We have an almost 4 year old pug named Bentley. Bentley, ever the rebel, does not ever stop. Contrary to the accepted pug ‘stereotype’ he is not fat or lazy, but instead full of muscles and hyper-activity. He, literally, goes until he can’t go anymore, falling over in a heap of exhaustion for a cat-nap that, at most, will only last 5 minutes. While we all enjoy watching him frolic through the grass, chase bugs, fetch sticks and so on, all this play time outside meant he was a constant tick magnet. Literally, he set one paw outdoors, he had already attracted at least four of the little blood suckers. We used to buy over the counter products to help keep him bugger free, but aside from the expensive costs, we had another reason to seek out an alternative remedy. With our toddler, and other young children always in and out of our home, we just couldn’t risk the hazards of any one of them loving on the dog, and then ingesting harmful, toxic chemicals when those chubby baby hands went straight in their mouths. I tried several recipes, but this version was the immediate, and obvious winner. When applied to Bentley once a day and rubbed lightly into his coat, we haven’t seen a single tick. Not one! There’s also been no scratching that would indicate any other unwanted squatters trying to take up residence. I don’t have to worry about the little ones wanting to love on, and give kisses to, the dog. Make up your own batch today and serve an all natural, affordable eviction notice to the bugs.
All-Natural Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs
- 1 cup of water
- 2 cups of distilled white vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetable, or almond, oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, citrus oil, or peppermint oil
- spray bottle
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto your pet’s dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals.
- When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day. When pets are outdoors generally to use the restroom only, spray the solution onto the animal’s coat once per day.
4 Sons 'R' Us 
Hi I’m Heather! Please email me when you get a chance, I have a question about your blog! LifesABanquet1(at)gmail.com
Do you choose what oils to put in or do you use all of them? Like do you use all 3, lemon juice,citrus oil and peppermint or just one. Thanks
Deb, you pick one to use. I chose peppermint oil and it worked well. It’s just personal preference really. I love flexible recipes!
Can this be used on cats?
Absolutely, but you would need to change up the essential oils a bit. Peppermint definitely safe for them, but if you don’t want to use that, I’d go with a lemon balm, or lemon verbena, or even a lavender. Rose Germanium oil works WONDERS, as a repellent all by itself, but there’s some controversy over whether or not it is actually safe for use on cats. Hope this helps some!
May I know how long can this solution be kept in a spray bottle? Thanks!
can you use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have white?
Absolutely, Kim!
Can this be used to spray upholstery?
I wouldn’t recommend it simply because the smell is so strong from the oils.
Essential oils can be toxic to cats! Please do your research before using anything on your animals! This dawn vinegar solution seems to work great on my golden for fleas!