If you’re a pet parent, fleas and ticks are just one of the problems you have to deal with. There are so many treatments in the market to get rid of them. But most of them are pesticide-based and can irritate your pets. If you have children at home, these chemical treatments can be toxic to them as well. So it’s best to choose home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs.

Read on to know the five best home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs.

1. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs. All you need to do is mix equal parts of water and ACV. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and use it on your dog’s fur. The alkaline nature of ACV will repel fleas and ticks. You can also add a few tablespoons of ACV into your pet’s drinking bowl.

2. Lemon
Fleas and ticks cannot tolerate the acidic environment lemon creates. So one of the best home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs is to create a natural bath solution using lemon juice and water. Boil the lemon juice with water and let it cool down. Let your dog soak in this solution for a few minutes to get rid of fleas and ticks.

3. Essential oils
Some essential oils like clary sage, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are natural flea repellents. When mixed with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil and applied to the fur, they help get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs. But be careful to avoid certain essential oils like cedar and citrus as they are harmful to dogs.

4. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth can be helpful as one of the home remedies for fleas and ticks in dogs and for the infestation in your home. It is a siliceous white powder that was once the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is non-toxic and can be sprinkled around the house, on carpets, and near your dog’s bedding to get rid of fleas, ticks, and mites. You need to leave it for at least 48 hours for it to be effective. Vacuum it up later.

5. Flea- and tick-repelling plants
There are some plants that keep fleas and ticks from entering. Some examples are rosemary, lemongrass, catnip, basil, mint, and sage. They secrete natural oils that repel fleas and ticks.

Apart from knowing these home remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks in dogs, it’s necessary to take sufficient measures to prevent their infestation. This means getting rid of garbage, certain weeds, and dried leaves. Also, you can frequently check your dog’s fur with the help of a tweezer and comb. It becomes doubly important to take preventive measures if you live in a densely wooded area.