Where you reside will determine whether fleas are a seasonal or year-round issue. Since dogs spend more time outside in the summer, they are typically the biggest threat. A straightforward visual check is not usually sufficient because fleas are really small and move swiftly. Look for black spots on your dog’s skin and coat to see whether they have fleas. (Ew!) These are flea droppings. You might also run a white tissue across your dog’s fur to look for flecks. If you find evidence of fleas during your investigation, use these natural home cures.
Flea Comb
A flea comb is a must-have for pet owners looking for a natural flea-killer because it is an economical and useful alternative. Although they range in size, all have tightly spaced teeth that remove fleas and their eggs from the dog’s coat. (Be sure to dip the comb in soapy water to kill any eggs or adults it picks up after each pass.) In your fight against these pests, this is a fantastic initial move.
Lime or Lemon Comb/Lemon Bath
Apply fresh lime or lemon juice to your dog’s comb before making several passes through their coat. (Instead of using a comb, you can use a towel dipped in the juice if your dog has a short or slippery coat.) Another choice is to combine diluted lemon juice with water (1:2) and a small amount of pet shampoo.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fleas can’t live there because of the slightly acidic pH level of apple cider vinegar. Spray the mixture on your dog’s coat and belly, being careful to keep it away from their eyes and any open wounds. To make the combination, combine six cups of ACV with four cups of water (using a 6:4 ratio), along with a pinch of salt.
Collars
Apply a few drops to your pet’s existing collar or to a bandana after diluting two to three drops of oil in one to three tablespoons of water. (You’ll have to apply this mixture again and again. For more thorough directions, consult The Pet Lovers Guide to Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Barbara Foug aux.) Natural flea repellents like lavender or cedar oil should be tested first on your dog before applying to anything that touches their neck.
What rapidly eliminates fleas in dogs?
A veterinarian’s advice should always be sought before beginning any flea control program. They can assist you in creating a flea treatment plan and are qualified to help you keep your pet safe and healthy. A regimen to prevent fleas from disturbing your dog is usually followed by an initial treatment to eliminate any fleas that are already present.
Nitenpyram, also referred to as Capstar, is the substance that is most frequently used to quickly kill fleas on dogs. Fleas are killed by this single-use pill within 30 minutes of oral administration. When utilizing Capstar, it is advised that you confine your pet to a small space. It will be simpler to clean up if your pet can rest on a sheet or blanket that collects fleas as they fall off. It is possible to get Capstar from your veterinarian or numerous online pet supply stores without a prescription.
Your veterinarian could advise bathing with certain flea shampoos, which will also rapidly kill fleas. After a thorough bath, remove any remaining eggs by combing using flea combs made specifically for the purpose. An insect growth inhibitor called lufenuron is additionally available from your veterinarian. When taken as a pill once a month, it stops flea reproduction but does not kill adult fleas.
Can dogs get rid of fleas with vinegar?
You may have heard that apple cider vinegar works well as a natural flea treatment, but you should take this information with a grain of salt.
Pet owners are cautioned by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein that this home cure will not completely solve their flea problem.
“Sterilizing or eliminating flea eggs and larvae is the main component of flea control. Flea populations will continue to grow if that stage is skipped. According to Dr. Elfenbein, apple cider vinegar is a poor choice for a homemade flea spray because it offers nothing to address those life stages.
In other words, applying vinegar to your pet’s fur or putting white vinegar in their water won’t get rid of fleas. ACV is only a weak detergent and is not the most effective flea treatment, but it has the potential to repel fleas since they dislike the flavor. Your first pick for a natural flea treatment should not be ACV. Look for natural alternatives to flea treatments for your dog.
Which homemade flea repellent works the best?
Six homemade flea repellents you can make at home with items you already have
- Spray with apple cider vinegar.
- Spray with lemon, lavender, and witch hazel.
- Shampoo treatment with Listerine.
- Dog treats with brewers yeast and coconut oil for flea prevention.
- Flea shampoo using Dawn dish liquid and vinegar.
- Furniture powder made of salt and baking soda.
Dish soap
Making a flea trap out of dish soap and water is the first step in this home treatment for fleas. All you need to do is lay a plate or bowl filled with warm water and dish soap in the areas of your home where fleas are most active.
Due to the high viscosity of the water and dish soap mixture, it acts like glue and traps the fleas. Every day, you should repeat this process with a new batch.
This flea home cure must be used at night in order to be successful. This is due to the fact that fleas are typically night pests. Although it has been suggested that placing a candle close to the solution can aid this natural flea treatment, doing so is not recommended because of the possible fire hazard that an unattended, naked flame can present.
Herbal flea spray
A herbal flea spray is recommended by quick home treatments to get rid of fleas in your house. This all-natural flea treatment is safe to use around pets, kids, and other household items because it is manufactured from non-toxic ingredients.
Mix 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500 ml of lemon juice, and 250 ml of witch hazel in a big spray container to make a flea spray. You should vacuum thoroughly, putting the contents into an outdoor trash can, and wash any bedding or cushions that may be contaminated before using the product around your home. Once this is done, use a vigorous spray to administer the natural flea remedy to your home, making sure to cover the floors, carpets, furniture, pet beds, and window sills.
Baking soda
Vacuuming is one of the best home treatments for flea management if you’re having trouble knowing how to get rid of them. By pulling fleas out of the carpet and furniture fibers, this aids in flea removal. However, there is a way to make this more successful, and it involves baking soda!
Lay baking soda along your carpets and furniture, then use a stiff brush to push it into the fabric to make this natural flea medication effective. Then, give your house a good vacuuming, empty the vacuum’s contents into a bag, and put the bag in an outdoor trash can.
Salt
When combined with vacuuming, salt is an excellent natural flea home cure, similar to baking soda. Adult fleas can be eliminated by using salt as a dehydrating agent.
Take some salt (finely powdered works best) and sprinkle it all over your carpets in each room to treat fleas naturally. After letting the salt sit for a couple of days, clean the entire house and put the debris into an outdoor garbage can.
Lemon spray
There are many uses for lemon around the house, but in addition to being an effective wasp sting treatment, it also works well as a natural flea treatment.
Making a citrus spray to put on infested furniture is the first step in an all-natural flea treatment. Thinly slice a lemon, add to a pint of water, and bring to a boil to prepare the flea spray. Pour the citrus solution into a spray bottle after letting it sit for the night. The following day, take the citrus solution and spray it over your couches, pet beds, chairs, etc. that are contaminated. Never soak; just dampen.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatoms, an algae fossil, are what make up diatomaceous earth. It is a very fine powder that is non-toxic to humans and an excellent all-natural flea cure since it dehydrates fleas.
Applying thin layers of diatomaceous earth powder to locations you suspect have high flea activity will help treat a flea problem. After letting the diatomaceous earth work its magic for two days, vacuum right away and use the appropriate flea prevention measures.
It is crucial to remember that you should only use food grade diatomaceous earth when treating fleas naturally. Despite being non-toxic, the powder’s composition might make a mess and irritate your eyes and throat. It is suggested that you use a face mask when treating your home with diatomaceous earth.
Rosemary
A fantastic natural flea control product is rosemary. It can be applied to pets and used to treat minor infestations (depending on how you use it). Making a powder to use as a treatment for fleas in your home is the main goal of this illustration of a natural flea medication.
Use rosemary in a pestle and mortar together with some rue, wormwood, fennel, and peppermint to ground into a powder to prepare a herbal flea powder. When you suspect flea activity in your home, sprinkle it on your carpets, furniture, pet beds, window sills, and wherever else.
Rosemary is a natural flea repellent; it won’t get rid of fleas, but it will assist in preventing and repelling them.
Flea repelling plants
Utilizing particular plants to assist repel these biting insects is the ultimate all-natural way to get rid of fleas. Fleas despise certain oils, chemicals, and compounds that some plants contain, thus they will strive to avoid them.
There are numerous plants that are effective flea repellents. A fantastic natural home treatment for fleas is to use these plants in flower pots and flower beds around your house.
Plants that ward off fleas
- Dollar Royal
- Chrysanthemums
- Lavender
- Spearmint
Does Dawn dish soap kill fleas?
You’ve probably seen the advertisements showing wild birds damaged by oil spills being cleaned with Dawn dish soap. You might question if Dawn can eliminate those bothersome fleas on your cat or dog if it is effective and gentle enough for wildlife.
Even while Dawn dish soap has the ability to kill fleas, it is not the most efficient or effective solution, and it cannot stop flea infestations.
Here’s why Dawn dish soap might not be the magical flea-killer your four-legged family member needs it to be.
Can I treat my dog with baking soda to get rid of fleas?
Adult fleas cannot be killed by baking soda, and it offers no protection for your dogs. It is quite good at absorbing odors and has been recommended for usage as a flea killer by certain online pet sites because it “may dry up flea eggs and larvae.” However, there is absolutely no proof that using baking soda to kill fleas works.
When nothing works, how can I get rid of fleas on my dog?
- Step 1: Use a flea comb to brush your pet. Veterinarians advise using a flea comb to initially eliminate any fleas from your pet.
- Step two is to bathe your pet. Use soap and warm water to wash your pet.
- Step three is to clean the house.
- Step four is to stop further infestations.
How frequently should I use apple cider vinegar to flea-treat my dog?
Fleas and ticks may not be killed by this spray, but they detest apple cider vinegar. As long as you continue to treat them, the remedy should cause fleas and ticks to leap off of your dog and remain off.
This remedy can be applied the same way as an over-the-counter flea and/or tick spray. You can treat your dog’s bedding by spraying it right on his coat.
Because this spray is natural and non-toxic, you can massage it into the fur to help it penetrate to the skin below.
Spray your dog once per week or whenever they begin to scratch, and don’t forget to massage the solution into their skin.
Once you’ve tried it, let us know how it went and what you think of the spray.
Know of any additional all-natural treatments for ticks and fleas? How do you keep your dog safe from vermin? Tell us in the comments section below!
How can I produce homemade flea repellent?
Fleas, like many pests, detest the taste and smell of vinegar and will take every precaution to stay away from it. Make a flea spray for your pet that is based on vinegar using the information above.
You’ll need white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to produce your own flea spray. Both are acceptable, though some individuals believe that the smell of apple cider vinegar is preferred by pets. Just be aware that cats might not tolerate being sprayed or wiped with vinegar.
Diluting the vinegar with water is all that is required to make your flea spray. Some suggest combining vinegar and water in an equal ratio. Others advise using three parts water and one part vinegar. Try both formulas out to see which one works best for you. Fleas will be more effectively repelled by the recipe that is more concentrated (1:1). Start with a more diluted solution (1:3) if you find that your pet is sensitive to the smell, and then increase the strength once they are comfortable.
What herbal treatment can I take to get rid of fleas on my dog?
You must treat your home for fleas as well before treating your dog with pesticide-free natural flea cures. Consider vacuuming and washing everything, even your dog.
Wash your dog’s bedding. Clean your bed linens. Clean your surfaces, couches, and towels. Make sure to immediately rid of everything you vacuumed up during cleaning by placing it in a garbage bag outside your house. You can now provide a natural flea treatment to your dog.
Coconut oil
For treating your dog, coconut oil is a secure and convenient option. The fat coats the flea’s exoskeleton with an oil-coating and is composed of the fatty acid lauric acid. The flea becomes active when it comes in contact with the coconut oil, which causes it to suffocate.
How to deal with it: Make sure you’re outside before giving your dog coconut oil. Natural flea repellant lauric acid may make insects jump out of the fur. Working a light consistency through your dog’s coat and ensuring that the oil reaches your pet’s skin are the recommended application techniques.
Lavender essential oil
Both a flea cure and a flea killer, lavender works. Fleas are driven away by its fragrance, which kills them on contact. Fleas that are left standing are repelled by the stench alone.
How to treat: Apply one drop of the essential oil on your dog’s neck to get rid of fleas. You can also put a drop of the medication at the base of the tail for larger dogs (above 50 pounds). Consider using peppermint as another key flea repellent as well.
Brewer’s yeast
Before adding a new supplement to your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian for the recommended dosage.
With this non-toxic treatment, drive fleas away. With your veterinarian’s consent of course, adding brewer’s yeast to your dog’s feed is simple and a natural pest control method. It repels fleas by giving your dog a terrible taste, which is how it works.
Brewer’s yeast is available as a tablet or powder; add some to your dog’s food as a remedy. Consult your veterinarian for the correct dose information before to giving anything to your pet.
Apple cider vinegar
Fleas are finicky feeders, too. Dogs can use apple cider vinegar as a flea treatment to keep fleas away. The fleas won’t be able to eat your dog since they won’t like the flavor of the treatment when your dog drinks some of it.
Prior to giving apple cider vinegar, consult your veterinarian. To keep fleas away, put a spoonful of the vinegar in your dog’s water bowl.
Flea spray
A natural flea spray is the best option. The non-chemical solution is ideal for treating adult fleas. Remember that this is only a temporary fix; you’ll still need to deal with the broader infestation, and after some time, fleas might readily reappear on your pet. The spray can be used throughout the house to treat the infestation and will effectively kill the fleas on your dog.
How to treat: To keep your hands clean, use a pair of gloves and use a natural flea spray that is safe for dogs and the age of your pet. Pet Naturals’ Flea+ is our top recommendation for an all-natural flea spray because it is safe for cats and also offers tick and mosquito protection.
