Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by ellen
Are you wondering how to treat dogs for fleas naturally? With the return of the warmer weather, we’ll have to start being more aware of the fleas and ticks our pets may bring inside. When we first purchased our home, the family that lived here before us had a dog with a flea problem. It was something we noticed the first night we spent in our new home and we quickly dealt with it.
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How to Treat Dogs for Fleas Naturally
Of course, there are many flea medications you can purchase to treat your dog for fleas and ticks. Some are more natural than others. If you want to avoid the traditional flea remedies, you have probably been searching for how to treat dogs for fleas naturally.
You will need to keep them out of your home and yard as well as off your dog. Here are a few things you can do to get started.
Keep fleas out of your yard
Nematodes are tiny living organisms that eat fleas. You can find them at a garden center and apply them in the spring, summer and fall for maximum effectiveness. Nematodes will also eat ants, termites, and grubs which is an added plus.
You should also keep your lawn well cared for by mowing it regularly and cutting back any overgrown areas that fleas might be attracted to. Add herbs like lemon balm, mint, catnip, and basil to areas of your yard that your dog visits regularly.
Fleas do not like these herbs and will be less likely to inhabit them.
Keep fleas out of your home
To prevent your dog from getting fleas again, you will need to keep fleas out of your home. You should steam your carpets at least twice a year to kill any adult fleas or their eggs.
Vacuum at least once a week and empty the bag into an outside trash can. It is much easier to keep fleas out of your home if you have hard floors rather than carpeting.
If you must have carpeting then choose Berber rugs which are not as likely to attract fleas. Avoid shag carpeting or carpets with a deep weave. Be sure to clean your carpet regularly.
Keep fleas off your dog
Keeping your dog clean and healthy is the first step to treating your dog for fleas naturally. You will want to brush them with a flea comb daily especially in areas that are lower to the ground. You can also wash them weekly with a lemon Castile soap which will discourage fleas.
And. you may want to give them a bath. Have you tried this homemade dog shampoo?
Home remedies to get rid of fleas on your dog
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a gallon of warm water and give your dog a bath.
- Give them a bath in Dawn dish soap and water. Essentially the fleas drown in the soap.
- Comb your pet’s hair using a flea comb
- Add brewer’s yeast and garlic to your dog’s food. Fleas do not like the taste.
Do you have any other home remedies to get rid of fleas on your dog?
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.