Fleas are not only an inconvenience for your pup, but they can also pose serious health risks. Fleas transmit many diseases and even cause anemia in dogs.
Keep your puppy healthy with flea preventive medications. Your veterinarian can advise the best choice for your puppy based on his age, weight and environment.
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Lemon Juice
Lemon juice as a natural flea treatment is not only effective at eliminating existing fleas, but it also works to prevent them from returning. Citric acid found in citrus fruits has been demonstrated to kill fleas by drying them out and disrupting their moisture balance within their exoskeletons.
Citrus can also help repel other parasites that may be attacking your dog. Linalool and D-limonene found in citrus extracts are powerful natural repellents that work on both adults and eggs alike.
Before applying any flea prevention methods, it’s a wise idea to first clean up your pet’s environment. Wash and vacuum all furniture, carpets, window sills and pet bedding in your home for maximum effectiveness.
You could also try giving your pup a lemon bath to eliminate existing fleas and keep him smelling great. To do this, simply soak them in half a cup of lemon juice mixed with two cups of water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If your pup is older, apple cider vinegar can help soothe itchy skin and prevent flea bites. It also balances your dog’s pH levels, creating an environment which promotes better health for your furry friend and reduces their attraction to fleas.
You can use a solution of diluted apple cider vinegar and water to spray Fido’s coat. This can be done in either a spray bottle or washcloth, and should only be applied to his fur (not his eyes, ears or open flea bites).
However, it’s best to avoid giving apple cider vinegar to dogs with kidney disease since they may have difficulty processing it. Furthermore, giving your pup apple cider vinegar could disrupt his body’s pH level and lead to GI issues.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have long been used to keep fleas away. Before applying them directly onto your pet’s skin or spraying them on, be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil first.
Some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats, so it is best to consult your veterinarian before using them around your pets. Examples include tea tree oil, pennyroyal oil, oil of wintergreen oil and pine oils.
Diatomaceous earth is another safe and effective flea treatment. This mineral, made from fossilized algae, acts like chalk dust by creating holes in the exoskeletons of fleas and other insects, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die.
One way to eliminate fleas is by vacuuming all carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, floor tiling and furniture thoroughly. This method will also eliminate eggs, larvae and pupae.
Combing
Compiling your dog’s fur may sound old-fashioned, but it is an effective way to rid them of fleas. Not only does this keep their coat healthy and prevent any skin issues related to fleas, but it helps keep their coat healthy too!
You can either manually comb your puppy’s coat with a flea comb, or use Dawn detergent and water in combination for an effective and safe method of treating fleas on puppies 8 weeks of age and older.
If you’re having difficulty eliminating fleas from your pet, speak to your vet about topical treatments or oral medications. Some drugs, like Advantage spot-on, can be used on pets as early as eight weeks old.
Another home remedy for fleas and their eggs is to sprinkle baking soda and salt around your house, vacuuming thoroughly afterwards. Alternatively, spread nematodes (small nontoxic worms that eat flea larvae) in your yard as an effective pest control product available at garden centers or online. These natural alternatives to traditional pesticides offer great results and have minimal adverse reactions.
