Fleas dwell on the hair shaft of pets, causing itching, swelling, and in worse cases, infection. While they have no wings and cannot fly, they can jump from one animal to another, especially if one affected pet is left untreated. In addition, they can carry other diseases such as myxomatosis and plague.
When infested by fleas, pet parents normally resort to commercial flea repellants, which may have harsh chemicals in their formula. If you’re looking for natural alternatives, here are several methods that will get rid of fleas safely and effectively.
Mix Dog Or Cat Shampoo With Lemon Juice
Got no flea shampoo? Turn ordinary dog or cat shampoo into one by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Mix ½ cup of dog or cat shampoo with ½ cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of water. Increase measurements for bigger breeds. Transfer the mixture in a bottle for future use. Use the mixture on your pet once a week.
After bathing, don’t let your dog or cat run around on the lawn. Comb the fur thoroughly and dispose of all fleas properly.
Use A Flea Comb
A flea comb is one of the cheapest and easiest-to-use tools for flea prevention. Apart from grooming your pet’s fur, it also keeps them healthy and happy. A good quality comb can brush away fleas of all sizes, including the eggs. Make sure the fur is not tangled before combing to avoid pain.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or ACV keeps the fur a bit acidic, naturally repelling fleas and ticks. To use, simply add one teaspoonful of ACV to ¼ liter of water to dilute. Let your dog or cat drink on this throughout the day. Be careful not to apply ACV directly onto your pet’s skin, or it may cause irritation.
Wash Pet’s Bedding & Dry On Maximum Heat
Washing with a strong detergent effectively alleviates fleas, eggs, and larvae. For best results, dry all bedding in the electric dryer under maximum heat setting. This will also kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs simultaneously.
Vacuum The Floor Regularly
Fleas are attracted to warm and moist areas. Vacuuming regularly and thoroughly will prevent the fleas from multiplying and spreading from your house to the whole yard. Make sure to vacuum all corners and nooks of your home and be diligent with cleaning.
Give Your Pet A Flea Collar
Flea collars work repel fleas, ticks, larvae, lice, and even mosquitoes. Simply tie them around your dog or cat's neck and it will work on its own. Essential oils such as citronella, geranium, peppermint and wintergreen can be applied to a collar for this purpose, or you can also purchase a ready-to-use flea collar to keep fleas and ticks at bay. When choosing pet collars, always look for natural brands with longer protection that can work up to 8 months.
Earth Vibes carries 2 types of flea collars:
Finally, to avoid flea infestation, prevention is the answer. Always keep your pets clean and healthy by grooming them every so often. It also pays to clean and vacuum the floors periodically to keep fleas away from your home.