You all must have encountered at least one unpleasant experience with bugs. Those nasty little creatures are despised not just by you but your dogs as well. They bite once, and our beloved dog starts looking like a hot dog with a bun.
As the weather heats up, the bugs are already buzzing! While it may be too early to think about your upcoming vacation, it is never too early to prepare for the pesky bugs that come with a warmer landscape. Thankfully, some natural bug repellents can help protect your pooch!
5 Natural Bug Repellents for Your Dog
1. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is a natural bug repellent for dogs and also happens to be one of the best oils for fleas and ticks. Cinnamon naturally repels fleas, kills eggs and larvae, and does no harm to you, your dog, or your home.
You can use cinnamon oil as a spray on your dog. Cinnamon oil is an essential oil, so mix it with water in a spray bottle for a diluted solution. Spray it onto your dog’s coat. While there are no known side effects of cinnamon oil on dogs, you should always use 100% pure essential oil.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil is wonderful for treating skin conditions in dogs, including mange and eczema. It is also an effective bug repellent, keeping fleas and ticks away from your dog's fur.
To use neem oil as a bug repellent, you can mix equal parts neem oil and mild dog soap water solution in a spray bottle. Spray it on your dog before taking it outside, but do not spray near the eyes or nose. Make sure to rub it into the fur thoroughly.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Use apple cider vinegar as a tick repellent by mixing one cup of vinegar with two cups of water in a clean spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray as required on your dog's fur while avoiding their eyes and ears. The spray not only kills ticks in contact but also keeps new ones away for up to 10 days.
4. Citronella
The citronella plant is a member of the lemongrass family with a strong lemon scent. Citronella oil has been used for centuries as an insect repellent, and it is more effective than some synthetic bug sprays.
You might be familiar with citronella candles or lamps — they're often used on back porches or decks to fend off bugs.
Citronella oil is available in diluted form as a spray or wipe. You can also find it in some shampoos and wipes designed specifically for dogs.
5. Citrus Pills
Citrus is an all-purpose bug repellent. It's safe, non-toxic, natural, and smells good. Citrus pills are often used in homemade flea collars as well as sprays.
Many dogs enjoy the smell of lemon. You can apply lemon juice mixed with water to their fur to kill fleas and ticks. Be careful not to let a flea-infested dog lick the substance from its body, though.
Dogs are a lot like humans. They get itchy and irritated when bugs bite them. So use natural bug repellents for your pooch and watch them enjoy their summers!
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