{"id":1902,"date":"2018-07-23T07:30:40","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T13:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-712831-2364936.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=1902"},"modified":"2024-03-20T02:02:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T02:02:37","slug":"home-remedies-for-fleas-on-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doodlesdaily.com\/home-remedies-for-fleas-on-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Fleas at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
Are you looking for Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs? Let’s explore healthier solutions like Borax and Dawn Dish Soap that keep chemicals away from your dog. There are remedies<\/a> for your dogs in the home and in the yard. They are effective, convenient, and safer than many commercial remedies.<\/p>\n If your dog has contracted fleas they will have some of these symptoms:<\/p>\n Dog owners can detect fleas by looking in the dog’s fur where the flea eggs will show up as black dots on their skin. You may also notice the fleas jumping on or off the dog!<\/p>\n Breeds with longer hair like the Australian Shepherd<\/a> provide protection to nesting fleas, and should be checked more often.<\/p>\n It is best to check in areas where fleas like to hide such as armpits, ears, or in the groin area. Additional information on checking for fleas can be found at PetMD\/Flea Diagnosis<\/a>. Fleas transfer from dogs to furniture, bedding, carpet, and other household surfaces. They can bite humans as well putting family members at risk.<\/p>\n Your dog can get infections from flea bites so they should be gotten rid of as soon as possible.<\/p>\n If your furry friend is scratching and biting more than usual, they may have fleas. While there are many commercial flea treatments available, you may prefer to try natural remedies first. Here are some home remedies for fleas on dogs that you can try:<\/span><\/p>\n Giving your dog a bath is a great <\/span>home remedy for fleas on dogs. Use warm water and a pet-friendly shampoo or flea shampoo. Make sure to lather up your dog’s entire body and leave the shampoo on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Hot soapy water can also be used to kill fleas on your dog’s bedding and toys.<\/span><\/p>\n Essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary can be used to repel fleas. Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and spray your dog’s coat, bedding, and surrounding areas. However, be careful not to use too much oil as it can be toxic to your dog. Use these <\/span>essential oils to kill fleas on dogs.<\/p>\n Apple cider vinegar is a natural flea repellent. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray your dog’s coat, bedding, and surrounding areas. You can also add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water to make their skin more acidic and less attractive to fleas.<\/span><\/p>\n Coconut oil can be used to soothe your dog’s itchy skin and repel fleas. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s coat and massage it in. You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with coconut oil to make a homemade flea spray.<\/span><\/p>\n Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. It can be sprinkled on your dog’s coat and bedding to kill fleas. Make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and avoid getting it in your dog’s eyes and nose.<\/span><\/p>\n Dish soap, particularly Dawn dish soap<\/a>, can be used to kill fleas. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and lather up your dog’s coat. Leave the soap on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n Garlic is a natural flea repellent. You can add a small amount of garlic to your dog’s food or make a garlic spray by boiling garlic in water and letting it cool before spraying it on your dog’s coat.<\/span><\/p>\n You can make a homemade flea spray by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before using and spray your dog’s coat, bedding, and surrounding areas.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, natural remedies may take longer to work than commercial flea treatments. It’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts to get rid of fleas. If your dog’s flea infestation persists, consult with your veterinarian for additional treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n While tea tree oil has been used as a natural flea repellent, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied in high concentrations. It’s important to use caution when using tea tree oil on your dog and to consult with your veterinarian before using it as a flea treatment. We would recommend trying the other listed home remedies for fleas on dogs before tea tree oil.<\/span><\/p>\n Because they can live up to 100 days, getting rid of them can often take a few weeks to completely remove them from your home. Along with treating your dog and home, reducing their numbers on the lawn should be part of the treatment as well. This will keep from reinfecting your dog.<\/p>\n While you can find effective commercial treatments, these may contain chemicals and\/or pesticides.\u00a0 Dog owners can use several natural home remedies to avoid use of unwanted chemicals and pesticides for removing fleas. They are convenient since the most popular use commonly found household ingredients.<\/p>\n Check out these home remedies for fleas on dogs below!<\/p>\n You will need to treat more than your dog for proper flea treatment Treatment. Dog owners will need to treat fleas in the following areas to properly get rid of fleas:<\/p>\n You should begin with home remedies to kill fleas on your dogs first.\u00a0 You can use apple cider vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and\/or coconut oil as home remedies for getting rid of fleas on dogs. Tea Tree Oil is discussed but it is not as highly recommended due to some possible toxicity when the dog licks it off the skin.<\/p>\n You can choose from several recipes out there for homemade dog shampoo for fleas. The most popular is a mixture of water, vinegar, and baby shampoo or dish soap. People highly recommend Dawn Dish Detergent.<\/p>\n Apply the solution with a thoroughly cleaned spray or squirt bottle working the shampoo into your dog\u2019s fur, particularly along hard-to-reach areas down the spine, the base of the tail, the chest, and under the forearms, and let it soak in for at least five minutes before rinsing. Comb or brush your dog during that time to remove dead fleas.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n *Dawn and baby shampoo should not be used too frequently on dogs as it may dry out their skin and should not be used on dogs with a dry skin condition. Instead, you may want to try a liquid castile soap, like Dr. Bonner\u2019s and use of dry shampoo between baths is recommended.<\/p>\n *Does Dawn kill fleas?\u00a0 Dog Owners mentioned by name more often than any other soap brand and effectively kills fleas particularly when combined with apple cider vinegar in water.<\/p>\n We recommended that you repeat treatment for a few days and you should see that your pet is no longer scratching and biting. You will notice that your pet’s coat is very shiny and beautiful as well. Repeat\u00a0treatment once a week or so for preventive maintenance along with adding a tablespoon in their food once a day for added internal benefits and your pet will appreciate this added treat as well.<\/em><\/p>\n If you bathe your dog say, more than once a month or so, you run the risk of drying your dog\u2019s skin. A dog\u2019s natural hair and skin chemistry reassert themselves during bathing. You should give them time to do so. You can use a homemade dry shampoo for dogs between traditional baths. Dog owners tend to use baking soda in dry dog shampoos. Dog owners can obtain Baking soda easily at any grocery store. Massaging a dry shampoo into your dog\u2019s skin will be enjoyable for your dog and you can avoid the resistance you might face in the traditional wet bath scenarios.<\/p>\n Several homemade dry shampoos for dogs also include baking soda and the following mixture has been used successfully by many pet owners.<\/p>\n Sprinkle the mixture on your dog and massage it into the dog\u2019s skin with your hands or with a comb or brush. It is best not to use too much baking soda at a time \u2014 a cup for a mid-sized dog, half a cup for a very small dog or puppy \u2014 and not to apply this method too frequently, since the residue from the powder can accumulate, no matter how much a dog shakes himself afterward. A dry shampoo for dogs is a good stopgap, but nothing replaces regular bathing.<\/p>\n You Can Buy These Ingredients on Amazon!<\/strong><\/p>\n Coconut oil contains lauric acid which acts as a repellent to fleas and ticks and aids in reducing infection. It is is non-toxic so if your pet licks it (as they usually do), it is perfectly safe with no short or long-term toxic side affects. Coconut oil is a saturated fat containing over 40% lauric acid and it is believed that the fat in the oil literally suffocates the fleas.<\/p>\n If your animal has already been infected then cover your hands in coconut oil and rub them together until the oil becomes liquid. Working in sections, massage the liquefied oil onto your pet’s coat making sure to work it all the way down to the skin. Once your pet\u2019s coat has been covered, use a flea comb or other fine tooth comb and run it through their fur. You will notice that the fleas stick to the comb because of the oil. Some fleas may jump off your dog because of the repellent nature of the lauric acid and any that don\u2019t get away will suffocate. Since they can jump, it is best not to do this inside your home.<\/p>\n Using Essential oils for fleas on dogs is another home remedy to kill fleas.\u00a0 Tea Tree Oil is one of the most commonly referenced,but according to PetMD<\/a>, ‘when diluted and used safely, tea tree oil can kill and repel fleas. But it is among the herbal treatments listed as \u201cespecially risky\u201d in the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is because tea tree oil is difficult to dilute properly in home kitchens.<\/i><\/p>\n Commercially available formulas for pets contain only 0.1 to 1 percent tea tree oil. Even if you measure everything precisely and shake the bottle before spraying it on your dog\u2019s coat, it is easy to apply more than intended. If your cat or dog licks the oil off, which pets tend to do as they groom, your pet could get very sick.<\/i><\/p>\n Store-bought shampoos containing tea tree oil have very small amounts of tea tree oil. The product is formulated so that the oil is evenly distributed, reducing the toxic risk to pets.’<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Lemon juice kills and repel fleas and can be used during the spring and summer months when fleas are in season to make a flea collar that is easy to make and is pet and family friendly.<\/p>\n Depending on the size of your dog’s collar and the amount of time your dog spends outside will determine how often you will need to repeat this process.\u00a0If you follow the other steps to keeping fleas off your dog, you will likely only need to soak the collar or bandana twice a week.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you have treated your pet for fleas it’s important to address the fleas in the home. Take several steps in the home while treating you dog to ensure you get rid of fleas.<\/p>\n Borax<\/a> is a popular method for fighting and preventing flea infestations and in the home and can be used safely when certain precautions are practiced.<\/p>\n Borax and boric acid powders are sometimes used interchangeably but are different compounds. Boric acid powders like Borax are both derivatives of boron. In Asian countries, artisans have been using the borax since centuries for welding, brazing and glazing artwork and pottery as well as in drugs and pharmaceuticals. Borax is a mild antiseptic and fungicide and has also been used as an eyewash for treating eye infections.<\/p>\n There is a difference between Boron, Borate, Boric acid and Borax. Boron is an element that exists in nature. Borax is made up of a combination of sodium, boron and oxygen and can be mined from the earth in its crude form. Boric acid is obtained from borax; it is a crystalline derivative obtained by mixing borax with an acid.<\/p>\n Both boric acid and borax are used for pest control. However, if you are looking for a safer and greener method of killing fleas<\/a>, then Borax is a better and a safer option.<\/p>\n Borax has been shown to be highly effective in killing fleas and is readily available in the laundry soap section of your supermarket or on online. It is non toxic to skin but when fleas come in contact with it, they get severely dehydrated. Another thing in borax fleas hate are the crystals. Additionally, the razor sharp crystalline structure of the powder at its microscopic level also shreds the fleas\u2019 internal organs making it highly effective in killing flea larvae and adult fleas as well.<\/p>\n As with any other natural flea control product, some precautions are necessary when using borax.<\/p>\n Before using borax for flea control inside homes, it is important to follow the safety precautions mentioned above. Always buy Borax from a reputable vendor (you can get it here<\/a>).<\/p>\n <\/a>Natural, safe home remedies can be used to treat the lawn as well, avoiding pesticides and chemicals that may be harmful to your pet and family. You can use safe home remedies to change the lawn environment to discourage flea infestations. Flea larvae thrive in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 percent humidity. Fleas hide in tall grass because it provides a shady moist environment. Fleas can hide and wait for an unwary pet or human to pass by. You can disrupt the flea life cycle by mowing the grass a little shorter and by pruning overhanging trees and bushes to allow more sunlight to reach the lawn. Reduce the moisture in the soil by deep weekly watering instead of every day or two. Grass does well with a less often, longer water cycle and this conserves water as well.<\/p>\n Clean up plant and yard debris where fleas hide. People find fleas in lumber piles, trash, and seeds scattered under bird feeders. You should limit wildlife habitat to the outer perimeter of the landscape. You can also add a cedar mulch border around the edges of the lawn to discourage flea migration toward the grass.<\/p>\n You can apply predatory nematodes<\/a> that feed on flea larvae to your lawn. Your results may vary, depending on your soil and environmental conditions. Generally, nematode treatments work best in shady locations and sandy soils. For best results, flood the lawn with 1\/4 to 1\/2 inch of water before spraying a mixture of nematodes and water over the lawn. Agitate the sprayer regularly to keep the nematodes distributed throughout the solution. Repeat the lawn flooding after applying the nematodes, so the microscopic worms can seek out the flea larvae.<\/p>\n <\/a>A sample of food grade diatomaceous earth. Photography Courtesy of Creative Commons<\/p>\n Applying garden grade diatomaceous earth<\/a> (DE) over the lawn is another natural method to kill fleas and other pests. The dust abrades and dries out the outer cells of the flea eggs and larvae. Apply DE onto dry grass with a spreader designed for garden dusts. You should not apply predatory nematodes for fleas when the grass is wet. Also treat your pets’ resting areas, dog runs and kennels, where flea larvae and pupating fleas may lie hidden.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n By using these home remedies you can ensure that your dog, your family, and your environment remain happy and flea free without the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides!Let us know your results from trying any of the suggestions listed here!<\/p>\n References:<\/p>\n Borax, https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borax<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Coconut Oil the Natural Solution, https:\/\/coconutmagic.com\/blogs\/all\/coconut-oil-the-natural-flea-and-tick-solution-for-pets<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Diatomaceous earth, <\/span>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diatomaceous_earth<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Directions for a Homemade Flea Collar, https:\/\/pethelpful.com\/dogs\/How-to-Make-a-Homemade-Flea-Collar-for-a-Dog<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Does My Dog Have Fleas?, https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/parasites\/evr_dg_does_my_dog_have_fleas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Homemade Dog Shampoo \u2014 3 Simple Recipes, Melvin Pena, https:\/\/www.dogster.com\/dog-health-care\/homemade-dog-shampoo-recipes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n How to Use Borax to Kill Fleas Safely, https:\/\/www.fleabites.net\/how-to-use-borax-to-kill-fleas-safely\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Images Courtesy of Pixabay unless otherwise cited, https:\/\/pixabay.com\/<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Nematode, <\/span>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nematode<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tea Tree Oil for Fleas: Is It Safe?, https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/parasites\/tea-tree-oil-fleas-it-safe<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Best Flea Killer for Lawns, Ruth de Jauregui, http:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/flea-killer-lawns-52321.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\nKey Takeaways<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What are Some Basic Symptoms of Fleas?<\/h3>\n
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Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bathing your dog<\/b><\/h3>\n
Essential oils<\/b><\/h3>\n
Apple cider vinegar<\/b><\/h3>\n
Coconut oil<\/b><\/h3>\n
Diatomaceous earth<\/b><\/h3>\n
Dawn dish soap flea treatment<\/b><\/h3>\n
Garlic<\/b><\/h3>\n
Homemade flea spray for dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
Tea Tree Oil for Fleas on Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Fleas?<\/h3>\n
Detailed Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n
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DIY Flea Shampoo for Dogs<\/h3>\n
This homemade flea shampoo for dogs requires:<\/h4>\n
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For a lower-volume homemade flea shampoo or for a smaller dog or puppy, use:<\/h4>\n
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Dawn Dish Soap for Fleas<\/h4>\n
How often should I apply\u00a0dawn dish soap for fleas?<\/h5>\n
Homemade dry shampoo for dogs<\/h3>\n
Homemade Dry Shampoo for Fleas<\/h4>\n
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Coconut Oil for Fleas as a Preventative Treatment<\/h3>\n
How to Apply Coconut Oil for Fleas<\/h4>\n
Tea Tree Oil for Fleas on Dogs<\/h3>\n
Homemade Flea Collar<\/h3>\n
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How much to Repeat<\/h4>\n
Homemade Flea Killer for Your Home<\/h3>\n
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Using Borax to Kill Fleas in the Home<\/h3>\n
What is Borax Made Out of?<\/h4>\n
Precautions and drawbacks of using Borax for natural flea control.<\/span><\/h3>\n
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How to use Borax safely for killing fleas safely in four steps<\/h3>\n
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Homemade Flea Killer for the Yard<\/h3>\n
Yard Cleanup<\/h4>\n
Predatory Nematodes for Fleas<\/h4>\n
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