If you’re a dog owner, then you know how much work it can be to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
From toys and treats to grooming supplies and more, dogs require an abundance of products just like humans do.
And with fleas being such a common problem among dogs these days (and not just in the summer), it’s important that owners know what they need to do when trying to treat their beloved pets for this pesky pest.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Recognize the signs of flea infestations |
| Consult with a vet for the most suitable treatment |
| Consider various treatment options such as oral medications, topical treatments, and flea collars |
| Follow preventive measures like regular grooming and maintaining a clean environment |
| Monitor your dog’s health closely and act promptly if fleas are detected |
Tea Tree Oil And Apple Cider Vinegar
Tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar are natural flea repellants that can be used as a spray or bath. The essential oil is highly concentrated, so it’s important to dilute it before using.
Diluting tea tree oil with water prevents it from potentially burning the skin of your dog or cat. The apple cider vinegar should be diluted one part vinegar to ten parts water (1:10).
To create your own flea spray, combine 1 cup distilled water, 6 drops of tea tree oil, and ½ teaspoon liquid soap in a bottle that has a fine mist sprayer attached to it. Shake well before each use!
If you prefer baths over sprays for treating fleas on your pet, add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar per gallon of water when filling up their tub!
It’s important to effectively treat your dog for fleas to ensure they stay healthy and comfortable. Learn the best methods for getting rid of fleas on a dog with our vet-approved guide
Borax
Borax is a natural insecticide that is toxic to fleas. It can be used in the garden or around the house, but should not be ingested by cats or dogs. You can use it in your dog’s water bowl to kill any fleas before they enter his mouth or get on his coat.
Borax should never be used on kittens under six weeks old, and it should only be applied directly to adult cats who are at least four months old and weigh at least two pounds.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural mineral |
| Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7·10H2O |
| Uses | Cleaning agent, insecticide, fungicide |
| Effectiveness | Can help control flea infestations |
Sodium Chloride
Salt is a great natural flea repellant because it dehydrates the fleas, causing them to suffocate. Salt also acts as a deodorizer and helps to dry out the skin.
It can be used in conjunction with other natural fleas treatments like garlic, brewer’s yeast, or cedar oil.
To use it on your dog:
- Add one tablespoon of salt to 1 gallon of warm water
- Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub your pup’s coat down with this concoction
- Let the mixture sit on their fur for 15 minutes before rinsing off
Garlic, Yeast And Brewer’s Yeast
Garlic, yeast and brewer’s yeast are all great for keeping your dog healthy. Garlic is a natural flea repellent, and it’s also good for humans! Yeast is a natural deodorizer. Brewer’s yeast can help with digestion issues when mixed with water and food.
Diatomaceous Earth (De)
You can use diatomaceous earth (DE) as a natural flea treatment. DE is a powder that’s made up of fossilized algae and has long been used to treat insects, including fleas and ticks.
It works by dehydrating the insect, leading to its death. While DE kills insects by absorbing the oils in their exoskeletons, it won’t harm your dog or cat because it doesn’t contain any chemicals.
Aromatherapy And Essential Oils That Repel Fleas
If you want to use aromatherapy and essential oils, there are many different ways to incorporate them into your routine.
Essential oils can be added to a base of carrier oil which can then be applied topically or diffused throughout the room. Here are a few suggestions for what essential oil blends work best:
- Eucalyptus / Rosemary / Thyme – Repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
- Citronella – Repels fleas & ticks
- Lemongrass – Repels fleas & ticks
If you’re looking for something more natural than an over-the-counter topical treatment for fleas on your dog, these options may provide relief from their itching and scratching too!
While fleas are one problem, mosquitoes can irritate your pet too. Maintain your dog’s well-being by finding out how to keep mosquitoes off dogs in our vet-approved article.
Salt Plus Lemon Juice
Next up, we have salt plus lemon juice. This solution is one of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of fleas in your dog’s fur.
To make it, combine 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture all over your dog’s fur and skin, making sure to rinse well afterward so they don’t lick off any crystals or sandpaper-like pieces (which could irritate their mouth). Repeat every 3 days until you’re flea-free!
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural home remedy |
| Main Ingredients | Salt and lemon juice |
| Uses | Cleaning, disinfecting, exfoliating |
| Effectiveness | May offer relief from flea infestations |
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide derived from the neem tree, which is native to India. It can be used on dogs for flea prevention and treatment.
Just like with any other essential oil, however, it’s critical to understand how it should be used properly and safely.
Here are some things you should know about neem oil:
- Neem has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries; this includes the prevention of ticks, mites and lice along with its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and antibacterial agent (1).
- You can get neem oil at most health food stores or online if you don’t have one nearby.
Baking Soda And Salt
This is a great way to get rid of fleas, and it’s cheap! You just need baking soda and salt. Mix one part baking soda with three parts salt, then sprinkle the mixture on your carpet and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Vacuum up the mixture, or use a broom or brush to sweep it up if you don’t have a vacuum handy. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any fleas in your home!
Looking for a DIY solution to treat fleas on dogs? Discover the effectiveness of using baking soda for flea treatment on dogs in our easy-to-follow guide
Lemon Spray
The next time you’re making a homemade cleaning solution, try mixing lemon juice with water. The citric acid in the juice kills the fleas, while the alcohol helps dry them out. If you don’t want to make your own spray, Dr. Google is always there for you!
Mix 1 part lemon juice with 1 part water and 10 parts witch hazel, then spray it all over your dog’s coat. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water (not hot) and towel drying them as they shake their fur out.
To get every last flea out of their fur, use a cotton ball dipped in more of this mixture and apply it to their skin since fleas tend to hide there instead of on top where our eyes can see them easily enough anyway…just like those little red ants that seem invincible but really aren’t when sprayed with Raid.”
Citrus Fruit Peels, Dried Rosemary And Cloves
In addition to the above products, you can use citrus fruits to make a flea repellent spray. Citrus is a natural insect repellent and works especially well on fleas.
You can get creative with this one by adding dried rosemary or cloves to your mixture of citrus fruit peels (lemon peel, orange peel, lime peel, grapefruit peel, tangerine peel, kumquat peel or clementine).
If you have a dog that loves biting at things in his environment (or even if he doesn’t), it may be possible that he has an oral fixation problem that needs addressing.
If this is the case for your furry friend then take some time before bedtime each night to play with him using chew toys like Nylabones or Kongs so that he isn’t left feeling bored during this time when humans are getting ready for sleep.
Puppies are especially vulnerable to flea infestations. Learn how to get rid of fleas on puppies with our comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide.
Herbal Flea Repellants For Dogs
Tea tree oil. This can be made into a spray by mixing 2 parts water with 1 part tea tree oil in a spray bottle and shaking it well before use.
You can also add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo or conditioner you use on your dog, which will help kill fleas in addition to helping control dandruff and dry skin (which are common problems for dogs).
Eucalyptus oil. Rub some eucalyptus oil directly on your dog’s coat as needed, or mix it into bath water for an all-over treatment.
Lavender essential oil can be used in much the same way as other herbal insect repellants: just rub some onto your pup’s fur and skin!
Be sure not to get any near the eyes though because lavender essential oils are known irritants that could cause eye damage over time if they come into contact with them often enough (or even once).
Noticing your dog scratching more than usual? There’s a chance it has fleas. Our article on how to tell if a dog has fleas will help you identify the signs and take the necessary steps for treatment.
Conclusion
Dog flea repellent is a must-have in every pet owner’s arsenal. It can help to keep your dog safe and healthy, as well as protect your home from the harmful effects of flea infestation.
The methods we have outlined above are just some of the many options available for treating fleas on dogs.
While some may seem more effective than others, it is important not to rely solely on an herbal remedy or one method alone because it could cause problems down the road if left untreated for too long!
Further Reading
To learn more about flea treatment and prevention in pets, explore these resources:
WebMD: How to Remove Fleas from Your Pet – This article by WebMD offers expert advice on how to safely and effectively remove fleas from your pet, ensuring a healthy and happy companion.
WebMD: Slideshow – Flea and Tick Overview – In this visually informative slideshow, WebMD outlines the common types of fleas and ticks, their lifecycle, and the health risks associated with these parasites.
AKC: How to Get Rid of Fleas – The American Kennel Club provides valuable guidance on how to eliminate fleas from your dog and its environment, helping you maintain a flea-free home.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
You may notice your dog scratching or biting more than usual, or you might see flea dirt (small, dark specks) in their fur. A flea comb can help to locate adult fleas or flea eggs.
What’s the best way to treat fleas on dogs?
There are various flea treatment options, including oral medications, topical treatments, and flea collars. Consult with your vet to determine the most suitable treatment for your dog.
Are home remedies effective for treating fleas?
Some home remedies, such as using baking soda, might help to alleviate flea infestations. However, it is best to consult your vet for expert advice on flea treatment options.
Can fleas harm my dog’s health?
Untreated flea infestations can lead to various health issues, such as skin irritation, allergies, tapeworms, and anemia. Early detection and treatment are crucial for your dog’s well-being.
How can I prevent flea infestations on my dog?
Regularly grooming, using preventive treatments, and maintaining a clean environment for your dog are essential steps to keep fleas at bay. Always consult with your vet for specific recommendations tailored to your dog’s needs.
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!
