Fleas can be a huge health issue for your dog if left untreated. They can cause your pet to be miserable and itch, but they carry many parasites like tapeworms, a horrible intestinal parasite. Fleas have some diseases and cause other severe illnesses for your pet. Fleas are known to cause life-threatening anemia as they feed on your pet's blood. You may be wondering what the safest and most effective ways are to treat your pet for fleas.
Many ingredients in commercial flea products are known to cause adverse reactions in both humans and animals. One particular one is imidacloprid which is found in over 400 products, including many flea preventative products. Some of the adverse reactions reported include a rash, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, seizures, confusion, drooling, and tremors. It is imperative to find safe and effective solutions to kill and repel fleas.
A single female flea can lay up to fifty eggs per day, which means fleas can very quickly get out of control if brought into your home or yard without some type of plan to control and kill them.
Perhaps one of the safest natural treatments for fleas is diatomaceous earth. There are several grades, so be sure to buy the food grade if you want it to be safe for your pet and your family. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth everywhere your dog is at throughout the day. Sprinkle it in his bed, the carpet, on the furniture where your pet sits, and in the yard.
You can even sprinkle it directly on your dog's fur. Do not forget to sprinkle it near the base of your dog's tail since fleas are likely to gather there.
Apple cider vinegar is strongly acidic, and fleas hate it. Fleas hate the odor. While apple cider vinegar does not kill the fleas, it will drive them away.
You can add a teaspoon to a quart of apple cider vinegar to your dog's drinking water. You can add it into your dog, bath, and let it stay on for at least ten minutes before rinsing it out. Some people prefer to make a flea spray containing fifty percent apple cider vinegar and water to spray on their dog's fur. You can also spray it on furniture and bedding to drive fleas away.
Add peppermint to castile soap to make a safe and effective flea shampoo. Peppermint will soothe any flea bites and itching your dog may already have. Castile soap does not harm your dog's coat because it will not strip its natural oils for it.
You can make a spray with peppermint and spray their bedding, your furniture. Add about fifteen drops to a bottle of water. You can spray this mixture directly on your dog's fur.
Another natural flea repellent is coconut oil which contains lauric acid. You can get about a teaspoon in your hand and rub and massage it into your dog's coat. Coconut oil will moisturize your pet's skin and repel the fleas. Coconut is not toxic and perfectly safe if your dog licks some of it off their coat. Organic unrefined coconut oil works the best.
Many commercial flea collars are harmful to pets. Some chemicals on a flea collar your buy at the store are known to cause serious health issues for your pet with the numerous chemicals they contain. You can make a safe and effective flea collar by taking a bandana and putting a few drops of either diluted lavender or cedar oil onto the bandana. Fold it and tie it around your pet's neck loosely. Rosemary also works well.
Lemons contain high amounts of limonene, and fleas hate it. This flea spray is a safe and natural flea spray for dogs, but it should not be used on cats or in excess on dogs. Get a pot of boiling water going and slice a lemon and add to the boiling water. Turn off the heat. Let it steep for several hours or even overnight. Pour the contents in a spray bottle to spray directly onto your dog.
A fine-toothed flea comb, if used daily, can catch and remove fleas that your pet gets from going outside or from hatched eggs in your house. Have a soapy bowl of water to rinse the comb out in between combing. Comb until you no longer see any fleas in the comb or on your dog.
Lavender essential oil is another excellent choice to repel fleas. You only need a small amount to keep them off your dog. Lavender can be diluted and applied to your dog's back or made into a spray. Put the diluted solution directly on your dog's back from his shoulders to his tail. You can take the diluted lavender and water solution and spray places your pet goes like his bedding, the carpet, and furniture. Another benefit is if your dog has problems with anxiety, lavender should calm him down.
You should be able to use one of these safe and effective treatments to eliminate and control your pet's flea issues without harsh chemicals. Chemicals can lead to serious health issues and problems for your dog. These natural remedies are effective and protect your family and pets from possible adverse reactions and other severe health issues fleas can cause.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.