misleading. I have seen animals with a “normal” C6 test result exhibit significant symptoms, making treatment necessary.

How essential oils can help with tick-borne diseases ​

Essential oils may be very helpful in cases of Lyme or other tick disease in dogs. You can use them as an adjunct therapy alongside conventional treatment. You can also use them on their own, especially when the vet hasn’t prescribed antibiotics, but infection is suspected.

Essential oils can assist with pain relief. They also support the affected organs and body parts (kidneys, heart, brain, nerves, and joints).

You must dilute essential oils according to the dog’s size. The recommended minimum dilution ratio is 50%. Use a good-quality carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. For smaller dogs, dilute oils by 75% to 90%.

Apply the diluted oils topically over the middle of the dog’s back. You can also diffuse them for ten to 15 minutes, three times daily.

Here’s a look at the top essential oils that (in my opinion) can help dogs with tick-borne diseases.

Pain relief​

1. Wintergreen
2. Copaiba
3. Clove
4. Peppermint
5. Helichrysum

Nervous system support​

1. Helichrysum — tends to act as a local anesthetic
2. Rosemary — very good as an anti-inflammatory agent
3. Copaiba — another highly anti-inflammatory oil
4. Frankincense — boswellic acid acts to inhibit inflammation
5. Lavender — calming, relaxing to the nervous tissues

Kidney support​

Kidney support is especially important in dogs. A condition called Lyme nephritis can destroy the kidneys. Essential oils for the kidneys may include:

1. Juniper — acts to remove excess water and is anti-inflammatory
2. Lemon — cleanses the organs
3. Niaouli — reduces inflammation
4. Ginger — antioxidant
5. Helichrysum — cleansing
6. Black pepper

Heart health and protection​

1. Cypress — enhances circulation in all vessels
2. Marjoram
3. Rose
4. Ylang ylang
5. Roman chamomile
6. Orange

Immune system support ​

Assisting the immune system is a priority in treating Lyme and other tick diseases. Many essential oils have the ability to enhance immunity, including:

1. Clove
2. Myrrh
3. Frankincense
4. Melissa
5. Manuka
6. Nutmeg
7. Eucalyptus
8. Citronella

In summary, increasing tick numbers means more tick-borne diseases in our dogs and ourselves. High-quality essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs are a wonderful addition to a treatment plan alongside conventional medicine. You can use them long-term with no side effects when used with discretion and at the proper dilution.

Essential oils that repel ticks​

Numerous essential oils help deter ticks. This is the most important consideration in preventing illness. Many chemically manufactured flea/tick preventatives contain toxic ingredients, and some products only work if a tick actually bites the dog. Essential oils with good bug repellency include:

1. Peppermint
2. Lemongrass
3. Spearmint
4. Eucalyptus
5. Citronella
6. Geranium
7. Palo Santo

Use only the highest quality essential oils, under the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced veterinarian.

Essential oils can assist with pain relief and support the affected organs.

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