Protect your dog: Kill fleas and ticks for good

It’s hard to watch your dogs in pain when fleas and ticks attack them. Apart from the discomfort, your pets are likely to develop diseases associated with these organisms. As the owner, you are also risking your health by not attending to such issues. You need to find a way of getting rid of these fleas as soon as you see any signs of them. 

You shouldn’t delay the treatment because these blood-suckers spread quickly because they jump from one host to another, leaving numerous eggs in their host. For that reason, you have to start treating them as soon as you notice them. Moreover, to avoid serious diseases, you have to remove them entirely. Fortunately for you, there are numerous ways of getting rid of these fleas and ticks. You can buy a flea collar for dogs, which many people use today, or try any viable natural treatment.

Not sure which method to use? Check out these techniques that can help you get rid of fleas and ticks.

1. Make an acidic environment with apple cider vinegar

Looking for the best natural ways to fend off fleas? Apple cider vinegar is one of the most used methods. It’s affordable and quite effective as well. So, how does it work? It creates an acidic environment, which isn’t favorable for the blood-suckers.

Keeping your pet’s coat slightly acidic can help you eliminate these small creatures because the acidic taste is unappealing to fleas. The application process is quite simple, even for someone who isn’t experienced in this area. First, you might want to spray the pet’s coat with vinegar. Another option is to add one teaspoon of fermented apple cider vinegar to a quarter liter of water and let your dog drink it during the day. Nevertheless, the quantity of this liquid can depend on your dog’s body weight, so you should consult with the vet about that.

2. Use a flea comb regularly

Using a flea comb regularly can help you notice fleas and ticks immediately, and it can help you treat them. You will keep your dog happy because of all the attention it will get, but also healthy and groomed. To do so, you have to choose a quality product, meaning it combs out fleas of all sizes, eggs, and larvae. Next, you have to comb from the top of its head to the underside of the tail, underbelly, neck, and legs. Comb your dog two or three times per day to ensure that any flea eggs are destroyed before they get the chance to hatch.

3. Turn regular dog shampoo into a natural flea-killing shampoo

Using shampoo to kill fleas and ticks can be an inexpensive but labor-intensive and messy method. You have to bathe your pet every week and keep it in the house or in the place where fleas don’t reside. The good thing is that you can make this shampoo on your own by mixing regular shampoo with lemon juice and water. Recipe? Put half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice in half a cup of any dog shampoo and add two cups of water to it. This recipe can protect your pet during the peak tick season.

4. Try oral medications for a quick result

If you want immediate results and if you want to ensure that you treat your dog’s entire body, the answer to your problem could be pills. It’s easy to give them to your dog, and you won’t need to think about small children and other pets coming into contact with dogs after the treatment. The medication kills ticks and immature fleas while breaking the life cycle of fleas. You can also choose a chewable option. Because of its softness and flavor, dogs seem to love it. However, do not hesitate to consult a vet before giving your pet the treatment.

5. Protect your home from fleas and ticks

If you don’t want fleas and ticks to return, you have to clean both your house and backyard. Firstly, remove all carpets until your dog is flea-free, especially pile carpets. Fleas like warm and moist areas, so carpets are probably full of them. Secondly, vacuum at least once a week in all areas and empty the vacuum bags immediately. This will stop them from multiplying and infecting your whole house. Thirdly, wash all bedding designated for your pet and places where your dog usually spends its time. You can even go the route of hiring a professional; be sure to learn about flea bomb safety.

Still can’t get rid of these pests? Some people do that properly — pest control experts — however, it’s always best to research before you decide “who you gonna call.” 

Conclusion

When the weather gets warmer, fleas can take over your home in a matter of weeks. Therefore, you have to be prepared. If your dog is allergic to fleas, you must be especially careful and take your dog to the vet. So, follow these steps to control and eliminate the threat early and spend the summer happy and flea-free.

–  Zara Lewis

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean