All of us hate fleas on our pet dogs, but most of us prefer to avoid using toxic flea controls in our homes. Luckily there are a number of flea control methods available using natural means and products.
One of the most important things to remember is that controlling fleas is vastly different in dog and cats. Cats are much less tolerant to toxins, essential oils and garlic than dogs, so be very careful when using both commercial and natural flea controls on your pet cat. All information given here will be exclusively for dog use.
Keep in mind that even though a flea control is natural doesn’t mean it won’t be toxic. A good example of this is pyrethrin which is a pesticide made from the African chrysanthemum. These are generally safe to use on dogs but can be deadly to cats.
Possibly the best deterrent to flea is a healthy dog. This means their insides as well as outsides such as skin and fur. I believe a natural diet is the best way to achieve this by feeding them a raw diet with fresh, well-hydrated and varied food where the enzymes and amino acids are not altered by cooking. By doing this in conjunction with some of the controls listed below should assure you have a healthy, happy flea free best friend.
Good grooming is not only a necessity for a happy and healthy pet dog but it is a cheap and effective way to help control fleas. Brushing them as often as possible is not only a treat for them but it gives you a chance to check them for fleas. Bathing fairly often with mild dish soap and treating with something like the essential oil spray described below should keep most pets flea free.
Essential oils used in correct doses can be very effective for flea control on dogs. A friend swears by this homemade spray for his Lab. He mixes the following: 20 ounces of warm water, 2 drops of pure lavender essential oil and 2 drops of pure cedar wood essential oil. He shakes well and pours it into a spray bottle. He sprays it through the dog’s fur being careful when spraying around its head. This solution does evaporate quickly so it needs to be applied quite often. Check the internet for other essential oil sprays such as citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, almond oil, lemon grass oil, sweet orange oil just to name a few.
Garlic and yeast are both great products that are not only good for your pet dog’s health but will normally keep fleas off as the odor is secreted through the skin and is obnoxious to the fleas. A teaspoon of brewer’s yeast for little dogs and a tablespoon for big dogs is usually the correct dose.
Cedar shavings are another natural way to control fleas. Sprinkle them where your dog sleeps and under furniture or other places fleas might hide. Fill a pillow case with them to make a flea free dog bed.
Controlling fleas on your pet dog is only part of the problem. You can get every flea off your pet in the morning and by evening it will have a fresh population. You must kill the fleas and their eggs in your entire house along with the ones outside.
The sprays you use on the pet can also be sprayed all through the house. Borax can be spread on the carpet especially under the furniture, under cushions and any other places they can hide. Both rock and table salt will also help kill them and is even more effective when used together with the borax. Be sure to vacuum the entire house prior to spreading the borax and salt to get rid of a lot of fleas that way. Don’t forget to toss the vacuum bag as soon as you finish. After spreading the mixture let it set overnight then vacuum up the dead fleas and eggs. Being as this method is not toxic you can use it as often as needed.
It is more difficult to get rid of the fleas outside but not impossible. The borax and salt mix can be used outside but is not as effective as some others such as diatomaceous earth. This kills fleas by damaging their skin and dehydrating them. You can sprinkle it under furniture, on carpets, and in other areas of your home that may have fleas. You should also apply it to your yards and all around your house. You can also apply it directly to your pet dog being careful not to get it their eyes or letting them breathe it.
Another way to control fleas outside your home is a little known but very effective way which is using nematodes. These are microscopic worms that eat flea larva. They can be purchased at pet and garden stores. They are easy to use by applying them to moist, shady areas in your yard and around your home. Because they multiply so rapidly, a small amount will do the job.
These are just a few of the many non-toxic ways of controlling fleas in your home and on your pets. Talk to other pet owners, your vet or look on the internet to find other natural flea controls.
Much of the above information is common knowledge among pet owners, but listed below are several sites where additional information was gathered.
Don Levy, 5 Solutions For Natural Flea Control, Care2
Don Levy, Natural Flea Control, Eartheasy
