You know that feeling when your pet dog comes running over and jumps on you, but when you look down at them, there’s nothing but fleas crawling all over them?
If you’ve ever felt that way, then today is your lucky day!
We’re going to talk about household products that can help get rid of those pesky pests once and for all.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Household products can be used for flea control on dogs. |
| Common household products include vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. |
| Essential oils like lavender and cedarwood can help repel fleas. |
| Care should be taken when using essential oils around dogs, as some can be toxic to them. |
| Regular grooming and cleaning of your dog’s bedding can help prevent fleas. |
| Consult with a veterinarian before using any household products on your dog for flea control. |
Lemons
Lemons are a natural flea repellent, so if you want to keep your dog from getting fleas, you can use lemon juice on them.
However, be careful not to get any of the juice in their eyes—you don’t want your pup squinting! Lemons also make an effective shampoo when used with water and soap.
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Garlic
There are many ways to use garlic for fleas.
You can rub the fresh or dried clove directly on your dog’s skin, but this method is not recommended for long-term use as it may cause irritation and even infection in sensitive areas.
Garlic oil (also known as garlic essential oil) can be used topically to kill fleas; dilute it with water if your dog has sensitive skin, or make sure you test a small area first if he doesn’t have any skin issues at all. Apply daily for about one week until the fleas are gone.
You can also add garlic extract powder or supplement tablets (usually available at health food stores) in order to get the benefits of garlic without applying it directly on your dog’s body parts!
It normally takes 3 weeks of regular application before you start seeing results; if nothing happens after that time period has passed then try another method instead!
There are no serious side effects associated with using garlic; however certain breeds should avoid this method because they’re more susceptible than others when consuming large amounts of certain foods like onions/garlics).
| Use | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cooking | Adds flavor to dishes |
| Natural remedy | May help boost the immune system |
| Pest control | Repels certain insects and pests |
| Gardening | Can be used as a natural fertilizer |
| Health supplement | Contains beneficial compounds like allicin |
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative to flea sprays and powders. Apple cider vinegar works by breaking down the exoskeleton of the fleas, causing them to dehydrate and die.
This method is safe to use on puppies and kittens who are under 12 weeks old, as long as you dilute it with water first to reduce the acidity level.
To use apple cider vinegar for fleas:
Apply apple cider vinegar once per week after bathing your dog. Alternatively, you can combine 2 tablespoons of ACV in 1 cup of water and apply it directly onto your pet’s coat or through his/her hairs using a spray bottle (like this one).
You can also mix 20 drops each of peppermint essential oil and lavender essential oil into 1 oz glass spray bottle filled with distilled water for an extra boost!
It’s best not to bathe your dog right after applying ACV since some dogs don’t like having their fur wet due to allergies or just not wanting too much attention from humans while they’re sleeping…either way we don’t want our furry friends waking up all wet 🙂
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Lemon Juice
If you don’t have any other options, lemon juice is a great flea repellent. It’s safe for dogs (and people) to consume, so it’s totally fine to use with your pup.
However, you should only apply lemon juice to the area between your dog’s shoulder blades and not on or near their mouth or eyes.
This can sting them and cause irritation though if it gets in those places accidentally, don’t worry! The acidity of lemon juice won’t hurt them.”
The amount of time that lemon juice will keep fleas away from your dog varies depending on how much oil they have in their fur; if they’re super oily then they’ll need more time than someone who doesn’t seem quite as oily.
On average a few hours should be enough but if there are still some stragglers around try waiting another half hour before reapplying more of it again.”
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another effective way to get rid of fleas on your dog. Mouthwash that contains alcohol, specifically ethyl alcohol, can be applied directly to the back of your dog’s neck.
After 24 hours, you should reapply a drop of mouthwash to the same spot and repeat this process every 24 hours until all flea eggs have been killed.
It’s important to keep in mind that some dogs may not tolerate this product well because it can dry out their skin if used too often.
You should also only use an amount that will cover your dog’s neck with a thin layer if it is applied too heavily or in large amounts, it could potentially burn their skin!
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Mint
The scent of mint is a natural flea repellent, which means it can make your dog smell better and keep them away from your pup.
The scent is strong enough to ward off fleas but not overpowering. It’s also great for keeping away mosquitoes, flies and other insects too!
Salt
Salt is a natural flea repellent and may be used as a treatment for fleas on dogs. If you have one of those fancy shampoos that contain salt, it’s great for your dog’s skin, but not so much for their fur.
You can also sprinkle salt on your dog’s fur and rub it in, which will help to kill off the fleas. However, be very careful not to get any salt in your dog’s eyes because it could cause them some serious pain.
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Table Salt | Most commonly used salt in cooking |
| Sea Salt | Obtained by evaporating seawater |
| Himalayan Salt | Mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan |
| Kosher Salt | Coarser and less dense than table salt |
| Rock Salt | Large crystals, often used in ice cream making |
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural flea repellent that also helps control odors. The best way to use it on your dog is by mixing it with water and applying it as a paste.
You can also sprinkle some powder on your pet’s fur and let it sit for a few minutes before brushing off.
Baking soda works well with cats, rabbits and hamsters too! To treat your feline friends for fleas, mix baking soda into their shampoo or spray on them directly.
For little animals like rabbits and hamsters add about one teaspoon of baking soda per gallon of water when cleaning their cages.
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Alcohol
The most common household product to use on dogs for fleas is alcohol. Alcohol is an organic compound, which means it’s a member of a class of chemicals with the same molecular structure and similar properties.
Organic compounds are also called “organic solvents,” which means they’re good at dissolving other substances (like water).
Antiseptics are substances that prevent or treat infection. An antiseptic kills bacteria. Antifungals prevent or treat fungal infections, like Athlete’s Foot, jock itch and ringworm.
Antiparasitics kill parasitic insects such as fleas and ticks; insecticides kill insects by poisoning them; insect repellents repel pests by making them avoid an area where you’ve applied it so that they don’t come near you at all!
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera Gel is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including flea bites. The gel is also soothing, moisturizing and helps heal wounds.
| Type | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| Pure Aloe Vera Gel | Skincare, sunburn relief, moisturizer |
| Aloe Vera Juice | Dietary supplement, digestive aid |
| Aloe Vera Gel with | Haircare, scalp treatment, styling agent |
| added ingredients | |
| Aloe Vera Gel with | Soothing, cooling, and hydrating properties |
| menthol or cucumber | |
| Aloe Vera Gel with | After-sun care, skin hydration, |
| added SPF | sun protection |
Cloves
Cloves are an aromatic spice that’s been used as a medicinal remedy for centuries. Cloves were commonly used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. They were also popular in India and China.
The clove tree is native to Indonesia but today can be found in many tropical regions around the world.
Cloves have been proven to be effective at killing fleas on dogs because they contain eugenol, which kills insects by attacking their nervous system.
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Conclusion
With so many household products to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are safe for your pet.
But don’t worry! We’ve covered the most popular options in this article along with their pros and cons.
Hopefully now you feel more confident about treating your dog’s fleas—and maybe even have a few ideas of your own!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of preventing and getting rid of fleas on dogs:
30 Ways to Naturally Prevent and Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs: Explore this comprehensive guide that provides 30 natural methods to prevent and eliminate fleas from your dog, offering alternative solutions to chemical treatments.
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: Learn about various home remedies to combat fleas on dogs, including natural ingredients and DIY treatments that can help alleviate flea infestations.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs: Discover effective strategies and techniques for getting rid of fleas on your dog. This resource provides practical advice on flea treatment options and preventive measures.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about preventing and treating fleas on dogs:
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
If your dog is constantly scratching, biting, or shows signs of skin irritation, it could be an indication of fleas. Look for tiny brown insects moving through their fur or small black specks (flea dirt) on their skin.
Can fleas on dogs infest my home?
Yes, fleas can infest your home if left untreated. Fleas can lay eggs in your dog’s fur, and these eggs can fall off and hatch in carpets, furniture, or bedding. It’s important to address both your dog and your home to eliminate fleas completely.
What are some natural remedies to prevent fleas on dogs?
Natural remedies for flea prevention include using essential oils like lavender or neem oil, regularly washing your dog’s bedding, and keeping your yard clean and well-maintained to minimize flea habitats.
Are there over-the-counter flea treatments available for dogs?
Yes, there are various over-the-counter flea treatments available, such as spot-on treatments, flea collars, and flea shampoos. It’s important to choose a product specifically designed for dogs and follow the instructions carefully.
When should I consult a veterinarian for flea control?
If your dog has a severe flea infestation, is showing signs of an allergic reaction to flea bites, or if you are unsure about the best course of action, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for professional guidance and treatment options.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.