It is usual for pet parents to panic when they spot ticks or fleas in their furry friends. Many opt for chemical treatments since they believe they are the most effective in quickly getting rid of ticks and fleas. Meanwhile, many others fear a chemical reaction and look for safer and milder options. However, certain natural remedies can eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs. Check out a few options below.

Lemon bath
A lemon bath is a relatively simple way of removing fleas from your dog’s coat. While using concentrated lemon can irritate the skin, you can add 2-3 cups of water and mix it with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a few drops of dog shampoo to this lemon solution and lather the dog until you cover its whole body. Then, after a couple of minutes, gently wash it off with lukewarm water and pat him dry to get rid of the fleas.

Apple cider vinegar spray
An apple cider vinegar spray can create an optimum Ph value for your dog and create an environment where fleas can’t sustain themselves. Take 5 cups of apple cider vinegar, dilute it with 5 cups water, and add a dash of sea salt. Mix the solution, pour it into a spray bottle, and apply it on your dog’s coat from arm’s length. Work the spray into the coat using your hands and wait for 20 minutes. Then use a flea comb to brush the fleas out. You can repeat this thrice a week until the fleas are gone.

Applying neem oil
Neem is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. You can take a few drops of neem oil, rub them on your palms, and gently apply them on your dog’s coat where the ticks are present. If your dog has sensitive skin, mix the neem oil with almond oil and dab it on the affected area. You can even take neem leaves and boil them in water, and once the water cools down, you can bathe your dog with it. Afterward, dry its fur with a clean and fluffy towel.

Mint spray
Mint not only smells refreshing but is also a tick repellent and can get rid of them after some time. To make an infused spray out of mint, squeeze two lemons and mix the juice with 10-12 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in lukewarm water. Take 12-15 mint leaves and soak them thoroughly in the mixture, allowing them to stay for an entire night. Then you can strain the mixture, fill in a spray bottle, and spray it on your dog’s coat. You can continue to do this for a month to eliminate existing ticks and prevent new ones from settling.

Crushed bay leaves
Bay leaves commonly used in the culinary space for added flavor can help rid ticks and fleas. You can crush the bay leaves or ground them into a fine form and rub them directly on your dog’s fur twice or thrice a week. It is a strong repellant and can keep them away. In addition, you can place crushed leaves in the corner of your dog’s bedding or feeding area and other nooks and corners of the house.

Rosemary dip
Rosemary is a natural flea-repellant; therefore, one can mix it with water, making for an ideal wash for their furry friend. Here, two cups of fresh rosemary leaves can be added to two pints of water, and allow the solution to boil for 30 minutes. Once done, let the mixture cool and filter out the leaves. The cool water can now be used for bathing dogs, and if in excess, it can be stored away for future use.

Use of diatomaceous earth
Apart from rubbing or spraying natural agents on your dog’s fur, you can take them out in the sun or use diatomaceous earth to eliminate fleas. Keeping your yard flea free allows your dogs to go out and play without catching fleas. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the yard. It is food graded and is a secure and natural product made from fossilized remains of small organisms. So, the silica in this product can absorb insects with exoskeletons like fleas and dry them out.

Usually, by following home remedies like the ones mentioned above, it is possible to keep fleas and ticks at a distance. However, if you notice your furry friend scratching excessively or spot hair loss or reddish skin on their body, it will be best to get them checked by a veterinarian for timely treatment. These signs can indicate an underlying health condition or infection.