It’s natural for pet parents to worry about flea infestations. After all, these tiny insects can bite into a dog’s skin and cause many diseases and infections. Usually, the best way to deal with the problem is to visit the vet and follow their recommended management plan. The expert may recommend a few home remedies to kill fleas on dogs instantly, prevent them from reoccurring, and improve the pet’s health over time.
1. Make an apple cider vinegar spray
Pet parents who wish to eliminate fleas on dogs naturally could try using an apple cider vinegar spray. To make this spray, all one has to do is mix apple cider vinegar with water. That said, one must combine these ingredients in the ideal ratio based on the vet’s recommendations. Once ready, pet parents can add the solution to a spray bottle and drizzle it all over their dog, except the face and eyes. Alternatively, one could dip a washcloth in the mixture and apply it to the dog’s fur. Apple cider vinegar is said to repel fleas and also ward off ticks, making this one of the best all-natural flea spray for dogs.
2. Scatter diatomaceous earth
Another way to kill fleas on dogs is using diatomaceous earth—a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Diatomaceous earth is sharp, which helps it cut through a flea’s body and eliminate it. It’s also quite absorbent, so it can dehydrate the flea and cause it to perish. One could sprinkle small quantities of diatomaceous earth on their pet’s fur after speaking to a vet. Expert insight is necessary because too much of this ingredient could dry out the pet’s skin and lead to irritation. It’s also important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth as it has lower levels of silica and is safe to use.
As a precaution, pet parents could also scatter diatomaceous earth around baseboards, windows, dog beds, and carpets at home. But one must vacuum these areas after a few hours of application as there will likely be dead fleas there. It’s also imperative that pets do not inhale or ingest diatomaceous earth as it may have adverse effects. Pet parents can re-sprinkle it and follow the process regularly until the home is free from fleas.
3. Prepare an apple cider vinegar drink
Besides spraying apple cider vinegar over the dog’s body, one could give them an apple cider vinegar drink to keep fleas away. To create the drink, pet parents must add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to the dog’s water bowl. It’s advisable to speak with the vet before using this method. If the pet refuses to drink the mixture, direct application through the spray might be the best option.
4. Make a lemon spray
Citrus sprays are ideal for avoiding fleas on both dogs and humans. To create such a spray, one can cut a lemon into quarters, put the pieces into a pint jar, pour boiling water, and let the mixture steep overnight. The next day, one must transfer the solution into a spray bottle and spray it all over their dog, especially behind the ears, around the head, in the armpits, and at the base of the tail. This should reduce the infestation and keep fleas away.
5. Create a rosemary, cedarwood, and lemon mist
Combining rosemary, cedarwood, and lemon can help create a useful homemade repellent for fleas on dogs. To prepare the spray, pet parents must slice a lemon into thin pieces, drop them in a bowl with fresh rosemary sprig, add a liter of hot water, and let the mix cool overnight. The next day, one must remove the lemon slices and rosemary sprig and only add the water to a spray bottle. Finally, one must top the solution off with two drops of cedarwood essential oil and refrigerate it.
Spraying this mist on the dog’s tail, ears, feet, and undercarriage before taking them for a walk can help keep fleas away. These insects despise the fragrance created by combining rosemary, cedarwood, and lemon, causing them to distance themselves from the pet.
6. Feed garlic
In addition to relieving several health conditions in humans, garlic helps repel fleas in dogs. The herb contains antiparasitic and antifungal properties, which release beneficial bacteria in the pet’s body without harming them. This same bacteria helps keep fleas away, preventing diseases. That said, one must feed the pet fresh garlic and speak to the vet about the ideal quantity.
7. Make a natural flea collar
These days, many pet parents are considering flea collars to manage parasitic infestations. To make a DIY flea collar, one must mix two drops of essential oils (like lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, thyme, or other flea-repelling oils) with a tablespoon of witch hazel and a teaspoon of garlic. One must then soak a bandana (or another suitable cloth) in the solution throughout the night. The next morning, one should gently tie the cloth around the pet’s neck. The smell from this DIY collar will deter fleas from latching onto the dog. Speaking to a vet will help determine the ideal essential oil for the collar, as some oils could irritate the pet.
