For most dog owners, fleas are a real problem. It is rather unfortunate that a lot of families report using flea control products on their pets. What these families fail to understand is that when they use chemical flea control products, they will also expose their children and other family members to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. In addition, their companion animal may also suffer from illness or may die as a result of chronic low-dose exposure to insecticides. If your dog has fleas, there are non-toxic alternative solutions that can effectively address the problem.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs
If your canine friend has fleas, it means that your house is also infested with these blood-sucking pests. To address the problem completely, you need to treat your house for fleas as well as your dog. The first and most important tip is to clean and sanitize your house, especially your pet’s environment. Vacuum your interiors, including your furniture, and properly seal the vacuum bags once you are finished. It is also advisable to wash all the bedding and rugs in your home. In doing so, you will not only get rid of adult fleas but their eggs as well. Other solutions include the following.
Bathe Your Dog: A lot of veterinarians may suggest different kinds of flea shampoo for your companion animal, but one of the most effective solutions for fleas is dishwashing liquid. The oils found in the liquid will suffocate the fleas, and prevent their eggs from sticking to your dog’s hair follicles. This liquid soap also keeps your dog’s skin and fur from drying out. Here’s a simple tip for bathing your dog:
- You must first apply the soap on your dog’s neck. This must be done quickly since fleas may swarm to your dog’s face and crawl into his ears and nose to hide.
- Completely cover your pooch with dishwashing soap and keep him drenched for five minutes.
- Rinse the soap well. Most fleas die or go away after bathing your dog. You need to do this regularly, at least once in a week, to get rid of any remaining pests.
Home-made Flea Spray: Although bathing your dog can get rid of fleas residing on your dog’s fur, it doesn’t mean that your dog will be protected from future infestation. With that said, it is advisable to apply a non-toxic flea spray to kill off remaining fleas and to repel other insects and bugs. You can create your own homemade flea spray with the following ingredients.
- 600ml lukewarm water
- 2 drops each of lavender and cedar essential oil
Mix the oils and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your canine’s fur. Remember to avoid spraying on sensitive areas, such as the eyes and nose area. You can also create a solution with these ingredients:
- A gallon of vinegar
- Half gallon of water
- 16 oz. of lemon juice
- 8 oz. of witch hazel
Mix them together and spray it on your dog every seven days for at least 2-3 weeks. You can also use this solution to get rid of fleas from your home. Spray the solution onto your furniture, walls, carpets, and so on.
Boric Acid: You can use this substance to treat your flea-infested house. Sprinkle it on your carpet, upholstery, or on rugs. Leave it for a few minutes then vacuum it up. This substance can kill the flea larvae, but it is not harmful for your family or for your dog.
Apple Cider Vinegar: You can mix at least a spoonful of vinegar into your dog’s water. This will make their skin more acidic which repels fleas and other bugs. If your canine friend doesn’t like to drink water mixed with vinegar, you can use it as a flea spray.
Brewer’s Yeast: You can add crushed brewer’s yeast tablets onto your canine’s food. This will make your companion pet’s skin less enticing for blood-sucking pests. Remember to consult your dog’s vet first before administering this solution.
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Kris Bennette is an animal advocate who offers tips for pet health and grooming. She aims to help her readers learn more about the non-toxic solutions to get rid of fleas on dogs.
