A Natural Way of Combatting Fleas

Natural Flea Protection for Dogs and Cats

For a few days, I have observed many dogs incessantly itching and scratching themselves in my neighbourhood. My dogs started yesterday. Even though I am meticulous in maintaining the environment free of fleas and keeping my dogs and cat flea-free, I encountered a flea on one of my dogs today. I started an emergency treatment plan, as the contamination of the surroundings is probably already advanced. f

In situations like this, I proceed with a combination of natural ingredients that are known safe for the particular animal at hand. I can easily prepare my own sprays with a mix of essential oils, water, etc.. For that reason, I always keep some main ingredients in the fridge for whatever purpose they may be needed on any given occasion. I avoid chemical flea treatment options, due to the reasons that most of the products in the market are highly toxic for all pets, and can cause organ damage and neurological issues.

Today, I washed all bedding, cleaned thoroughly with a natural flea-repellent spray, and even sprinkled some diatomaceous earth on the entire balcony. The key is to render the potential habitation areas unfriendly to fleas and make sure the pets are repulsive to them as well. Then I washed everyone with a skin-soothing shampoo, waited until they were reasonably dry, applied coconut oil on their skin, and sprayed all dogs with an essential lemon oil water dilution I made earlier today. I also washed my cat and applied coconut oil, massaging it thoroughly into her skin. No essential oils for her!

Understanding Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless parasites that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on the blood of their hosts, causing itching and irritation. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, making infestations hard to control once they start. Prevention is key to keeping your pets and home flea-free.

95% of the flea cycle happens in the environment and only 5% in the dog or cat, hence the importance of treating our home, garden, car, and even surroundings, rather than only our pets.

Let's Have a Look at What We Can Do

Natural Preventive Measures

Regular Grooming

• Frequent brushing helps remove fleas, eggs, and debris from your pet’s coat.

• Use a flea comb to catch fleas and their larvae. Focus on areas like the neck, belly, and tail base.

  
  

Essential Oils

• Certain essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, and citronella act as natural flea repellents. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil) before applying.

• Caution: Essential oils can be toxic to cats. I do not recommend using them on cats!

  
  

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

• Mix equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your pet’s coat. Fleas dislike the acidic environment.

• To make your pet's skin less appealing to fleas, add a small amount of ACV to its drinking water. (Consult your vet for the correct dosage.)

  
  

Herbal Flea Collars

• DIY herbal collars infused with essential oils can repel fleas effectively. Use natural materials like cotton and ensure proper fitting.

  
  

Dietary Supplements

• Adding garlic (in safe amounts for dogs) or brewer’s yeast to your pet’s diet can make their skin less attractive to fleas. Note: Garlic is toxic to cats, so this method is only for dogs.

  
  

Natural Flea Sprays

• Create a homemade spray using lemon essential oil or fresh lemons.

  • Essential Lemon Oil Spray: Add 5-10 drops of essential lemon oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and lightly mist your pet’s coat, avoiding the face and sensitive areas. Always dilute essential oils properly. (Only for dogs, not for cats!)

    
    

  • Fresh Lemon Spray: Slice a lemon thinly, boil it in water, and let it steep overnight. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your pet’s fur lightly, focusing on areas where fleas tend to gather. (Not recommended for cats.)

    
    

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

• Use food-grade DE to treat areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as bedding and carpets. DE dehydrates fleas, but ensure you and your pet don’t inhale the fine powder.

  
  

Frequent Cleaning

• Wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum carpets and furniture regularly to remove fleas and eggs.

• Use hot water and natural detergents for washing fabrics.

  
  

Natural Remedies for Severe Infestations

For a severe infestation, combining multiple natural methods can be effective:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle DE around your home in areas where fleas hide. Leave it for a few hours before vacuuming thoroughly.

• Lemon Spray: Use lemon water spray on furniture, carpets, and pet bedding to repel fleas.

• Frequent Bathing: Bathe your pets with a natural flea-repellent shampoo made with ingredients like neem oil or oatmeal.

• Environmental Control: Treat your yard with nematodes and maintain a clean outdoor area to prevent fleas from re-entering your home.

If the infestation persists, please talk to your trusted veterinarian. They will assess with you what needs to be optimized.

Creating a Flea-Free Environment

• Outdoor Maintenance: Mow the grass and trim the bushes to keep your yard tidy. Fleas thrive in shaded, moist areas.

• Natural Yard Treatments: Nematodes are tiny beneficial organisms that feed on flea larvae in the soil. Introduce nematodes to your garden to naturally reduce the flea population.

• Limit Wildlife Access: Wild animals like squirrels and raccoons can bring fleas into your yard. Secure trash bins and discourage wildlife visits.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Natural flea prevention may require consistency and a proactive approach. Combining multiple methods will maximize effectiveness while keeping your pet safe and healthy. By maintaining good hygiene, providing a balanced diet, and using natural repellents, you can protect your pets from fleas without relying on harsh chemicals. I hope this information helps you. If you have any questions, please reach out to me.