A Natural Approach to Tackling Flea Infestations

Discovering that your dog has fleas can be a cause for panic, but there are lots of natural methods that can be used to help eradicate the problem. Most flea treatments focus only on adult fleas, but to effectively break the flea cycle, you need to target all four stages: adult fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupae. Combining natural treatments for your pets, home, and garden is a safe and effective way to manage infestations.

Here’s our guide to natural remedies for addressing fleas at every stage:

Treating Your Pets

1. Bathing:

Use a natural dog shampoo on your pet’s dry coat, starting at the neck and working down. Ensure full coverage and then leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes to suffocate fleas and eggs, then rinse thoroughly while combing to remove debris. Repeat weekly.

2. Flea Combs:

Run a fine-toothed flea comb through your dog’s fur daily, dipping it in a mix of water and natural shampoo after each pass to kill fleas. Electric flea combs are also effective but should be avoided if your dog is prone to seizures.

3. Enzymatic Sprays:

Products like KG Pet Spray use enzymes to break down the protective coating of fleas, killing them quickly without toxic residues.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Spray:

Mix equal parts ACV and water, and spray your dog’s coat lightly each day, avoiding eyes and wounds. The acidity repels fleas.

5. Coconut Oil:

After combing, apply coconut oil to your dog’s coat. It suffocates fleas and soothes the skin.

6. Neem Oil:

Rub neem oil into your dog’s fur. Its scent deters fleas, encouraging them to leave.

Treating Your Home

1. Vacuuming:

Vacuum all areas thoroughly, especially places where your pets rest. Dispose of the vacuum contents outside to avoid re-infestation. Repeat weekly.

2. Steam Cleaning:

Steam clean carpets, upholstery, and curtains to kill fleas at all life stages. This method is highly effective and should be repeated weekly.

3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE):

Sprinkle food-grade DE on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Leave it for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming. Be cautious of inhalation risks and keep pets away during application. Repeat weekly.

4. Washing Bedding:

Wash all pet bedding and any fabrics your pet frequently contacts in hot water with white vinegar to kill fleas and eggs. Repeat weekly.

5. HEPA Filters:

Using HEPA filters in your vacuum or air purifier prevents fleas from recirculating into your home.

6. Enzymatic Sprays:

As with pets, KG Pet Spray can also be used in the home to quickly and safely kill fleas.

Treating Your Garden

1. Beneficial Nematodes:

These microscopic worms naturally feed on flea larvae in your garden, reducing infestations.

2. Garden Maintenance:

Keep grass short and remove debris to minimize shady, humid areas where fleas thrive.

3. Flea-Repelling Plants:

Introduce plants like lemon balm, rosemary, sage, mint, catnip, basil, or lemongrass to your garden. Their natural oils repel fleas and placing pots near windows or doors can deter fleas from entering your home.

4. Enzymatic Sprays:

Use KG Pet Spray in outdoor areas for an added layer of protection.

Ongoing Prevention

1. Diet: Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar or garlic to your dog’s meals to make their blood less appealing to fleas.

2. Regular Grooming: Consistent grooming helps spot fleas early and prevent infestations.

3. Natural Prevention : Use a layered approach to parasite prevention using a combination of internal and external options.

4. Home Cleaning: Maintain a routine of washing, vacuuming, and steam-cleaning to prevent flea eggs from developing into adults.

The length of the flea life cycle varies depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, ranging from weeks to months. By incorporating these natural methods into your routine, you can eliminate fleas effectively without harsh chemicals.

For additional guidance, check out this detailed article: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dogsnaturally/Help!+My+Dog+Has+Fleas-DNM-3.pdf

Written by Kayleigh Adams for NO BULL Just Natural Health for Dogs.