While your furry pooch loves the outdoors and rolls around on the grass, pests like fleas and ticks latch on to their fur and start breeding. Sadly, these pests can be extremely harmful to your dog. A tick or flea infestation can cause severe problems to your pet, which is why keeping their fur and the environment clean is essential. Here are a few remedies to get rid of ticks and fleas naturally.

Apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural repellent for fleas. What’s better is that this remedy is completely natural and pet-friendly, so you can either feed ACV to your dog or use it as a spray.  To make a spray, take a clean spray bottle and fill the bottle up with half parts ACV and half parts water. Then, mix it well and use it as a spray on your dog and the environment around them.  Just make sure that you do not spray the mixture on any wounds or scabs, as it may cause a burning sensation.

Lemon spray 

The lemon spray is another remedy that seems to work against fleas and ticks. Cut a couple of slices of lemon and add them to a pot of water. Let the water boil so that the lemon infuses the water, and leave that be overnight. Then, take a clean, empty spray bottle and pour the lemon water mixture into it. Use this spray around the house and on your dog regularly.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

This is an effective remedy against fleas and ticks. Diatomaceous Earth is nothing but fossilized remains of tiny organisms. The presence of silica in DE helps dry out fleas. All you have to do is sprinkle this around the house where you think there is any flea manifestation. After some time, you can clean up the area by vacuuming or sweeping the floor.

Herb garden

Some specific herbs and plants repel fleas and ticks. These include thyme, sage, clove, lavender, mint, and basil. These plants have a strong smell, which acts as a repellent to pests. If you have a yard, you can plant these herbs to help get rid of fleas. You may even pot and keep them near windows or doors to get rid of pests from entering the house at the doorstep.

If natural remedies fail to work for a severe flea or tick infestation, vets prescribe Bravecto or Simparica that are known to be effective on dogs. Always consult a vet before going ahead with any treatment, as they will be able to determine the correct dosage for your dog.