If there is something that a dog owner fears, it is fleas, since these tiny parasites feed on the dog's blood and cause excessive itching. A home remedy for fleas is the cheapest and fastest solution you can get. As you continue reading this article, you will learn about some home solutions to this problem.
Home Remedy for Fleas in Dogs
We have heard it said that "The dog is man's best friend" and, as such, man is responsible for it in all aspects: he feeds it, cleans it, bathes it and takes full care of it. In return the dog provides companionship, loyalty and affection. Dog hygiene is of the utmost importance and not only to prevent bad odors at home, but also to keep your furry friend clean of external parasites, such as fleas and ticks. Added to this, your dog will be clean and fresh, despite the fact that sometimes he does not seem to be comfortable with the bathroom and is heavy for humans.
Here we will comment on a series of very effective homemade remedies against fleas in dogs so that you can make this annoying pest disappear in a totally natural way and without much cost. In addition, it should be noted that all flea remedies can be applied to people, which guarantees that they are not harmful to dogs and that it makes it possible to treat all those affected by the bite of these parasites.
How are the Fleas?
There is no other canine parasite as well known to humans as fleas. These obnoxious insects show no hesitation in inconveniencing our loyal canine companion as soon as they get the chance. Fortunately, the elimination of fleas from our dogs is a task that depends on us. Like ticks, fleas can also be killed with a certain technique that we expose in this article. Do you want your dog to stop suffering from the painful itching caused by these insects?
Before delving into the explanation of the various remedies to end fleas in dogs, it is necessary to understand these tiny invertebrates in a more specific way. The flea is an insect that measures from one to five millimeters in length, whose food is the dog's blood. Despite not having a prolonged existence as they live for about a month, they invade at great speed, laying 40 eggs a day, so it is essential to get out of them as soon as possible.
They do not have wings, but their jumps are powerful in such a way that they can move great distances in relation to their size. The bite of a flea causes itching and stinging (there are also cases of allergy). This is why the main sign we notice in a dog with fleas is that it continually scratches its body. Hygiene is essential so that these insects do not occupy a place in your dog's body.
How to get rid of Fleas Naturally?
Fleas are part of a series of external parasites that are quite common in dogs. They are small in size and their food is the blood of the dog, which they take advantage of for weeks. They can be easily identified as they appear as tiny black dots moving across the dog's skin. It is also possible to see their feces, which can often be confused with black dandruff.
To corroborate their presence, the most advisable thing is to use an anti-lice comb and contemplate the removed remains. Within the picture of symptoms that denote the presence of fleas we also get:
- Exaggerated itching and scratching
- Skin lesions from scratching
- skin blush
- Flea bite allergy dermatitis
On the other hand, it is important to note that fleas must not only be discarded from the animal, but they must also be fought at home. This is due to the fact that fleas have the ability to subsist in the environment, without any organism that hosts them for up to 6 months. In this way, they can prick the dog again or even people. The favorite areas of fleas are those that retain some moisture, such as rugs, cracks, crevices, pillows. Keep in mind that the flea in the larval phase lives in the soil, when they reach adulthood it is when they lodge in the animals.
Once the fleas have been identified, it is necessary to eliminate them from the dog using appropriate antiparasitic products, such as pipettes, collars, sprays or pills. However, sometimes it is not feasible to attend a veterinary clinic immediately or, simply, it is preferred to opt for home remedies to annihilate dog fleas. For this reason, in the following paragraphs we will know which are the most effective for such cleaning.
Homemade Fleas with Citrus
Fleas hate citrus fruits, so here are three flea formulations you can make with them:
- Rub your dog's fur with lemon, orange or another citrus fruit, with this you will have the fleas away
- You have to boil a liter of water to which you add a few slices of lemon. Let it cool through the night and the next day spray the water all over the dog's body, taking care that it does not reach its snout and eyes. It does not require being bathed afterwards, but you should be aware of any reaction from your dog. If you observe any discomfort in it, immediately remove the remedy.
- At home, spread this same preparation made with lemon and water on the areas where fleas settle, such as cushions, cracks and rugs.
Getting rid of fleas with lemon and other citrus fruits is undoubtedly a very effective home remedy. However, we must point out that the smell that these fruits give off is not only repulsive for these parasites, but also forms part of the smells that dogs hate. For this reason, it is usual to see the animal restless and upset, despite the fact that it is not uncomfortable on all occasions. If this remedy is bothersome, we recommend opting for another formulation.
Vinegar Remedies for Fleas
Vinegar has been popularly known as an anti-flea, since its powerful smell annihilates them and drives them away. For this purpose, you can prepare a flea repellent based on white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, although the first one usually offers more satisfactory results. The following are the most effective vinegar-based preparations:
- Flea Bath: It requires a cup of vinegar and a cup of shampoo for dogs. Combine the two components in a container and use the solution to wash your dog. How? Very simple, moisturize the fur and then spray the mixture you have prepared. Let it act for 15 minutes and use a flea comb to remove them from the hair. Subsequently, meticulously bathe the dog to remove all the excess. This procedure should be applied twice a week.
- Flea repellent: Combine half a cup of water with the same measure of apple cider vinegar and place the preparation in a spray bottle. Spread the mixture on your dog to keep fleas away and relieve itching. You can also add a small spoonful of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the dog's bowl of water for it to drink, as this makes the fleas shy away and makes the coat shine.
- Flea Shampoo: You will require a little shampoo, either for dogs or for babies, half a cup of water and an equal measure of white or apple vinegar. Combine and use this shampoo as you would regularly when bathing your dog. Allow it to act for 5 minutes and then rinse well.
Home Remedy with Yeast
Likewise, brewer's yeast is recognized as an effective homemade anti-flea. You can use it in two ways:
- I eat food: Add a pinch of yeast to your dog's usual food, this will scare them away as it causes the dog to give off a smell that fleas hate, so it will automatically stop being a suitable host for these insects. Additionally, brewer's yeast is beneficial to strengthen the animal's skin, normalize intestinal transit and many other things.
- As Flea Repellent: You will only need a small cup of yeast to rub it on your dog's fur until it reaches the skin. The vitamin B1 contained in the yeast will keep the fleas away, so allow it to work for a few days and then remove it. The process must be repeated weekly.
Flea Collars
Surely you are aware of the availability of these collars in the market, however, many owners avoid their use due to their powerful smell similar to that of insecticides, for this reason we present you two ways to make your own home flea collar, completely natural .
- You have to procure rosemary or lavender extract, water and a handkerchief. The oil must be diluted in water, then moisten the handkerchief with this formula and place it on the neck of your dog as a collar. To increase the effect, combine a few drops of the extract with olive oil to be applied to the base of the dog's tail.
- Different essential extracts must be gathered: cedar, lavender, thyme, citronella, geranium and basil. Add one or two drops of each essence to a handkerchief and then place it around the dog's neck.
The two collars must be renewed weekly when the smell disappears. Undoubtedly, this is a very effective home remedy for fleas and it causes less discomfort to the dog than the collars that are sold in the market. It can be left in place even during walks, in this way you will prevent new fleas from staying in it.
Home Remedy for Fleas with Chamomile
Chamomile stands out for its powerful antiseptic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, healing and healing qualities. By virtue of this, it is a highly effective remedy to suppress fleas, both in adult dogs and in puppies! Generally, commercial antiparasitic formulas are not usually suitable for puppies due to their ingredients, due to this circumstance in the little ones it becomes even more important to know about certain natural treatments like this one. It should be noted that vinegar-based remedies are also suitable for puppies.
To use this remedy, prepare an infusion of chamomile, allow it to warm up and bathe the dog with it, applying gentle massages to distribute it throughout the body. Allow it to act for 15-20 minutes and then it should be removed with water. This process can be repeated every day, taking care that it does not get into the ears and mouth.
Home Remedy for Water Fleas with Dishwasher
There is another homemade mixture that can also be very effective in getting rid of fleas in dogs. With a couple of cups of hot water, a few drops of dish soap and a glass of medical alcohol, these parasites could be killed. All of these ingredients that we have indicated only need to be mixed in a common container. After that, the preparation must be applied throughout the dog's coat. The mixture should be allowed to operate for about 4-5 minutes on the dog's skin and, later, it should be removed with warm water.
The process of applying this home remedy does not end here, since then the dog's wet hair must be brushed with a fine-toothed comb. Fleas that are already dead or those that have fainted will remain in the comb, so your pet will be free of them.
How to get rid of fleas at home?
The fight against fleas does not only take place on the animal's fur, but it is also important to protect the home to prevent the dog from being affected again, since fleas easily make their nests in cracks, corners, beds and rugs, places in which they live for months. For its elimination we offer you the following alternatives:
- The Wormwood: This European medicinal herb works as a born insecticide. A few shoots should be planted in the garden to keep fleas away, as well as small bags filled with wormwood can be placed in different parts of the house.
- The salt: Spread salt on the rugs in your house, which will kill the fleas by drying out the environment they require for their development. Allow the salt to remain for several days and then the area should be vacuumed. This process must be repeated for a few weeks.
- Cedar Shavings: Chips should be placed inside the dog's bed, under the furniture and in the corners. It can also be spread directly or put inside muslin bags. Its smell makes the fleas go away. If you notice that your dog reacts negatively, remove them immediately, as he could have an allergy to such shavings.
- Rosemary and Lavender: These herbs can be planted in your garden to ward off fleas and other insects.
If these options do not work, you should not wait any longer: go to your veterinarian to medicate a spray, pipette or other medication for flea treatment. This parasite is detrimental to your dog's health as it is a carrier of various diseases, which makes its fight essential.
Other Remedies for Fleas in Dogs
In the last case and when home remedies for fleas in dogs are not effective, either because your dog is allergic to them or they do not feel good, you will always have the option of resorting to remedies of a commercial nature, which in addition to being scientifically proven for sure They would be the ones your vet would recommend. After all, the health of your dog is what matters.
Flea Pills
Fleas in dogs can also be eliminated by means of pills designed for this purpose. The dose will depend on the size of the animal, so the recommendation of the veterinarian must be valued. It is usually administered in the animal's food so that its body can better assimilate it. Primarily this treatment is about bringing a substance to the dog's blood (lufenuron) that prevents the development of larvae from fleas, which came to ingest this compound through the dog's blood.
The biological cycle of the parasite is interrupted and, in this way, the rapid multiplication of these parasites is prevented. However, the adult fleas that suck the blood with this substance are not impacted by the pills, so it is necessary to use other remedies to completely eliminate the vermin in the dog's body.
Pipette that removes fleas
The antiparasitic pipette is possibly the most effective alternative of all those outlined here. Its application is more specific, since the remedy is applied directly to the area where the parasites are located. A relevant advantage of this product is that it kills both adult fleas and those that are in the larval stage.
This treatment is responsible for killing these insects through direct contact and its effects begin to be seen 12 hours after being applied. Their action remains effective for a month and they are water-resistant lotions. It is also a solution to eliminate other insects of this class, such as ticks in dogs.
How to remove ticks?
In the event that, after inspecting your dog for fleas, you have found that it also has ticks, you should know that you can easily remove them with the help of tweezers. There are also home remedies to remove ticks in dogs, which are very effective against both parasites. Faced with a severe infestation of ticks or fleas, a visit to the veterinarian is essential since no home remedy could combat an attack of such magnitude on your dog.
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