Ticks are parasites living on the surface of animals and humans. Not only does this form of parasite lodge in the dog’s body, but it also feeds on its blood. This then helps the tick to spread severe diseases in pets, such as Lyme disease, gastrointestinal disorders, canine ehrilichiosis and canine anaplasma. If you think your dog might have ticks, we suggest a thorough inspection of your dog’s coat after every walk. In addition, make sure your dog is properly de-wormed.
With an adequate treatment done by your vet you can also try a handful of homemade remedies to help prevent and get rid of ticks.
Lemon spray
Make a lemon juice flea and tick spray. Add one part of the water to one part of the lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the pet coat every time it goes outside to keep the fleas and ticks away. The pest doesn’t like juice, so it’s effective to use as a natural repellent. You may use the juice as a tick mist. Apply when ticks are around or in places where you think these pests are present.
Brewer’s yeast
For dogs, a regular dose of brewer’s yeast mixed with a small amount of garlic in their coarse-ground meal can help to kill fleas. You can also add brewer’s yeast in your cat’s food, but avoid the garlic as garlic (and onions) is poisonous to cats.
Apple cider vinegar
These ticks dislike apple cider vinegar. You may use this potion as an over-the-counter flea or a tick spray. You should spray on their bedding or directly on your pet’s hair. This spray is organic and not toxic, so you can use your hands to rub it into their fur so that it can reach the skin underneath. Spray your pet once a week, or when your pet starts scratching. Be careful to avoid spraying in their face and eyes.
Baking soda
Baking soda can be helpful in removing small, nymph-sized ticks that are too small to spot or remove. Mix the baking soda and salt in a formula to produce a dehydrating agent. This is going to dry and kill them so they don’t reproduce and spread. But make sure there are no open cuts or wounds, as salt is known to add a bit of a sting.
Rosemary and other flea repelling plants
Many fragrant herbs are good choices for natural tick and flea repellent. Herbal essential oils are also used as environmentally friendly insect repellents. Rosemary, in particular, has such a good fragrance that you may sprinkle sprigs throughout the garden to keep the pests in the bay. This herb also kills aphids, mites, and flies. Boil two cups of fresh rosemary for 30 minutes, then strain the fluid, remove the leaves and add a gallon of warm water based on the size of your dog. When the water cools to just a little warm, soak your dog in it and allow it to dry naturally.
