It’s no fun to live with fleas. But if your dog has been bitten by a flea, it can be even worse. Fleas are small and flat, making them hard to spot when they’re on your dog or in your home.
They also have a short lifespan (about 30 days), but because they multiply so quickly, you’ll need to take control of the situation right away.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Get rid of fleas on dogs with safe and effective solutions |
| Identify flea infestations early for better management |
| Consult a vet for effective treatments and prevention |
| Use natural remedies and home solutions with care |
| Prevent home infestations by cleaning and treating regularly |
Here are some simple DIY methods for getting rid of fleas—and keeping them away for good!
1. Use A Good Flea Comb
One of the best ways to identify and remove fleas is with a flea comb. Flea combs are designed to pick up the eggs, larvae and adult fleas on your pet.
A good flea comb can help you find out exactly how many pests are hiding in your dog’s fur, which will help you decide what action needs to be taken next.
Flea combs can be purchased at any pet store or online for around $10 or less – much cheaper than buying chemical treatments!
These combs also work on cats too. If you want an all-natural way to keep your pet free from pesky insects (and save money while doing so), then this method is definitely worth considering!
When dealing with fleas on your dogs, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to ensure a safe and effective solution. Our dog flea removal guide by a vet answers some common questions by pet owners for tackling these pesky parasites
2. Lemon Spray
The second way to get rid of fleas is to spray your dog with lemon juice. The citric acid in lemons will repel the fleas and kill them.
You can also use this method on yourself and your house, as it will repel the fleas from entering your home!
To make this remedy, take 1 cup of water and add some lemon juice (about 4 tablespoons) then gently rub it onto the dog’s skin. Let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
3. Make A Natural Flea Spray With Lemons And Rosemary
To make your own natural flea spray, start by peeling off the outer layer of a lemon. Then, add three drops each of lemon essential oil and rosemary essential oil to a cup of water. Mix gently with an eye dropper or stir stick until the oils are evenly distributed throughout the water.
Then, simply spray this solution on your dog’s coat! The natural oils from both plants will repel fleas and ticks naturally.
| Ingredient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lemons | 2 | Thinly sliced |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig | Freshly picked, 6-8 inches long |
| Water | 1 quart | Boiling |
4. Take Advantage Of Fleas’ Weakness To Soap And Water
Soap and water can be a natural flea repellent. If you’ve got a flea infestation, mixing soap and water can help to repel the parasites from your pet’s fur.
Here’s how:
- To make a flea spray using soap and water, you’ll need a spray bottle filled with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water (or just fill your bottle with tap water). Next, add in 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap (like Dawn) and shake vigorously until it’s mixed thoroughly.
- Spray directly onto the dog’s coat—don’t forget behind their ears! Be sure not to get any near your dog’s eyes or mouth as this could give him/her some irritation. Do not use this on cats; it will harm them if they lick themselves after being sprayed with it!
Fleas can be quite tenacious, but did you know you can use a common kitchen ingredient to fight them off? Learn how to get rid of fleas on dogs using baking soda and protect your furry friend.
5. Try A Salt And Baking Soda Treatment
Mix salt and baking soda together to form a paste.
Sprinkle the mixture on your dog’s coat, then brush it into his or her coat.
Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
6. Pick Up Some Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural, organic way to get rid of fleas and other parasites on your dog. It has anti-fungal properties that can kill off the fleas as soon as they land on your pup’s coat.
To use it, simply mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water in an empty spray bottle and spray it all over your dog’s fur (and the carpet if you have one).
Rinse them both off again with water after 10 minutes or so, and voilà! You’ve got yourself one happy pooch who won’t be scratching his head anymore!
7. Give Your Dog A Bath With Dish Washing Liquid
If you don’t have any flea shampoo, but do have some dish washing liquid, you can use that in place of your normal dog shampoo when bathing your dog.
The main thing to keep in mind is that dish washing liquid is designed for dishes and not for dogs, so it’s best to use a mild one such as Dawn or Palmolive (or something similar).
Make sure that you rinse off all traces of dish soap when done bathing the dog because it could irritate their skin if left on too long.
Also keep in mind that this method doesn’t always work due to the fact that there are many different types of flea infestations; one method may not work for every type of infestation or animal!
It’s crucial to ensure that the flea treatment for your dog is both effective and safe. Take a look at these professional insights about how to treat dogs for fleas from a vet to make sure you’re doing the best for your pet
8. Use Diatomaceous Earth For Fleas On Dogs
If you want to use diatomaceous earth for fleas, all you have to do is mix it with water, add it to a bug sprayer and spray the mixture over your dog.
This works best if your dog is not wet or damp because the diatomaceous earth will absorb moisture and become ineffective.
It’s best used when there are no other pets in the house as they could ingest some of the substance if they lick themselves clean after being sprayed with it.
9. Try An Essential Oils Solution
Essential oils are a great alternative to chemical sprays, powders and shampoos. A mixture of essential oils at a ratio of 1:1:1 can be used safely on dogs and cats.
These natural ingredients help repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other pests that may be bothering your pet. Essential oils are also safe for humans!
10. Try Feeding Your Dog Garlic Or Brewers Yeast
Garlic is a natural flea repellent and it can be useful in other ways, too. Garlic can help boost the immune system and keep dogs healthy by boosting their overall health and well-being.
It has been proven to be good for allergies, as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory. Brewers yeast is rich in B vitamins that help with energy levels as well as general wellbeing.
11. Clean Everything Really Well, Including The Vacuum Cleaner Bag
The next thing to do is clean everything really well, including the vacuum cleaner bag. When you’re done vacuuming, take out all of the dog hair that’s trapped in there and dispose of it properly so it doesn’t get into your house again.
You’ll also want to wash your dog with soapy water and a flea comb. This will remove any remaining fleas from their fur so you can kill them more easily later on.
If these steps don’t help, try using a flea spray containing pyrethrin or pyrethrum as ingredients; this will kill the bugs faster than soap alone.
Early detection of fleas is crucial in preventing an infestation from getting out of hand. Our guide on how to tell if your dog has fleas provides valuable information to help you diagnose and handle the problem.
12. Freshen Up Carpets And Floors With Herbs Like Basil, Peppermint, Thyme, Eucalyptus Or Spearmint
If you want to freshen up your carpets and floors, use herbs like basil, peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus or spearmint. You can also use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
Make sure the herbs are organic!
If you’re using fresh herbs: Place a few sprigs of mint in a pillowcase and tie it shut with some string—then toss it into your washing machine on a high-heat cycle (no detergent needed). Once complete, hang outside to dry overnight.
If you’re using dried herbs: Mix 2 cups coarse salt with 1 cup baking soda in a large bowl; add 2 tablespoons lavender flowers or rosemary leaves plus 1 teaspoon each peppermint oil and thyme oil (or 5 drops each of clove oil and cinnamon oil).
Apply liberally to carpeting; let sit for 20 minutes before vacuuming away any residual powdery residue.
13. Use Citrus Fruits To Repel Fleas Naturally
You can also use citrus fruits to repel fleas naturally. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit are an effective way to keep fleas away from your house.
Take a few slices of lemon, orange or grapefruit and place them in bowls of water around the house. The citrus scent from these fruits will help repel fleas from your home while they’re still fresh.
If you want to go a step further and make sure that your dog is protected against fleas by using natural ingredients that don’t contain chemicals or insecticides, try making this spray:
1 cup water
1 tbsp baking soda
Puppies are especially vulnerable to flea infestations, and it’s vital to be gentle when treating them for fleas. Discover how to get rid of fleas on puppies with our in-depth guide tailored for your little furry friends.
14. Help Your Pet Feel More Comfortable Overall
Natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth and cedar bath treatments are effective, but your pet may be more comfortable if you use them in combination with a few other approaches.
Make sure your pet is comfortable. If the fleas are bothering him or her, then he or she will be more likely to scratch and bite at them, which can make things worse for everyone involved.
Take your dog out for walks frequently so that he or she gets exercise every day (in moderation). This will help keep his/her coat healthy and prevent it from getting matted down by dirt and debris that might be hiding fleas on his/her body.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand how to get rid of fleas on dogs and how it can be done without harmful chemicals. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave them in the comments below!
Further Reading
Here are some informative articles to learn more about natural ways to get rid of fleas on dogs:
Jet Pet Resort: Learn 30 ways to naturally prevent and get rid of fleas on dogs to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable.
The Wildest: Discover how to get rid of fleas on dogs using natural methods for a more environmentally-friendly and pet-safe approach.
Native Pet: Read about these home remedies for fleas on dogs that use everyday items to prevent and eliminate fleas to protect your pet effectively.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
Your dog may have fleas if they scratch excessively, bite or chew their skin, exhibit fur loss, or have irritated patches on their skin. Moreover, you might also see flea dirt, which appears like black pepper specks, in the areas they frequent.
Can I use home remedies to treat fleas on my dog?
Yes, home remedies can be used to treat fleas on dogs, but be sure to consult a vet before using any unverified or new method. Some common household items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can be effective in managing flea infestations.
How can I prevent fleas from infesting my dog?
Regular grooming, keeping your home and your dog’s bed clean, and using flea preventative treatments can help prevent fleas from infesting your dog.
Are natural flea treatments safe for puppies?
Natural flea treatments can be safe for puppies, but it is always best to consult a veterinarian before trying any new treatment. Some treatments may not be suitable for young animals or specific breeds.
Will fleas on my dog infest my home?
Yes, fleas on your dog can infest your home by laying eggs in carpets, upholstery, bedding, and other areas. Regular cleaning and treating your home for fleas can help minimize infestations.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
