Fleas and ticks are a massive nuisance for your pets. They are extremely quick to move, reproduce, and repeat the process over and over. While there are medications and topical treatments to counter the infestation, it is always better to first try some natural remedies to manage fleas and ticks. Avoid the use of chemical products. Ensure to maintain a clean home, bedding for your pet, and outdoor surroundings so that they do not attract fleas in the first place.

Take a look at these simple internal and external remedies.

Add garlic to their diet
Using raw garlic is one of the popular natural remedies for fleas and ticks prevention. And, there is a two-fold application to this raw remedy. Firstly, garlic forms an essential part of a BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) diet as it is great for boosting immunity and helps prevent blood clots. It is also a natural antibiotic that helps with healing. The second most important reason is that garlic, when supplemented with essential vitamin B rich pet food helps make their blood less appealing for fleas to extract. Its effectiveness does depend on a number of variable factors depending on the size and breed of the dog.

Use a flea comb
Using a flea comb, you will have to spend some time and energy combing through most of the fur to identify clusters of fleas and ticks. They reproduce quickly and which is why this is an activity that you will find yourself repeatedly doing. The dirt that you collect while combing is a clear indicator of whether the flea infestation is rampant or simply beginning to affect your pet. Gather the dirt and press it on a clean white sheet of paper to see if there are any blood spots left behind. If yes, then you do have a serious developing problem. To tackle this infestation, simply drown the fleas in soapy water after combing them out and apply a chemical free topical spray that soothes the affected skin area. Repeat the process as often as required.

Essential oil-based repellents
There are several repellents made with essential oils that you can safely use to take care of an infestation. These products also contain soothing compounds that provide a much-needed relief from already irritated itchy skin due to the fleas and ticks feasting on the surface. Be careful about how much you use as dogs have an acute sense of smell. You can add a few drops of the repellent on the collar and mix some in water to dilute the liquid. Spray it gently on their belly, behind the legs, and at the base of the tail where fleas and ticks can thrive unnoticed.

If you feel the infestation persists after trying various natural remedies for fleas and ticks management, consult with the vet to understand the next course of treatment.