We can’t stand to see our pets suffer, and that includes suffering from the irritating bites of fleas. Watching our pups scratch and bite incessantly at itchy skin is enough to drive any pet owner crazy, but we don’t always want to deal with the chemicals in flea collars or commercial topical treatments either. If you need to help keep your pup flea-free but want a better option, check out the following natural flea treatment for dogs.
7 Ways To Get Natural Flea Treatment For Dogs
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural flea treatment for dogs because it contains a fatty acid called lauric acid. The lauric acid covers the fleas’ exoskeleton and suffocates them, giving your pet some much-needed relief.
When using this method, make sure to apply the coconut oil to your pooch outside. Because this remedy is a flea repellant, the fleas may make a break for it and leap off your pet. Work the oil into your dog’s fur and skin all over. After you coat them thoroughly and let the oil sit for a few minutes, bathe your dog outside to remove it.
Dish Soap
To use dish soap as a natural flea treatment for dogs, add a small amount of Dawn dish soap to plenty of water. Use it to lather your dog’s skin. The detergents and surfactants in Dawn dish soap compromise the flea’s exoskeleton and suffocate the pests much as coconut oil does. The detergent in the soap also reduces the surface tension in the water you use to bathe your pet so the fleas cannot float. Instead, they sink to the bottom and drown. Dawn dish soap is also effective at washing away flea eggs from your pet’s skin and fur.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works as a flea repellant due to its high pH level. This substance works both as a topical repellant on your dogs as well as ingested. To apply it to your dog’s coat, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:2 ratio (1 part vinegar and 2 parts water). Add the mixture to a spray bottle and apply liberally over the coat. Be sure to avoid the face and eyes. To give it to your dog to drink, add a tablespoon of water to your dog’s large water bowl. If you aren’t sure about the concentration, consult your veterinarian.
Citrus Bath
Citrus works in a similar manner as vinegar does as a natural flea treatment for dogs. Mix lemon juice and warm water in a spray bottle in a 1:2 ratio. Apply it to your dog’s coat in the same way as the vinegar solution above. You can also use this mixture as a cleaner on the surfaces in your home.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils are useful for natural flea treatment for dogs, but not all. Before you use any essential oils, know that some are toxic to dogs. Avoid tea tree oil, pennyroyal, pine oils, and wintergreen oils. Dog-safe essential oils include lavender and peppermint. Place one or two drops of oil on your dog’s neck or dilute the oil with water and apply it over your dog’s entire coat.
Natural Flea Treatments For Your Home
Now that we’ve discussed natural flea treatments for your dog, let’s discuss natural flea treatments for your home.
Baking Soda and Salt
To remove fleas from your home without using harsh chemicals, use baking soda and salt. Mix together equal parts baking soda and salt and sprinkle it liberally into your carpets. The salt/baking soda mixture dehydrates fleas and flea eggs that come into contact with the powder. After a few hours, vacuum the carpets to remove the powder and dead fleas and enjoy a pest-less house.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fantastic way to rid your house of fleas. It also works on other household pests such as bedbugs. This substance damages the fleas’ exoskeletons and draws the moisture out of their bodies to kill them. This is a fantastic method to use in your home while simultaneously treating your dog for fleas. Simply sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your home, on baseboards, bedding, furniture, etc, then vacuum after a few hours.
Nematodes
Nematodes are another natural flea treatment that works to control the pests in your yard. Nematodes are tiny worms that eat insect larvae, including fleas. These critters are usually for sale at your local garden center. Once you bring the nematodes home, mix them with water in a spray bottle and spray them around your yard to keep the flea population down. With fewer fleas in your yard, you’re less likely to get fleas on your dogs or in your home.
A Better Way To Kill Fleas
No matter which natural flea treatment for dogs you decide to use, you can rest easy knowing you aren’t using chemicals that might potentially harm your dog as much as help them. If ever in doubt about whether a natural flea treatment is right for your dog, always contact your veterinarian with any questions before use.
