Your playful and fearless Fido suddenly became nervous and oversensitive. Suppose you exclude the possibility of disease because you do not notice any worrying symptoms. In that case, there is a good chance that your pup has fleas. Although tiny, these dull insects are a real arch-enemy of your pet.
Fleas and ticks usually habitat in the grass, but they can quickly infest your dog’s environment. This infestation is rather unpleasant for your furry buddy, as it causes itching and skin irritation. But what’s even worse is that these parasites carry diseases, including some that can be dangerous to humans.
Luckily, parasite infestation is not always a call for a vet check. Sure, it’s always best to consult an expert if parasites have made your pup itch and scratch excessively. But you can also use some home remedies if you spot them early. More on the first warning signs of infestation find out at this link.
Why Natural Treatments Are Good
The first thing that probably comes to mind when fighting dog fleas is commercial remedies. They can help, but you’d be happy to know you can treat your pets with something even better and safer. Many natural treatments are excellent options for controlling the population of these insects without harming your dog or the environment.
Commercial flea products are generally labeled as safe. Still, you should always keep in mind some precautions. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency considers some spot-on repellents as pesticides. Also, some chemicals can cause adverse effects in pets, including depression, ataxia, and uncoordinated movements. So aren’t these valid reasons to consider these natural alternatives to conventional chemical flea treatments?
DIY Flea Shampoo
Immaculate hygiene of your pet is of great importance for preventing and fighting fleas and ticks. So you should regularly wash your dog’s hair with a gentle shampoo. A medicated shampoo is good, but a DIY anti-parasite shampoo is better. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, and it certainly smells better.
You need lemon juice, regular dog shampoo, and some hot water. Lemon juice is an effective bug repellent. It contains citric acid and limonene, which kills fleas and soothes the skin. These natural ingredients are highly effective for killing these insects, but they may irritate your pet’s skin. That’s why you need to dilute lemon in water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can make another natural flea treatment from apple cider vinegar. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water with a dash of sea salt. Then, apply the solution to your pup’s coat and allow it to dry naturally. The mixture may sting your pet’s skin if it gets into its eyes or nose, so avoid these areas.
Once the coat has dried, use a flea comb to brush out any insects that may have been sucked in by the vinegar. Remember that this solution will have a strong smell, and many dogs won’t enjoy this treatment. So if your pup is sensitive to the smell of vinegar, make the solution from one part vinegar and three parts water and use Nexgard for dogs to treat them after the application.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used topically on a dog to treat minor wounds resulting from excessive scratching. The vinegar is anti-fungal and sanitizing, so even a drop of diluted vinegar can also heal an infection or soothe strained muscles. Plus, this solution can be used as a disinfectant for dog toys.
Essential Oils
Some people use essential oils as a natural flea treatment for their dogs. These oils are highly concentrated herbal extracts. They come from various plant parts and contain active compounds, such as terpenes, tannins, limonenes, etc. They also have other health benefits, including boosting immunity, easing skin irritation, and fighting infections. All these features matter for naturally eliminating parasites from your pup’s skin and coat.
You can use tea tree, eucalyptus, or peppermint oils as natural insect repellents. But remember that you shouldn’t use them in pure forms. Instead, dilute these extracts correctly and use them in a spray bottle. Always dilute them to three to four drops of oil to an ounce of water.
Most essential oils are mild against skin and fur and can be a great alternative to harsh chemicals. But using them as natural flea remedies may not be effective for every dog. Also, be cautious with some extracts, like tea tree, as they can be potentially toxic for dogs. So always consult a reliable information source or your vet before using essential oils.
Coconut Oil Skin Rub
Coconut oil has long been a popular natural flea treatment for dogs. You probably know about many health features of this oil. Still, it also has an anti-microbial and insect repellent effect. Also, it will eliminate pests and leave your pet’s coat soft. Also, applying this ingredient regularly is the best way to keep fleas from laying eggs.
Below is the list of reasons why coconut oil should be a part of your pet’s nutrition:https://be.chewy.com/benefits-coconut-oil-pet/
Coconut oil is absolutely safe for animal use, so you can also apply it directly to their fur. It’s a common carrier used in natural flea treatments. So you can rub it onto their backs, legs, bellies, and even their heads. Do that all the way down to the skin to ensure it reaches all areas. Insects that smell this oil will jump off your pet. So do this treatment outside to avoid unwanted guests in your house.
Keep in mind that coconut oil is not a true parasite killer, but it will relieve your dog of the itching caused by flea bites. It contains lauric acid, which is an excellent flea repellent. Also, you don’t have to worry about the harmful effects since this oil is 100% natural. And your dog will love its smell. Not only does it remove parasites, but it can also treat a variety of skin conditions and improve your dog’s coat.
DIY Flea Collar
Flea collars are an excellent way to help your pup fight fleas without bathing them daily. Many commercial collars are made of plastic resins with different strengths, flexibility, and release characteristics. These products are designed to release the active ingredients at a controlled rate and thus keep parasites away.
More than 70% of the total collar weight is polymers. These polymers are blended with other additives, such as plasticizers, to make the collar more flexible. Depending on the type of parasites they will be used for, these products will contain different chemicals. Some commercial flea collars only kill adult fleas, whereas others are made to kill the larvae. Here are some handy purchase tips.
No one disputes the effectiveness of these products, but your dog might be allergic to the chemicals. So if you have bought a collar and notice some allergy or illness warning signs, stop using it. And if you suspect that might happen, try with DIY flea collars.
You can use bandanas or any fabric to make homemade pet collars. They will serve to apply natural flea repellents to them, so make sure these materials are well-absorbent. You have many options, but some of the most effective are lavender or peppermint oils, unflavored vodka (a great disinfectant), etc. Just soak the collar and let it dry for a while.
Put it on your pups and be without worry. They can’t take it off quickly, and they will certainly not try to eat it. Not many dogs are fans of alcohol or oily aromas. And if the collar is not working, you can always make a new one.
Although incomparably smaller than dogs, fleas can properly bedevil your furry buddies. That’s why your four-legged friends need all possible help to get rid of these parasites. Be persistent and use animal-safe ingredients, and success is guaranteed.