7 Effective Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs

If you are a dog dad or mom, you know that dog fleas are not nice. Since you don’t need to always hire professionals to help you get rid of your dog fleas, we created the best home remedies for fleas on dogs for you.

From treating your dog to treating your home, we have found some easy home remedies for fleas on dogs for you. There are many medical flea treatments that work wonders, but that doesn’t stop you from trying home remedies for fleas on dogs and cut your budget.

Fleas on your dog can be a real headache for you and a health issue for your pup. If you take your dog to the vet with a skin irritation, the first question you will be asked is, “what flea treatment do you have your dog on?”

Fleas are small pests, whose bite provoke an itching sensation that results in what seems like endless scratching. But scratching is just a tip of an iceberg, as dogs who are allergic to flea saliva can develop skin redness, swelling and welts.

Flea bite can also cause skin lesions from constant licking. In fact, flea bites can result in anemia, and if fleas are ingested during the pup’s non-stop grooming, there could be tapeworm infestations.

When your dog is constantly scratching his body, loose hair and dead skin can result in housework, causing some parts of your home to be difficult to clean.

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That is why you need to get rid of fleas using home remedies for fleas on dogs. But fleas are small and move quickly, so a simple visual inspection is not always enough. To know if your dog has fleas, check for black specks on his skin and coat.

Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs

Here are the working and easy to use home remedies for fleas on dogs

1. Flea Comb

Flea Comb is an affordable and practical solution for fleas on dogs. It is a must-have for dog owners that are looking for a natural flea killer. These combs come in different sizes, but all have closely spaced teeth that help remove both fleas and eggs from your dog’s coat.

To use this comb, dip it in soapy water after each pass to kill both the eggs and adults it picks up.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC)

Apple Cider Vinegar has a slightly acidic pH level that creates an environment that is not comfortable for fleas. Mix 6 cups of AVC with 4 cups of water (6:4 ratio), add a pinch of salt, and then spray the mixture on your dog’s coat and his underbelly, making sure to avoid any wound on him and his eyes.

3. Lime Or Lemon Comb/Lemon Bath

Dip your dog’s comb in fresh lemon juice or lime juice and make multiple passes through his coat. You can also use a cloth dipped in the juice if your pup’s coat is short or slick. Another option is to dilute lemon juice with water in a 1:2 ratio and add a splash of pet shampoo.

4. Collars

Dilute 2 – 3 drops of oil in 1 – 3 tablespoons of water and apply a few drops to your dog’s existing collar or to a bandana. However, you will need to reapply the mixture regularly.

Cedar or lavender oil naturally repels fleas, but be sure to test them with dog before using them on on anything that goes around his neck.

5. Essential Oils

Though essential oils keep fleas away, you need to use them with caution because some of them are harmful to dogs. Before adopting this approach, it is important to consult your vet.

Some essential oils including peppermint, rosemary and highly diluted tea-tree oils are very effective home remedies for fleas on dogs. Neem oil, derived from neem’s tree seeds, native to India, is also highly effective.

You must dilute essential oil in a carrier before being applied or sprayed on your dog’s coat. You can also add essential oils to your pup’s shampoo.

6. Rosemary

Steep the needles in boiling water, strain and dilute. When the water reaches a comfortable temperature, pour it over the pup and work into his coat. Using a mortar and pestle, you can make a fine powder with dried rosemary, wormwood rue and fennel to sprinkle around your home.

Be sure that your dog is comfortable with the smell before you use it as a dip or an ingredient in the sprinkle powder.

7. Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs – Treating Your Dog From the Inside

You can also use home remedies for fleas on dogs to treat your dog from inside, too. Adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your dog’s water bowl can give your dog’s skin an acidity taste that makes him less attractive to fleas.

Mix a teaspoon of ACV with every quart of water. You can ask your vet to know the exact amount of vinegar your dog’s weight can safely ingest. If your dog turns up his nose at this new liquid mix, start with a tiny amount of ACV and increase as your dog gets used to the taste and smell.

8. Rid Your Home Of Fleas

One of the most important things to do when you notice a flea infestation in your home is to launder, using hot water if possible.

Launder all machine-washable soft furnishings your dog comes in contact with, including blankets, pillow covers, sofa, curtains and cushion covers, then tumble dry for about 20 minutes on high or a little longer on lower heat if the material is subject to shrinkage. This will help kill adult fleas and larvae.

You can do this regularly even if you don’t see fleas, as it is a good idea to launder anything your dog sleeps on regularly, and vacuum furniture and floors at least weekly. A monthly steam-cleaning can also help.

The life cycle of a flea from egg to adult is about two to three weeks, so weekly cleaning can help prevent fleas from settling in. Keep in mind that over 90% of the flea population in the home is not on your pet but in the home environment in the form of eggs, larvae and pupae.

Larvae of flea don’t like light, so be sure to vacuum under your furniture, rug and around baseboards.

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Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fossilized remain of microscopic diatoms, broken down into a fine, white, silica-based powder. When fleas and any pest such as bedbugs, ticks and ants come in contact with it, it destroys their exoskeleton and they dry out and die.

This diatomaceous earth comes in two forms, food-grade and pool/filter. Be sure to get the food-grade, which is low in crystalline silica and nontoxic to animals and humans. When distributing it, wear a mask because it can irritate the throat and eyes.

Sprinkle it in the areas you suspect to have high flea activity and leave it for about two days before vacuuming the area thoroughly. Empty the cannister or replace the bag outside. You can also use it outside on the lawn or on any area in which your pup regularly stretches out.

Nematodes

Nematodes are small worms that live in the soil and some types of nematodes can help you fight fleas, grubs and termites. Mix the nematodes with water and spray throughout your yard. Be sure to read the packaging carefully and use the correct amount of water.

Baking soda and salt

Baking soda and salt dehydrate fleas and their eggs. Sprinkle the mixture liberally around your house and use a broom to work it into carpet fibers and under furniture. Leave for one or two days and then vacuum thoroughly.

Carefully clean your vacuum afterward and empty the cannister or replace the bag outside.

Also, many sources recommend giving your dog brewer’s yeast to help repel fleas. Before trying this, be sure to consult your vet. The most important thing is to feed your dog a balanced diet and be vigilant about his health.

To keep your dog healthy always, try the above 7 Effective Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs and you will be amazed at how wonderful they work.