Home Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks in Dogs

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks in Dogs

Constant scratching, loss of weight, anemia or strange behavior in dogs could indicate that it has a problem with ticks and fleas. A common problem experienced by dog owners, ticks can attach themselves to any part of the dog’s body and suck its blood to feed themselves. These ticks are usually active during the warm season, i.e., spring to autumn. Although there are many lotions and creams available, the use of natural remedies for fleas and ticks helps eliminate the parasites effectively without any harmful side-effects.

1. Aromatherapy oils
Natural oils such as lemon, lavender, and basil are highly effective and act as a natural repellent for parasites. One should combine one drop each of any three oils with pure almond oil. Dip a cloth in the mixture and apply this natural remedy to offer relief from fleas and ticks.

2. Apple cider vinegar
Another one of the many natural remedies for fleas and ticks, apple cider vinegar helps in removing the parasites latching onto the dog. One must never use apple cider vinegar directly on the dog and should mix it with water in equal proportion.

3. Neem oil
With anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, neem oil is a good choice of the many natural remedies for fleas and ticks available. Neem oil can be applied directly on the dog’s skin, especially at the affected area.

4. Citrus
Lemon, orange, grapefruit make great natural remedies for fleas and ticks due to their strong citrus fragrance. Orange or lemon peels can be boiled in water. After cooling, it can be applied to the dog’s skin. It also works as a natural disinfectant and prevents the dog from getting affected by ticks in the future.

5. Combs and tweezers
A comb is the best instrument for dealing with fleas and ticks. Combing everyday especially after a walk helps in removing ticks and fleas easily. Combing especially after applying natural oils works wonders. Stubborn fleas and ticks can be removed with the help of tweezers. One should dispose of the ticks after removing so that they do not return and trouble the dog.

6. Vegetable oil
Commonly available in every household, vegetable oil is a great natural remedy for fleas and ticks because of the Sulphur compound present in it. Mix two teaspoons of vegetable oil with dishwashing liquid and apply it on the pet. This should be applied at least once a week for effective results. One should be careful while applying the solution and avoid the eyes and mouth as it might cause irritation.

7. Cloves
Cloves have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in killing ticks. One can apply or spray clove oil on the dog’s skin.

8. Eucalyptus oil
Spraying eucalyptus oil mixed with water over the infected area is one of the natural remedies for fleas and ticks. Regular spraying of the oil helps in killing the tics and keeping them at bay.