Skip to content
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: Effective Solutions You Can Try
|
|
Time to read 8 min
🐶 Black Friday Sale Is Live: Free Shipping + Site-wide Discounts
0
Days
:
17
Hrs
:
39
Min
Shop
Shop
7.3k+ Happy Pets
180 days guarantee
Bestseller
Full-Spectrum (1,000mg) Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil
Full-Spectrum (600mg) Happy-Furever™ CBD Chews for Dogs
Jumbo Full-Spectrum (1,200mg) Happy-Furever™ CBD Chews
Did your dog ever experience discomfort because of flea infestation? It’s heartbreaking to see them helpless because of these tiny pests, and as pet owners, you might be wondering how to solve this problem. Fleas may be a common concern but when left unaddressed, constant dog itch can lead to more serious cases like flea allergy dermatitis and other skin allergies and infections.
It's important to know that the most effective method use an insecticidal product with ongoing action that kills fleas quickly as they hatch and jump onto the pet before they have a chance to lay further eggs. This should be done alongside thorough environmental treatments to kill fleas and their eggs.
The good news is there are home remedies for fleas on dogs you can do alongside these treatments. In this article, we'll explore non-toxic, non-invasive, home remedies for fleas on dogs you can easily find in your kitchen or pantry.
Table of Content
Why Do Dog Owners Prefer Natural Flea Repellents? 8 Effective Remedies that Repel Fleas Naturally 1. Apple cider vinegar spray 2. Lemon juice flea repellent 3. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) 4. Coconut oil rub 5. Salt and baking soda flea cleanse 6. Flea comb dipped in dish soap 7. Rosemary rinse 8. Vinegar and water treatment FAQs How often should I use these remedies to get rid of fleas? What kills fleas immediately on dogs? What is the best home remedy that kills fleas? Embracing Home Remedies for Happy, Healthier Dogs Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Why Do Dog Owners Prefer Natural Flea Repellents?
Natural home remedies for fleas on dogs are gentler for your dog and the environment and are effective at managing flea infestations.
Using chemical treatments may be the quick and easy solution with the wide range of available products in the market today: chemical-based flea spray bottles, topical spot-ons, flea collars, and oral flea medications. These may be acceptable and effective flea remedies for some, but they often come with harsh ingredients that irritate dog skin, harm the environment, and pose deadly risks if unknowingly ingested.
Many pet parents turn to safer home remedies for fleas on dogs that get the job done and protect their dog’s health and well-being.
8 Effective Remedies that Repel Fleas Naturally
Here are some of the best home remedies for fleas on dogs natural, safe, and easy to use at home:
1. Apple cider vinegar spray
Apple cider vinegar can’t kill fleas, but it can help to discourage them. Fleas hate its taste and smell, and its acidity creates a stick consistency that is also unpleasant for them.
How to Use: Mix half apple cider vinegar and half water in a spray bottle then lightly mist your dog’s coat. Be careful not to get any in their eyes!
2. Lemon juice flea repellent
Lemon's high citric acid content naturally prevents fleas in dogs. Lemon juice is also one of the safest remedies to use on your pets because of its low toxicity.
How to Use: Cut some lemon slices and boil them in about a cupful of water. After cooling the fresh lemon juice and water solution, apply half a cup of the diluted solution to your dog’s fur during bath time as a rinse to help solve your flea problem.
3. Diatomaceous earth (food grade)
Diatomaceous earth is made up of dead diatoms whose skeletons contain silica. They are used in cosmetic products or as a food-grade, purified substance that eliminates flea infestations. It works within hours of exposure by drying out pests like ticks and fleas.
How to Use: While wearing gloves and a mask, sprinkle the earth lightly on the area where your dog usually lies or stays. Don't forget to vacuum the excess powder afterward to prevent ingestion.
4. Coconut oil rub
This next home remedy for fleas on dogs has antimicrobial effects that kill fleas and soothe your pet’s irritated skin. It also helps to make your dog's fur shiny and soft. Coconut oil kills fleas by covering the parasites' bodies, suffocating them, and limiting their movements without inflaming your dog's skin.
How to Use: Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your dog's coat. Wait for 8-12 hours then wash their coat with gentle pet shampoo. Rinse well.
5. Salt and baking soda flea cleanse
Baking soda mixed with salt dehydrates flea eggs and larvae, killing them before they mature.
How to Use: As part of cleaning your dog's bedding or carpet, sprinkle a mix of baking soda on the surfaces they frequent and vacuum it up after 24 hours. Vacuuming your pet’s bedding also removes flea droppings that can irritate the dog's skin.
6. Flea comb dipped in dish soap
Dish soap, like Dawn Dish Soap, is an effective home remedy for fleas on dogs. It works by breaking down the flea's exoskeleton, causing the fleas to sink in the soapy water. This solution acts as a trap, killing adult fleas that get caught in your comb and removing dead fleas, flea dirt, and small larvae from your dog's fur. It also makes a highly effective dog shampoo.
How to Use: Prepare a solution of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Slowly comb this mixture through your dog’s coat. When you catch fleas on the comb, immediately dip the comb into the soapy water to kill them.
7. Rosemary rinse
Rosemary is a popular herb used as a repellent such as for flea control because of its natural flea-repelling properties. It also smells great and helps to heal your dog's affected skin. Studies show that the carnosic and rosmarinic acids in rosemary have highly effective antibacterial properties.
How to Use: First, boil fresh rosemary leaves in water and carefully strain the liquid. Once the rosemary 'tea' has cooled, use it as a rinse after your dog’s bath. [2]
8. Vinegar and water treatment
Vinegar’s acidity level together with its strong smell is naturally flea repellant yet still keeps your dogs safe. Vinegar can also soothe flea bites and make your dog’s coat smell better.
How to Use: Prepare a vinegar solution by mixing half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Use it as a rinse after bathing your dog. Be careful not to get any in your pet's eyes. Avoid spraying in open wounds or sores.
FAQs
How often should I use these remedies to get rid of fleas?
Be sure to consult a vet for the recommended frequency and application. Some prefer once a week for minor issues, or daily for major infestations, depending on your dog’s physical or behavioral reactions. Most home remedies for fleas on dogs can be used often though as they're non-toxic and good for your dog's coat.
What kills fleas immediately on dogs?
Dawn soap baths and diatomaceous earth, work immediately by killing fleas on contact, while others may take a few more consistent applications before you see results. While the solutions may kill adult fleas, it can be a little trickier to get rid of flea larvae and eggs.
What is the best home remedy that kills fleas?
Most pet owners don't know this but of all the flea home remedies, there is one that helps get rid of fleas and provides various health benefits for your dogs: CBD oil. It provides relief, restores smooth skin, and promotes faster healing. Specially formulated products like Happy-Furever™ Full Spectrum CBD Oil boost your dog’s immune system and even promote longevity.
Embracing Home Remedies for Happy, Healthier Dogs
- Home remedies for fleas on dogs offer a safe and effective flea prevention measure and a way to protect your dog without exposing them to harsh chemicals. From homemade sprays to using CBD oil for skin relief, these options prioritize your pet’s health and well-being.
- They’re eco-friendly, easy to use at home, and create a flea-free environment for you and your dog. When used consistently with other measures like using a flea comb, regularly washing your dog's bedding, and regularly vacuuming, these natural home remedies will help solve your flea problem safely.
- If you’re ready to explore safer solutions, start with these home remedies for fleas on dogs and consult your vet about incorporating CBD oil into your dog’s routine. Using a natural approach encourages healthier flea control and makes your dog feel loved, comfortable, and happy.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
Products Featured In This Blog
Related Readings
How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.
