Some of us pet owners love to take our dogs on long walks or on hikes. However, the more time you spend outdoors with your pets, the more you are exposing them to ticks and fleas.   These little pests can cause a range of health issues not just for your pet but even for you and your family. Here are some useful ways to get rid of the ticks and fleas on your furry friend.

5 Useful Tick and Flea Remedies for Dogs

1. Shampoo
One of the best, cheapest, and easiest ways to eliminate ticks and fleas is shampoos that are specifically formulated for the job. These are affordable and easily available in your local drugstore or supermarket. All you need to do is bathe your pet with this shampoo for a couple of weeks. You can also make your own flea repellent shampoo by combining 10 ounces of warm water with 2 ounces of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon of Castile soap, and 2 drops of lavender essential oil. Alternatively, you could also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pet’s regular shampoo and use as normal.

2. Grooming
In addition to shampooing, don’t forget to brush your pet thoroughly. Ensure that you brush them outdoors so that ticks and fleas don’t fall inside your home.

3. Flea collars
Another useful, easy, and effective way to get rid of ticks and fleas are flea collars. You can make your own collar using nylon or cotton and add a couple of drops of lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint essential oil to it. You can also use unflavored vodka. The strong smell of these products causes the pesky pests to fall off your pet’s coat.

4. Tick and flea spray
Cut a lemon into quarters and put it in a jar. Pour boiling water over it and let it remain overnight. Pour this lemon water into a spray bottle and use it on your pet, especially behind the ears, base of the tail, and leg joints. You can also make a spray by adding a few drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, cedar or rosemary to water and spray this your pet. However, avoid spraying in your dog’s face and eyes. You can also check with your vet as to which oils are safe to use on your dog.

5. Apple cider vinegar
You can add a couple of spoons of apple cider vinegar to your pet’s drinking water to effectively kill ticks and fleas. You can test to see if your dog likes the taste by adding a few drops onto their tongue. Most pups don’t notice the difference.

Getting rid of ticks and fleas quickly and effectively is important to prevent a major infestation that can lead to all sorts of problems.