Parenting pets, such as dogs, is a wonderful experience. However, tick and flea infestations could become every owner’s and canine’s nightmare. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate and prevent such critters. You could visit a vet to seek prescriptions, flea collars, or for other treatments to rid your dog of these infestations. You could also consult with the vet about using these six kitchen ingredients to reduce ticks and fleas.

Apple cider vinegar
The combination of apple cider vinegar and salt is the most common kitchen ingredient to ward off ticks and fleas. Using a diluted solution of this combo could help balance your pet’s pH levels to make it optimal for their health while making it unsuitable for fleas. To create the solution, mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water. Next, add a dash of sea salt, then spray directly onto your dog’s coat. But ensure that you avoid contact with your pet’s eyes.

Baking soda
This ingredient does not need to be applied to your pet’s fur; instead, sprinkle it onto the carpet. Once you do this, sweep it from side to side so the powder settles deep within the fibers, which could keep fleas away. The properties of baking soda dehydrate fleas and their eggs, which helps in eliminating them and preventing the recurrence of such infestations. Leave the baking soda on the carpet overnight so that the formula can take proper effect, and vacuum it to ensure the carpet is free of such tiny critters.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice isn’t just a great addition to meals and drinks but also works as a preventive method for ticks and fleas. You need to boil a thinly sliced lemon in water and let the mixture cool down overnight. The next morning, fill a spray bottle with the mixture and lightly dampen the carpet and other furnishings with it. You could also apply the lemon juice directly as a rub for your pets. But ensure your pet does not ingest the juice because it contains limonene – a property that may cause skin irritation and even damage their liver.

Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one of the most common kitchen ingredients to prevent ticks and fleas in dogs. You must add a few drops of the solution to water and put it in the spray bottle. Shake the mixture and apply it to the pet’s coat for an easy and natural flea spray. Apart from bringing down the number of ticks, the essential oil solution could also help keep your pets cool and refreshed and give them a lovely fragrance.

Almond oil
The oil derived from almonds contain sulfur, which has natural tick-repellent properties. You must put some oil on your palms and massage it directly into your dog’s skin and coat. Doing so could help to keep the annoying tiny critters away. Furthermore, almond oil could also help moisturize, condition, and reduce skin inflammation in pets.

Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is highly acidic, which makes it suitable against fleas and ticks. The ingredient also contains vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants. While you could include brewer’s yeast in your pet’s meals, you must avoid adding excessive amounts as it could cause gas. About one tablespoon per day for a 50lb dog is recommended.