Studies have shown that flea infestations can cause low blood cell levels in pets, leading to anemia. Infestations like these can also cause tapeworms inside the pet’s body and feed on their nutrients. Plus, once ticks and fleas enter your house through your dog, they can easily multiply and spread to different parts of the house.

Flea bites can cause health problems in humans, too, and if you have kids, then it should be your number one priority to keep ticks and fleas at bay.  Here are some remedies that you can use to treat ticks and fleas in dogs.

1. Flea comb
This is one of the most affordable flea removal solutions if used in the early stages. It is a natural and skin-friendly way to ward off ticks and fleas. These combs come in different shapes and sizes. They have close teeth that remove both eggs and fleas from the dog’s coat. To prevent fleas from re-entering the dog’s body, make sure to dip the comb in water after every pass.

2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a very high acidic pH level. This acidic nature creates a very sterile environment for ticks and fleas. To make the spray – mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water and a bit of salt, and spray the mixture on your dog’s coat and underbelly. Do this only if you are sure that your dog is not allergic to vinegar. Also, avoid this if you see severe red spots because of the flea infection.

3. Essential oils
Essential oils have proven very useful when it comes to keeping ticks and fleas at bay. However, they are strong and need to be used with caution. Your dog might be allergic to certain essential oils, so make sure you are aware of the skin allergies your dog has. Several essential oils like – tea tree, rosemary, citronella, peppermint, mint, rose, neem, etc., help fight ticks and fleas infestation. You can use essential oils in many forms. You can dilute the oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your dog; you can make a spray mixture by diluting it with water and spray on your dog (make sure if you take this approach, you only apply to places where your dog can’t lick it off). You can also give baths. Simply mix few drops of the essential oil in the shampoo and apply it all over your dog. They keep the fleas away and prevent further infection as the smell that lingers on keeps them at a distance.

However, if you find the infection has gotten out of hand and home remedies won’t cut it, then we suggest taking your dog to the vet.