How To Repel Fleas and Ticks Naturally

Excited dog owners and animal enthusiasts known for their gentle nature often make an exception regarding fleas and ticks.

With flea and tick season upon us, it’s no wonder people are looking for effective ways to protect their furry friends.

Although flea and tick medications are the most reliable solution, some may be tempted to try home remedies or alternative methods for removing these pests.

However, these methods are not only ineffective but can also cause harm to your pet and lead to other health problems. Trust in proven preventative strategies, and don’t risk your pet’s health.

How to repel fleas and ticks naturally might seem arduous – even more complex than going on a mountain trip with your dog. Don’t worry. It might not be as intimidating as you might think it is.

Ticks and fleas are known to trigger multiple issues with one bite. For this reason, it’s critical for dog owners to learn about them and how to repel them naturally.

6 Ways To Repel Fleas and Ticks Naturally

If your dog is consistently itching and you suspect it is due to fleas and ticks, there are many flea home treatments for dogs to select from.

Among them are the following:

1. Citrus Juice

Fleas and ticks do not like citrus, so that you can apply freshly squeezed juice all over the dog’s fur. While doing so, be careful not to get it into its eyes.

You might want to reconsider if your dog has dark hair, as lemon juice can lighten dark hair.

2. Bathing

Because fleas and ticks don’t cling to your dog’s fur, bathing it in warm water will make them fall off. Another reason why bathing is necessary is that it keeps your pet clean and prevents arthropods from hosting, as they are less attracted to clean animals.

When you want to bathe them, you can use peppermint or neem shampoo for extra protection against these arthropods. Afterward, use a flea comb to remove any hanging parasites.

While combing your dog, place it on a light-colored towel to catch fleas and ticks that may fall off. Always dip your comb into soapy water after each swipe.

3. Regular and Thorough Home Cleaning

The best way to control fleas and ticks is to make your home inhospitable for them. You can achieve this when you vacuum your home often and empty the vacuum canister immediately if fleas are present.

You should also wash all bed linens and pet bedding and throw rugs if your dogs play on them frequently.

4. Natural Predator Addition

You can use a nematode as a natural remedy. It is a type of beneficial microscopic roundworm that can eat flea larvae. Adding them to your backyard can reduce flea populations within a few days.

Another natural remedy is the ladybug which is a natural predator of fleas. You can quickly get them at garden stores.

5. Essential Oils

You can use Geranium, lemongrass, and other essential oils, such as neem and catnip oil, to help keep mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other pests away from your dog.

6. Protective Clothing

Doggy shirts can look cute on your pet. If you are in an area with ticks and fleas, such as a wooded or grassy area, you should consider putting a doggy t-shirt on your pet to prevent dirt from falling on it and keep ticks and fleas from clinging to it.

You can also put fitting socks on your pet’s legs for extra protection, but ensure the clothing is comfortable and doesn’t overheat your pet.

Natural Remedies That Could Have Side Effects

1. Garlic

This treatment frequently involves adding garlic and brewer’s yeast to the dog’s diet. According to the concept, when a dog takes this mixture and sweats, the garlic fragrance emits from the dog’s body, making him an unpleasant feast for fleas.

However, veterinarians frequently advise against using this possibly harmful treatment technique.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Using vinegar to eliminate fleas, like garlic, is not advisable because it is hazardous and ineffective. The odor and stickiness of apple cider vinegar sprayed on the pet’s bed or its fur will keep you away, but ticks and fleas aren’t as fussy. 

Forcing the pet to consume vinegar will do little to keep ticks and fleas away.

3. Alcohol

Although alcohol will kill ticks and fleas, it is essential to utilize it correctly. According to experts, fleas and ticks should be placed in a glass filled with rubbing alcohol and not be used on the dog.

Don’t use alcohol to remove a tick from your dog. The tick is stuck to the dog, and the alcohol, when applied to the parasite while still on the dog, will cause the tick to vomit its venom on your pet.

4. Cedar Essential Oil

While cedar oil can repel some insects, it cannot be enjoyable to the skin’s surface. In addition, when not administered directly to the skin, the oil might cause skin irritation.

For example, many dogs get skin problems from lying on a bed sprinkled with cedar oil.

Conclusion

Using a natural form of prevention can help lower the number of ticks and fleas in your house and yard without harming the environment.

With these extra precautions to keep the dog from pesky pests, you can spend quality time outside with zero worries.