It’s important to protect your dog from fleas and ticks, as both of these parasites can cause a lot of damage. Fleas can cause skin irritation and hair loss, while ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease. Luckily, there are many different ways to deal with these pests, including topical treatments, oral medications, and even home remedies. So read on to learn more about how to protect your beloved pet from these pesky parasites!
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Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another good way to keep your dog protected from fleas and ticks. This oil contains geraniol, which repels and kills these parasites. Just add a few drops of lavender oil in with your dog’s favorite shampoo or conditioner, and wash their coat as normal. Their skin should be left itch-free and healthy! If you don’t want to use this method right before bathing, try adding a few drops to an unscented moisturizing cream instead. Rub the cream into the affected areas of their body for quick relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fleas and ticks don’t stand a chance against apple cider vinegar! To make it even more powerful, add a little salt to the mixture. If your dog already has fleas or ticks, this remedy can help to relieve some of the symptoms. Mix equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a dash of salt and shake well before each use. Spray your pet’s coat down, focusing on the legs, shoulders, stomach, back, and rump area. This is especially helpful after being outside in an infested area or field as it will kill any pests that have not yet attached themselves and those who are just beginning to bite.
Lemon Spray
Another simple spray that you can make at home is a lemon spray. It’s easy to mix together and keep on hand whenever needed. All you need is one cup of warm water, four tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (or two teaspoons of store-bought), and five drops of dish soap. Mix well before use and spray directly on your pet’s coat after each time they go outside to help prevent infestation. This mixture will leave them smelling fresh as well!
Combing And Brushing
Be sure to take the time to brush your dog regularly. Not only does this help with keeping their coat clean and healthy, but it also helps you find and treat any pesky parasites that might be present. Fleas will usually stick out like a sore thumb as they’re much larger than any other type of hair or debris that comes off your pet’s body during brushing. Take special care to look for their eggs since these can be difficult to spot at first glance (they look like tiny grains of sand).
Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be useful when trying to rid your dog of fleas or ticks. All you need to do is add enough warm water to the mixture until it reaches a thick paste-like consistency. Spread the paste over your pet’s entire coat and let it sit for at least ten minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with warm water. This helps remove any leftover oils, dirt, and parasites that may still be attached. Once all baking soda has been washed away, use a conditioner on their fur if needed.
Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is another excellent addition to your dog’s natural protection. This oil repels fleas and ticks and has a refreshing scent. Mix two tablespoons of cedar oil, two cups of water, and one-fourth cup of liquid soap (any kind will work) into a spray bottle and shake well before each use. After your dog goes outside for the day (especially if they’re going to an infested area), give them a spritz down with this mixture to keep those pests off!
Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is one of the best natural remedies for repelling fleas. It can be found at your local pet store or even supermarket and comes in either powdered form, pill form, or loose powder form. The recommended dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight once a day. Be sure to increase this dose if your pet is dealing with an infestation. You could also crush up the pills and mix them with your dog’s food.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep your dog protected from fleas and ticks at all times. These parasites are not only unsightly, but they can cause a lot of damage to your pet if left untreated for too long. Luckily, it is relatively easy to deal with them using many different methods, including topical treatments, oral medications, and home remedies. So check out this helpful article on dealing with these pesky pests to protect your beloved pet!
