Pawsome Pets: Tackle ‘ticky’ situations with home remedies

Chennai has seen a sudden increase in animals being diagnosed with tick fever over the past few months; the mortality rate due to this has increased too. Combating the infestation of ticks and fleas can be prevented to an extent though, say experts, through these simple home remedies:

Mix up 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in 1 litre of warm water and spray onto your pet’s coat; gently massage into the skin anddon’t rinse.

Spray this everyday insect repellent on your dog and inside the house to keep the bugs away — cut a lemon into quarters, add to boiling water and letting it steep overnight. In the morning, spray the mixture behind your pet’s ears, on the base of the tail and in between the paws but avoid spraying on any open injuries and steer clear of the eyes and nose.

Ensuring your home/lawn is clean is equally important so add eight-ten chopped pods of garlic into a large soup pan of boiling hot water. Cover and let the mixture steep for 12 hours. Pour through a strainer into a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your lawn and garden area.

Planting strong-smelling herbs near your doors and windows can also help prevent fleas. Try thyme, sage, clove, basil, lavender, rosemary, catnip, lemongrass or mint.

Routinely dust curtains, bed linen, any carpets if you have and the dog or cat’s bedding and toys.

Apart from these, follow basics like grooming your dog properly and brushing the coat. Despite the best efforts, if you feel that ticks are present then consult a veterinarian. Some of the symptoms pet parents in the city have noticed in their dogs are fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, dullness and constant scratching or biting. Don’t wait if you notice similar behaviour in your pet but seek medical assistance at the earliest.