Best 5 Ways To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs Naturally

Fleas are a type of pests, these parasites suck blood and transmit diseases. Flea bites cause itching in the local area, discomfort to the pet and in some cases, it can lead to hot spots due excessive scratching.

Fleas are dangerous and very harmful for the health and skin of the dog, they are responsible for causing a variety of diseases, infections, various allergic reactions and most seriously, Lyme disease.

Natural flea treatment for dogs

In this article, we’ll focus on the natural ways to keep fleas off dogs. Most importantly, the focus is on ways to strengthen your pet’s immune system, so their blood won’t taste as good to the fleas, thus, keeping your pooch flea-free naturally.

Treating your dog for fleas naturally can be more time consuming, but in the long run, it comes with many benefits such as:

1. Healthier and longer life.
2. No concerns about potentially toxic effects of chemicals on you, your children, and your pets.
3. Budget-friendly.
4. The daily hands-on care deepens your relationships with your companion pets.
5. A lower environmental footprint to help our planet.

Remember that the appearance of fleas indicates that your pet is not wholly healthy. This is another reason not to use chemical preventives unless you must. If you see fleas, you know you need to work on the overall health of your dog.

Strengthen the general health and immune system of your dog

Flea infestations can be viewed as an indicator of your pet’s general health. Parasites in general, and fleas in particular, are most attracted to the vulnerable, unhealthy, or very young animals whose immune system is not performing correctly.

Decrease your dog’s susceptibility to fleas by improving his health. Daily exercise is also vital to maintain muscle tone, healthy blood circulation, and proper removal of metabolic wastes.

Any of the following can be started when you have seen fleas, early in the summer, whenever fleas usually appear in your area or given year around as all are advantageous for the health of your dog.

Nutritional Yeast

1 teaspoon for a small dog up and up to 3 tablespoons for a large dog, Nutritional Yeast is well known for its ability to repel fleas as it is full of B vitamins. Some people just take B vitamins, but pets seem to like eating yeast.

Several commercial yeast tablets use particular types of yeast, extra B vitamins, garlic, or herbs to make them more beneficial. Test out what your local holistic pet store carries or order online.

Garlic 

Garlic can help fight fleas. Add a tiny amount of garlic powder in your pet’ food (no more than a pinch) every day, and the fleas will automatically move away, this is because the stench of the garlic starts to emanate from the dog’s skin and the fleas hate that particular smell. 

Cider Vinegar 

When added to your dog’s water, Cider Vinegar makes your dog’s skin more acidic and not-at-all tasty to fleas. It also helps stabilize the pH in the body for better health.

Several references list dosages at 1 teaspoon for a 50-pound dog twice a day. 

Vinegar can also be diluted with water and sprayed directly on the coat.

Combing

Buy an excellent flea comb with the teeth positioned super close together. Buy several, so they are in easy reach wherever you are sitting. 

Use the flea comb regularly (one to three times a day once you have seen fleas) to catch the fleas or flea dirt. 

The flea comb can also be used to remove fleas, especially on small dogs who do not like baths.

Treating your yard. 

The best way to treat your yard of fleas while keeping the healthy bug alive is by using nematodes (very tiny worms) that you mix with water and spray on your yard. 

These nematodes eat flea larvae and pupae. They don’t disturb the healthy and helpful bacteria in your yard.

There are several variants of this popular product; you can buy it at pet stores, veterinary clinics, and online stores.

Treating the house

Vacuuming is also great for treating fleas, as well as a critical early prevention step. And it is almost free!

Remember, the larvae eat flea dirt and other debris, so the cleaner the house, the less they have to eat. 

You can eliminate up to 50% of flea eggs in a single pass with a vacuum. If fleas or flea dirt are on your pets, vacuum daily and thoroughly, keep 1T borax (or diatomaceous earth, salt, or Borate powder) in your vacuum bags, so the eggs you vacuum up do not hatch and crawl back out.

There are times when natural methods fail or circumstances dictate a quick fix may be best. Understanding how to use flea medicine for dogs is crucial to provide the safest, healthiest and most convenient flea treatment for your dog.

Treating your pet: BATHING 

Baths can be given whenever you see much flea dirt (or fleas). If you see one or two fleas and no flea dirt, just do a great flea comb and exam. If you find no more fleas and no dirt, there is no need yet for a bath.

Dog anti-flea shampoos are very common and should prove effective in getting rid of fleas. Different brands are available today and can be purchased in practically all pet stores all over the country.

 

This blog was contributed by Walter Perez. If you would like to submit a blog please email cynthia@newyorkdognanny.com