Home Remedies For Tackling Your Dog’s Fleas

Fleas are certainly a problem for your dog, if they should be unfortunate enough to acquire them. They should be treated quickly and with purpose because there is a strong chance that your dog’s fleas will soon also become your fleas. These devious little bugs can cause things like itching, severe skin irritation, and even rare allergic reactions. Most people would have you douse your dog in harsh chemical solutions in order to get rid of them, but there are other solutions as well! Today, we are going to explore more natural solutions for your dog’s flea problems. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help manage fleas naturally, including a few unconventional approaches that you might not have considered. Let’s explore the best ways to tackle fleas using what you have at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile and natural solution that can help repel fleas by creating an acidic environment that fleas dislike. It doesn’t kill fleas but makes your dog’s skin less attractive to them, reducing the likelihood of an infestation.

• How to Use: Mix equal parts of ACV and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your dog’s coat, avoiding the eyes, and let it air dry. You can also add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog’s water bowl to help change the pH balance of their skin from the inside out.

Lemon Spray

Lemons contain citric acid, which is a natural flea killer. This citrus solution can be an excellent alternative to chemical treatments, leaving your dog smelling fresh while keeping fleas at bay.

• How to Use: Slice a lemon and steep it in boiling water overnight. Pour the cooled liquid into a spray bottle and apply it to your dog’s fur, focusing on areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as around the neck and base of the tail.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can soothe your dog’s skin while repelling fleas. The oil helps suffocate fleas and makes it difficult for them to latch onto your dog’s fur.

• How to Use: Rub a small amount of coconut oil between your palms and gently massage it into your dog’s coat. Be sure to reach all the way down to the skin for the best results. As an added bonus, it will make your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from crushed fossilized algae. It works by dehydrating and killing fleas on contact. Be sure to use food-grade DE, as the industrial version can be harmful.

• How to Use: Lightly dust your dog’s coat with DE, avoiding their face, and gently rub it into the fur. You can also sprinkle it around your home, including carpets, bedding, and pet sleeping areas. Vacuum thoroughly after a few hours to remove dead fleas and excess powder.

Baking Soda and Salt

A simple mixture of baking soda and salt can dehydrate and kill fleas in your home. This remedy works particularly well on carpets and upholstered furniture, where fleas often lay eggs.

• How to Use: Mix equal parts baking soda and salt and sprinkle the mixture onto carpets and furniture. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat as needed until fleas are gone.

Rosemary Flea Dip

Rosemary is a natural flea repellent with a pleasant scent. This herbal remedy can soothe your dog’s skin while keeping fleas at bay.

• How to Use: Boil a few sprigs of fresh rosemary in water, then strain and allow the liquid to cool. Pour the rosemary water over your dog after a bath, allowing it to air dry without rinsing off.

Flea Comb and Soapy Water

A fine-toothed flea comb is one of the simplest ways to physically remove fleas from your dog’s coat. For added effectiveness, dip the comb in soapy water to trap and kill the fleas on contact.

• How to Use: Gently comb through your dog’s fur, focusing on flea-prone areas like the neck and tail. Dip the comb in soapy water frequently to catch and kill the fleas.

Essential Oils: Lavender and Cedarwood

Certain essential oils, such as lavender and cedarwood, have flea-repelling properties and can be used as natural alternatives to chemical flea treatments. However, caution should be taken, as some essential oils can be toxic to dogs if used improperly.

• How to Use: Dilute a few drops of lavender or cedarwood oil in a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, and lightly rub it onto your dog’s fur. Always perform a patch test first to ensure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction.

Brewer’s Yeast: A Dietary Defense

Brewer’s yeast is an unconventional remedy that can help deter fleas when added to your dog’s diet. The yeast produces an odor that fleas find unappealing, making your dog less attractive to them.

• How to Use: Add a small amount of brewer’s yeast to your dog’s food daily. Consult your vet for the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight.

Unconventional: Nematodes for Yard Control

For a truly outside-the-box approach, consider using nematodes—microscopic worms that can be released into your yard to hunt and kill flea larvae. Nematodes are safe for pets and humans but are deadly to fleas, making them an eco-friendly solution for flea control.

• How to Use: Purchase nematodes from a garden center or online and apply them to your yard following the package instructions. This method is particularly effective in warm, moist climates.

A Brief “Paws” Before Leaving

We hope you enjoyed learning about flea removal and prevention solutions. We also encourage you to try out our very own flagship product called Numzz which is a soft, liver flavored treat that you can buy here to help get the dog you love fast and safe pain relief. If you would like to know more about this or anything else in the realm of dog supplements and natural pain relief, we are happy to help. Just contact us and we can answer your questions or help you place your first order. We look forward to hearing from you!