How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs?

‘A dog is the single thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself’. So don’t you think that you should give him all the love and care he deserves. Dog lovers often have a problem of flea infestation. These wingless and cranny creatures do not allow your dog to live peacefully. Fleas cause anemia or can cause a certain amount of blood loss. These creepy insects love to survive on warm vertebrates and for them, your dog is the best option. But don’t worry, in this article, you will find some natural ways to get rid of fleas on dogs.

Common Ways of Fleas on Dogs:

• Dogs get fleas from other animals such as cats, rodents, squirrels, rabbits and birds.
• Fleas are attracted to dogs at home. For example,  you can bring fleas to your house via your clothing and shoes. It can spread through infested blankets and the toys used by your dog.
• Dogs usually get fleas from outside such as Dog run or park, backyard, kennels, dog houses, under the porch and neighboring yards.

Signs of Fleas in Dogs:

• Flea dirt in a dog’s coat.
• Tapeworms
• Allergic dermatitis.
• Excessive scratching and licking the skin.
• Hair loss.
• Flea eggs in dog’s environment.
• Scabs and hot spots.
• Pale gums.

 

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs:

1. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar:

This could be a great choice to get rid of fleas on dogs as it does not contain any type of chemicals and is natural. It not only helps to keep fleas away but also makes the skin shiny by coating it.

Instructions to Use:

Method 1:

Follow the steps given below:

• Fill the utensil of your dog with water.
• Now add apple cider vinegar according to its weight. For example,  if your dog is about 40 pounds then you will add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Allow your dog to drink this water.

Method 2:

Follow the steps given below:

• Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and warm water.
• Fill it in a spray bottle.
• Spray it all over the skin, especially behind the ears, under the legs and at the base of the tail.

2. Rosemary Water to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs:

Rosemary is a natural flea repellant. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to keep your dog away from fleas. It will also make your dog’s skin silky and glossy. You can also plant a rosemary herb in your garden.

Instructions to Use:

• Boil two quarts of water.
• Add 2 cups of rosemary leaves.
• Steep it for 30 minutes.
• Strain the leaves and allow the water to cool down.
• Now shampoo your dog. Remember the shampoo should not go in his eyes or mouth.
• Dry him using a towel.
• Apply the rosemary wash which you prepared.
• Allow it to dry naturally.
• Repeat the process whenever necessary.

3. Lavender Oil to Kill fleas on Dogs:

Lavender oil repels the fleas naturally. It is also used to calm down the dog by alleviating unpleasant skin conditions.

Instructions to Use:

Method 1:

Follow the steps given below:

• Give your dog a bath with warm water and shampoo.
• Dry him using a towel.
• Massage the lavender oil gently on his coat, especially on areas which are more prone to fleas.

Method 2:

Follow the steps given below:

• Take a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of water.
• Add 5 to 6 drops of lavender oil.
• Take a cloth which is small in width, but has enough length so that it could be tied around the neck of your dog.
• Apply the solution on the cloth properly.
• Tie the cloth across the neck of your dog.
• Dip the cloth every week.

4. Lemon to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs:

The limonene present in lemon is a chemical that kills fleas and is safe for the dogs.

Instructions to Use:

• Boil a bowl of water.
• Add slices of fresh lemon.
• Cover it and leave for a few hours.
• Soak a sponge in the solution.
• Apply it on the dog’s coat.
• Do this when needed.

5. Natural Flea Spray:

This homemade spray is a good choice to get rid of fleas on dogs. This is one of the cheapest methods and will prevent you from using harsh chemicals. It will give your dog a glowing skin.

Instructions to Use:

• Take one quart of fresh water.
• Add one cup of apple cider vinegar.
• Add a few drops of lavender oil.
• Fill the solution in a spray bottle.
• Spray it on your dog’s coat.
• You can also spray it on his bedding and nearby areas.

6. Muslin Bag to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs:

This is a natural way to ward off fleas. To try this method, follow the steps given below:

Instructions to Use:

• Take a muslin cloth and fold it.
• Leave one side and stitch the rest of them.
• Fill the cloth with a handful of cedar chips.
• Add 2 teaspoons of lavender and one lemon peel.
• Close the mouth of the cloth using a ribbon or band.
• Keep this bag near your dog’s bedding.
• Change the ingredients in the bag after every month.

7. Bath to Remove Fleas on Dogs:

Hygiene is very necessary to get rid of fleas on dogs. A regular bath will help to ward off fleas.

Instructions to Follow:

• Fill a bucket of water.
• Add sufficient amount of lemon juice to it.
• Pour the water on the dog to make him wet completely
• Add ½ cup of shampoo. It is suggested to use a medicated shampoo.
• Wash your dog properly to kill fleas.
• Give him a bath on a regular basis.

8. Brewer’s Yeast to Repel Fleas:

This is a natural treatment to get rid of fleas. Brewer’s yeast seeps into the dog’s skin and is excreted through his pores which keep the fleas away from him.

Instructions to Use:

Method 1:

Follow the steps given below:

• You can add brewer’s yeast at the time of feeding.
• Mix the amount according to your dog’s weight. For example, if your dog is of 5 pounds then you can add one milligram of brewers yeast.

Method 2:

Follow the steps given below:

• Use a comb to take out fleas from the hair of your dog.
• Drop the fleas in a soapy water.
• Now instead of powder apply brewers yeast on the coat.

Method 3:

Feed your dog with brewer’s yeast pills.

9. Clean House to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs:

Vacuum your home regularly and don’t forget to empty your vacuum bag. You can sprinkle some salt a day before to evict fleas. Clean your dog’s bedding with hot water. You can also use eucalyptus oil as it kills 99% of house dust mites.

10. Garlic to Keep the fleas away:

The smell of garlic is not even liked by the fleas. Feed your dog with garlic and the smell is excreted through his skin. You can also give him a breath freshener after that.

Tips to Prevent Fleas on Dogs:

• Keep your garden clean: Roaming in the garden can be your dog’s favorite pastime. But this can attract a lot of fleas. In order to prevent your dog from fleas make sure that your yard is clean. You can plant a rosemary herb in your garden area.
• Vacuum: This can be helpful to clear the immature fleas (eggs). Vacuum those areas frequently where your dog visits. For example, the carpet on which he sits, his bedding and all the other areas.
• Wash his blankets properly in hot water and take care of all the things that he uses.
• Hand door mats are non-washable items so you can hang them out in direct sunlight.