Imagine a skin irritation that constantly occurs, causing redness, inflammation, and the icky feeling of parasites biting you all over. If your pet has fleas, this is what they undergo. However, you do not need to worry! There are many simple home remedies for flea and tick treatment that will ensure your pet’s health.

The problem
Fleas and ticks are parasites that make their home in the soft, warm fur of dogs and cats. They feed on your pet’s blood, and while a little bit of blood donation is harmless, these freeloaders can cause dangerous illnesses that can at times be fatal or severe. Moreover, some pets are allergic to ticks and fleas. Furthermore, fleas and ticks can cause blood infections like Ehrlichiosis and maladies like Lyme disease not only in your pets but also in you.

The solution
Flea and tick treatments include simple ingredients available at home or prescription medications, ointments, and shampoos. To ensure that your pets are not infested with fleas and ticks repeatedly, warding off ticks and fleas from the environment is necessary. To help you, here are four home fleas and tick treatment options you should consider.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is super valuable for its numerous beneficial properties. It is a miracle worker for humans, providing various health benefits. ACV does not by itself kill fleas and ticks, but it is the first and best preventive measure. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio and apply it to your pet’s coat. It works for both dogs and cats and shows excellent results when done bi-monthly. The pungent smell and taste agitate existing fleas and ticks and removing them from your pets. Also, you can administer apple cider vinegar to your dogs by mixing a few tablespoons in drinking water. Not all canines like the taste of ACV, so talk to your vet before you take such measures. You can also spray apple cider vinegar around the house and on furniture to eliminate flea and tick infestations.

Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast is an inside-out treatment for fleas and ticks. It is made from the same fungus that is used in the beer fermentation process. Brewer’s yeast is certainly an excellent nutritional supplement for dogs and cats. It provides energy and improves the health of the skin, hair, eyes, and immune system. Overall good health makes a dog and cat a less likely host to fleas and ticks. Brewer’s yeast is typically administered orally along with your pet’s regular meals. A veterinarian is best suited to advise you on the dosage required for your pet after considering their age, size, and current health status.

Essential oils
Many essential oils are excellent flea and tick repellents for both dogs and cats. Lavender is the best choice for cats. It not only kills fleas more effectively than some commercial flea and tick sprays but also relaxes your cat. Always dilute the oils before spraying them on your cat’s fur. Tea tree, peppermint, citronella, rosemary are all options for dogs. Remember that some pets might be sensitive to strong scents. So make sure to try it on a small patch on their coat to check for irritation or discomfort before using it all over their body. Consult your vet or an expert regarding the safety of homemade sprays for your pets.

Baking soda
You can use baking soda without fear on a pet’s coat. Only, remember to make it into a paste by adding some water or add it to your pet’s regular shampoo. Apart from being a flea remedy, it is also great for neutralizing odors. Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet overnight helps remove fleas and their larvae and eggs from your home environment. You can sweep away the dehydrated eggs and fleas that fall off in the morning.