6 Natural Flea Remedies For Dogs

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Tired of using chemicals? Try these all-natural flea remedies for dogs

It’s no secret that dogs sometimes get themselves covered in creepy crawlies. While it might not be pleasant, it’s just one of those things about having a canine companion. However, the nasty part is having to cover your precious pup in chemical pesticides to get rid of them. These kinds of products can have potentially harmful side effects for both you and your dog. Instead, why not try any of these natural flea remedies for dogs to either prevent or get rid of these pests.

Why are fleas such an annoyance, you ask? Ha. As if you have to ask. If you’ve ever had any encounters with those little suckers, you know.

First, fleas are notorious for multiplying in crazy ways. They love finding themselves a nice and toasty host. That’s because they like to be warm (and warmer climates) and your dog makes the perfect place for them to make their 100-day lifespan a tropical paradise.

Yes, they hang around for several dozen days and once they find a place they likey, they stay.

And then they multiply like rabbits. Fleas can (and do) lay anywhere between 20-40 eggs a day. That’s A DAY, folks. You can see how it’s easy for an infestation to happen in no time flat, and how important it is for you to get a hold on things before it gets there. Getting rid of a flea infestation is a bit like getting rid of bed bugs or lice–a lot of work for what seems like hardly any pay-off.

So, on that note, why would you even bother with a natural remedy? Why not go straight for the big, chemical guns?

Well, the problem with those is that they’re toxic. Yes, pretty effective, but toxic–to you and to your family and pets. So if you can do the same job with more natural and holistic remedies, why wouldn’t you?

And with that, here are six of the most tried-and-true remedies given and recommended by our readers and vets.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

While it might not kill fleas, apple cider vinegar can be extremely effective at deterring them. You can either rub it into your dog’s fur or put a splash into her water. If applying it topically, it’s a good idea to do so before each time your dog goes out. Dilute it 50/50 with water. Don’t worry, once it dries, there’ll be no residual vinegar smell. In fact, it may even remove odors from your pet’s fur. If giving it to your pooch in water, add roughly 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to every quart of drinking water.

5. Rosemary Flea Dip

Rosemary is a natural antiseptic and has been used as a medicinal herb for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It’s these properties that make it great for warding off fleas. You can use it to make a natural flea dip by boiling about 2 cups of fresh rosemary in 2 pints of water. Let it steep as it cools and then strain out the rosemary. Pour the water over your dog and allow it to dry naturally.

4. Brewer’s Yeast

If you want to make your pooch less tasty to those pesky fleas, adding brewer’s yeast tablets to her food is a good way to go about it. For some reason, fleas hate the taste of this substance, and stay away from dogs who regularly consume it. To find out a safe dosage for your four-legged friend, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

3. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are known for their flea repelling properties. What’s more, they’re completely harmless to your dog and can be found in any grocery store, or perhaps even your garden, if you live in a warm climate. Squeeze the juice from an orange or lemon and rub it into your dog’s fur. Not only will it protect against fleas, but it will also make your pup’s coat smell good, too!

2. Water

It might sound ridiculously basic, as far as flea treatments go, but bathing your dog in water can actually get rid of most of her fleas. This is because fleas can’t grasp to the shafts of hair, the way human lice do, so if you give your dog a good bath – just with water, or with a doggy shampoo, if you want – most of her fleas should fall right off and drown. Good riddance!

1. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is great for ridding dogs of fleas. You can apply it topically to your dog’s coat, but you should never apply it neat, as it an irritant the skin. It should be made into a 2% dilution, by mixing it with a neutral carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. This means that you would mix 12 drops of the essential oil with 1 fluid ounce of carrier oil. Alternatively, you may be able to buy your lavender essential oil already diluted.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Product Review: Raycop RN Allergen Vacuum Leaves No Pet Hair Behind

You know how sometimes you’re lucky enough to stumble across an appliance that you never knew you needed until you got it, and then you can’t imagine how you go…
What Is Pancreatitis in Cats?

While it''s not known what causes the condition, pancreatitis in cats is a serious issue. Here''s what you should know about the disease.
Irish Wolfhound

Known as the tallest of dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant. This breed is easy going, soft natured, calm, sensitive, sweet, and patient.
Freshwater Gobies

Freshwater gobies are generally peaceful community fish that can be kept with other community species. They belong to the family Gobiidae group of Goby.
6 Tips On Teaching Your Puppy To Come When Called

Some commands and tricks that you teach your dog are simply for entertainment, but teaching your puppy to come when called doesn''t fall into this category.
Russian Harlequin Hound

The Russian Harlequin Hound has excellent hunting skills and also makes a pleasant family pet. This scenthound as a friendly and good-natured breed.
European Shorthair

Today, the sleek and stocky European Shorthair may be the most common feline in Europe, and it may also be the oldest feline breed in continental Europe.
How to Teach Your Dog to Speak

One of the cutest, and easiest, tricks to teach your dog is to speak (or woof) on command. We''ve broken down the steps for you to follow.
Cat Tail Injuries: What You Need To Know

A cat''s tail acts as an important appendage to her everyday life. That''s why you need to know about cat tail injuries and how to tell if your kitty is hurt.
Cashmere Cat

The Cashmere cat is also known as the Bengal Longhair. It is basically the longhaired version of the modern Bengal, but still considered rare.
Snoop Dogg Releases Own Pet Accessory Line on Amazon

Looking fly won’t be difficult for your pet – at least not now when Snoop Dogg himself released a line of pet clothes, accessories, and other pet goodies for canines of all shapes and sizes.
French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is a unique dog because it technically fills the role of a setter but is classified as a spaniel. An intelligent and active hunting breed.
What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?

Naked feelings of love, fairness and jealousy of our loyal companions Any long-time dog lover will be able tell you that their dog has feelings. But is there…
Britain Passes New Dog Microchipping Law

Britain has decided to make microchipping mandatory for all pets by April 2016 in the hopes of returning lost dogs to its owners.
Black Capped Conure

With their unique looks, vibrant patterns and a friendly, silly personality, the Black Capped Conure has found its way into the hearts of many owners.