6 Natural Tick-Removing and Flea-Hating Remedies For Dogs

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas

Parasites, without a shadow of a doubt, harm living things. They get food from their hosts, causing potential damage if left unattended.

Almost every living creature unconsciously houses at least one parasite. For dogs, these parasites are ticks and fleas.

These multi-legged creeps lurk deep into the dog’s fur, sucking blood. Furthermore, dogs cannot fight them alone since they don’t even know ticks and fleas mooch off them.

Also, dogs differ from humans physiologically, so some man-made remedies may harm them. Listed below are some natural remedies to help eliminate ticks and fleas off your pooch.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This multi-beneficial item gives great taste to salads and gives off an odor that disgusts ticks and fleas. These parasites find acetic acid, the primary content of apple cider vinegar, disgusting.

It then prevents ticks and fleas from coming onto your dog for a while.

However, the process of using apple cider vinegar should be done with caution, as some dog breeds are sensitive to it. Diluting the vinegar in water, ideally in a 1:1 ratio, is recommended. Apply this by spraying the solution to the dog’s fur.
 

 

Essential Oils

The use of various essential oils in therapy incites relaxation and calmness in people. Primarily because of the aroma, essential oils often find itself as an additive to various products worldwide. However, it sparks irritation and disgust to ticks and fleas.

As mentioned, ticks and fleas react differently to the aroma of essential oils. The reason behind it is still unknown, but various studies prove that these critters don’t like it.

This makes essential oils a good natural ingredient to repel these parasites from dogs. Simply dilute a few drops of essential oil in distilled or purified water, then spray onto the dog’s fur.

Take note that dogs find some essential oils toxic. Using peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, neem tree, or lavender oils will do the trick.

Don’t attempt to use other essential oils other than the ones aforementioned. It’s also best to do additional research on what other essential oils can be used on dogs.

Essential oil solutions are actually behind some scented dog collars. These also prove effective in repelling these parasitic critters. Simply soak the collar in the solution and let it dry before putting it on the dog. 

Lemon Spray

Like the apple cider vinegar, using lemon extract can repel ticks and fleas from dogs. These parasites also find citric acid as disgusting. Whenever they catch a scent of it, they tend to stay away and find other hosts.

By merely boiling 8-10 lemons, cut in half, water for 10 minutes will extract its citric acid content. Letting it cool overnight, removing the lemon remnants, and putting in a spray bottle brings the lemon spray.

This then can be sprayed onto the dog’s fur or coating. For better results, spraying the dog’s surroundings is also recommended.
 

 

Herbs

Ticks and fleas, similar to that of dogs, possess a very sensitive sense of smell. And just like any other creature, they react differently if they catch a scent of something dreadful. They find herbs’ scent disgusting for unknown reasons, which makes it a good natural tick and flea repellent.

Indeed these plants give a scent pleasing to humans but not to ticks and fleas. Some herbs like mint, rosemary, sage, basil, oregano, and fleawort naturally repel these critters.

Planting some of these herbs helps repel ticks and fleas to areas where dogs often stay. Do note that not all herbs are safe for dogs, like chamomile, chives, and leeks.

However, using these by creating a natural spray is not recommended. Dogs sometimes feel sick upon being near some herbs, and high concentrations of their scent can cause some problems.

Therefore, use herbs as a repellent without making any direct contact with dogs. It prevents ticks and fleas from coming onto the garden in the first place. 

Salt (for fleas)

Some people use salt as a means to ward off any form of “bad spirits.” While that concept only applies to them, it cannot be denied that salt can indeed repel some creatures. In addition, fleas find salt as deadly since it can actually kill them.

Fleas die from salt due to dehydration. By sprinkling salt onto the carpets, wall edges, or basically places where fleas can dwell will solve the problem. Leave it out for at least 2 days, then clean the area through vacuuming.

For purposes of direct contact with dogs, saltwater can be used in ridding fleas off of them. Bathing them with saltwater also prevents future infestations.

Diatomaceous Earth

Even though this material’s name seems complicated, it is basically just crushed diatoms, a type of algae. Ticks and fleas find this as fatal, especially ticks. If salt cannot kill ticks, then this will do the job.

Due to its adsorption properties, diatomaceous earth kills ticks by adsorbing its water content, desiccating it. By purchasing the food-grade type, dusting it around the house interiors, and leaving it for a few days ensures the tick’s death. It works the same way as salt does, but stronger.

In addition, it can also be dusted on the dog. But using it on a dog’s skin may subject it to dryness.

So be mindful of the amount that is sprinkled on these furry creatures. Bathe the dog immediately once the ticks and fleas on its body die.

Be wary that diatomaceous earth is a very powdery-like material. It can cause eye and lung irritation to dogs, similar to that of dust. Use this material with utmost care, and remember to only use the food grade type. Using the garden type may result in different complications.

In conclusion, ticks and fleas are treated as pests and must be eliminated immediately. Not only it causes inconvenience and trouble to people, but it also causes harm to dogs. 

Remember that ticks and fleas only see dogs as a source of food, nothing more. Getting rid of these parasites benefits both the dog and its owner. But what better way to purge them cheaply and efficiently than by using natural remedies and methods, right?
 

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Author

JP Velasquez

A guy who loves to write whatever comes to mind. Self-proclaimed dog lover with two dogs. Dreams of becoming a published writer someday. Currently working on how to make that dream a reality.