Sadly for pet owners, fleas are not only a summer problem. The pesky parasites are active year-round so long as they have somewhere warm, like the skin of your pet, to live. Common flea prevention methods include special collars, shampoos, dips, sprays, and medications, but you can supplement those with natural remedies, too. Show Many vets recommend administering natural remedies alongside (not instead of) more traditional preventatives. Flea prevention and treatment are important because the blood-sucking insects can carry life-threatening diseases like heartworm, Lyme disease, and tapeworms. Here are nine natural flea remedies for cats and dogs. Always check with your vet before trying a new remedy for your pet. WarningAvoid using essential oils as a flea remedy. Research about the efficacy of essential oils is limited and, according to the ASPCA, essential oils should not be used on pets unless specifically approved by a veterinarian. Apple Cider VinegarTreehugger / Sanja Kostic Health food proponents have long touted the diverse benefits of apple cider vinegar, and not just for humans. It's said to repel fleas because they dislike its pungent smell and taste. This method will not kill fleas, the nonprofit veterinary organization Anicira says, but spritzing a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar may help prevent fleas. Apple cider vinegar contains about 5% acetic acid, an antiseptic. A spritz of this or a wet comb through your pet's coat will relieve itchiness. When taken orally, it may also help balance out a dog's pH as apple cider vinegar is alkaline and dog food is notoriously acidic. Be sure to talk to your vet before treating your pet with apple cider vinegar. Baking SodaMichelle Arnold / EyeEm / Getty Images Baking soda is often cited as a natural flea remedy. However, research has shown that it is not actually toxic to flea larvae. That said, baking soda is safe to use on a pet's coat (it's great for neutralizing odors) and can be either mixed with water to form a paste or added to its regular shampoo during a bath. For flea prevention, Anicira recommends mixing a bit of baking soda with water and putting it in a dish near light, out of your pet's reach. Fleas are attracted to light, so they will jump into the dish and drown. Brewer's YeastNedim_B / Getty Images Brewer's yeast is made from a fungus used for fermentation in beer. As a nutritional supplement, it increases energy levels and promotes healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Brewer's yeast can be used to boost the immune system of your pet, which in turn can help stave off fleas and other parasites. However, studies dispute its efficacy in directly repelling or killing fleas. Powdered brewer's yeast can be given to pets orally. Talk to your vet about what dosage is right for your pet. Rosemary Flea DipTreehugger / Sanja Kostic Chemical flea dips can be very caustic. You can make a less abrasive version by spiking the water with fresh rosemary at home. Rosemary is a proven flea (and spider and cockroach) repellent. To make a natural flea dip, start by steeping two cups of fresh rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid, throw away the remaining leaves, and add up to a gallon of warm water (depending on the size of your pup). Wait until the brew cools, but is still warm enough to be comfortable. Pour it over your dog or cat, soaking its coat, and let it dry naturally. Lemon Spray RepellentTreehugger / Sanja Kostic Dr. Ashley Geoghegan of the veterinary practice VetNaturally recommends making a spray with fresh lemons to use as another natural flea repellent. While the citrus hasn't been proven to kill fleas, its scent does seem to drive them away. First, cut a lemon into quarters and cover the fruit with boiling water for up to ten minutes. Then, let the mixture steep overnight. You can even add rosemary leaves to the mixture for good measure. The following day, pour the liquid into a spray bottle, taking care to strain the lemon bits out of the liquid first. Spray the lemon water on your pet, making sure not to get it in the eyes. Try to target the spray behind the ears, around the base of its tail and its neck, where fleas are known to hide. If your pet won't tolerate spray, you can rub the juice from a freshly squeezed lemon or orange on your dog or cat's fur. Make sure to use fresh citrus and not citrus essential oil, which can be dangerous to pets. Neem OilNinetechno / Getty Images This all-natural insect repellent comes from a tree native to India, Sri Lanka, and Burma. It's often used to repel biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, but there's little proof that it wards off ticks. Neem oil is safe to use on dogs and is, in fact, used in some pet shampoos. If your pup's shampoo doesn't include neem oil, you can simply add a few drops of it or dilute it with dishwashing liquid for a do-it-yourself flea spray. WarningSome cats are more sensitive to neem oil than others. After applying, look out for any adverse reactions, such as excessive salivation. If you see any, stop using the oil immediately and contact your vet. NematodesNNehring / Getty Images Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like parasites that are not dangerous to humans or pets. Some kinds, like the Steinernema carpocapsae, destroy flea larvae by parasitizing them. They can be purchased from garden stores, mixed with water, and sprayed around your yard to stave off pests. That said, this treatment won't help with a flea problem that's already moved into your house. Nematodes thrive in sandy soils, and may not do well in other soil compositions. They need moisture on a regular basis, so you should water your lawn every couple of days to ensure their survival. Coconut OilRUSS ROHDE / Getty Images Coconut oil contains lauric acid. When this comes into contact with fleas, it coats their exoskeleton with oil and makes them incapable of moving. You can give coconut oil to your pet orally (1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight mixed into their food or given as a treat) or rub it into their coat, which provides shine and moisture. Natural SoapDaniel de Andres Jimenez / Getty Images Swap out the regular pet shampoo and try bathing your dog or cat with a bar of natural soap scented with peppermint or rosemary—both scents that fleas dislike. Frequently Asked Questions
Why Pets Matter to TreehuggerAt Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. The better we understand our dogs and cats, the better we can support and protect their wellbeing. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores, and will also consider supporting local animal shelters. What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas?Thoroughly bathe pets with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay careful attention to face and neck regions, and the area in front of the tail. Soap will act as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas.
What is the best homemade flea killer?This natural powerhouse also can kill fleas! Mix 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar with 3/4 cup water in a spray bottle for a homemade flea spray. Use the spray on any water safe surfaces you've noticed fleas on. You can also add vinegar to the wash when cleaning color safe pet beds and linens.
What naturally kills flea?Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
This talc-like powder is made from silica, the same stuff that makes up sand. You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out.
|