Fleas and ticks can be a cause of annoyance and potential health threats to dogs and cats everywhere. Dogs face a higher risk than cats for ticks because dogs tend to spend more time outdoors. Fleas and ticks can also enter homes from visiting pets and on the clothes of people.
If your dog is allergic to flea saliva, the itch can be uncontrollable. The fleas can also lead to the spread of various diseases. Fleas can be difficult to detect because they are only about 1-2 millimeters in length but there are many ways to check for fleas.
Here are some natural flea and tick prevention options that can be used on your pet:
1. Herbal flea spray
You can use a herbal flea spray to get rid of fleas from your home. This method is made from non-toxic products found around your home. You can create a flea spray by mixing 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500ml of lemon juice, and 250ml of witch hazel in a large spray bottle. It is necessary that you should vacuum properly, empty all contents into an outside bin, and wash any bedding or cushions that could be infested before applying the product around your home. You can apply this product using a heavy spray and by spraying carpets, furniture, pet bedding, window sills, and floors.
2. Baking soda
Vacuuming is one of the most effective natural flea and tick prevention methods as it helps to get rid of fleas by removing them from the fibers of your carpets and furniture. You can increase the effectiveness of this by using baking soda. You need to spread baking soda on your carpets and furniture, take a hard brush and rub it into the fabric, and then vacuum your home thoroughly. You should then empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag and place it in a bin outside.
3. Lemon spray
Lemon is great in natural flea and tick prevention. Make a citrus spray to use on infected furniture. You need to thinly slice a lemon and add it to a pint of water and bring to a boil. To make a flea spray, let the citrus solution settle overnight and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this on the infested areas in your home such as pet bedding, chairs, etc.
4. Salt
Salt can be used as a natural flea and tick prevention option when accompanied by vacuuming because it acts as a dehydration agent and helps to get rid of adult fleas. Take some salt and sprinkle it on your carpets in each room. Leave the salt to rest for 1-2 days and then vacuum your home thoroughly. Empty the contents of the vacuum cleaner in an outside trash tin.
It is necessary to clean bedding regularly and vacuum furniture and floors to help destroy fleas. Pet owners should also remember to empty the contents of the dust bag from the vacuum in an outdoor trash bin once spraying has been finished.