Flea And Tick Season Is Coming: 4 Natural Ways To Keep Your Dog Protected

If your dog spends any time outdoors, you know how troubling fleas and ticks can be. Before you head for the chemical repellants, you should know that there are some natural solutions to the flea and tick problem. Here are some home treatments that just may save you a trip to the veterinarian.

Wash Your Dog With Essential Oil Soaps

There are a number of essential oils that not only repel fleas and ticks, but also kill them. You can use these soaps each time you give your dog a bath. This will keep your dog clean, and safe from fleas and ticks. Two of the essential oil soaps that work the best at getting rid of fleas and ticks include:

  • Rose oil soap – repels fleas and keeps fur soft
  • Peppermint oil soap – repels and kills both fleas and ticks

Add A Dose Of Vinegar

Adding vinegar to your dog's food will repel fleas from the inside, out. Simply add about 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the food. This dosage is for an average size dog, so you should reduce the amount of vinegar to about ¼ teaspoon for a smaller dog. In addition to repelling fleas, the vinegar will also control ringworm and fungus on your dog.

Spritz Your Dog With Mint

Fleas and ticks avoid the smell of mint. This method will protect your dog from the nasty little pests, and leave your dog smelling minty fresh.

Supplies You'll Need

  • 3 lemons
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • 15 mint leaves
  • Warm water
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spray bottle

Directions

  1. Fill your mixing bowl with 4 cups of warm water.
  2. Squeeze the juice from your lemons into your mixing bowl
  3. Add 12 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
  4. Place your mint leaves in the water.
  5. Leave the solution to sit for about 12 hours.
  6. Strain the leaves out of the water.
  7. Pour solution into your spray bottle.
  8. Spray the solution on your dog twice a day, especially before going on walks.

Rub On The Bay Leaves

Another easy way to keep fleas and ticks off your dog is to rub on bay leaves. You'll have to do this every time you take your dog outside, so be sure to keep a good supply of bay leaves on hand. Simply crush a few leaves in your hands and rub the powder on your dog. The scent of bay leaves will keep the fleas and ticks away.

Fleas and ticks can make your dog miserable, and can spread diseases like Lyme disease. These natural treatments will help protect your dog from flea and tick infestations. Try one, or all of these treatments to keep your dog comfortable during flea and tick season. For more information contact a local vet clinic, like Hamilton Ave & Sycamore Pet Hospitals.

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