

While some essential oils are toxic to dogs and/or cats, there are some that have proven to be beneficial to repelling pests. Essential Oils for Fleas and TicksĮssential oils are the concentrated versions of natural oils in plants that are distilled or cold pressed and then bottled in high concentrations. This mixture can be applied daily.įor more information on homemade shampoos, please see this article from the American Kennel Club.
Flea medication for dogs full#
Let the mixture steep for a full day (24 hours), then apply to your dog’s fur after shampooing and washing them. Boil for two minutes and then remove from the heat.


Heat the water until boiling, then add the salt and fresh lemon. For this mixture, you will need 4 slices of fresh lemon, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 6 cups of water. Lemon juice repels fleas and can be used in several ways to keep them off of your pet. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. DIY Shampoos & Sprays VinegarĬombine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap.
Flea medication for dogs skin#
Diatomaceous earth can dry out skin and cause it to become irritated. Check with your veterinarian before applying the earth directly to your pet’s coat. While food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for use around your pets, you should be careful when sprinkling it so that your pet doesn’t inhale the earth or try to ingest it. You can then re-apply the diatomaceous earth to kill the remaining fleas. When used inside your home around windows, doors, baseboards, dog beds, or carpets, you should vacuum treated areas after a few hours to remove any dead fleas. It is also extremely absorbent and will dehydrate the flea, causing them to die. Diatomaceous earth is sharp and will cut holes in the flea’s body. Diatomaceous Earthįood-grade diatomaceous earth can be applied to your pet’s environment to quickly kill fleas. The soap in the water prevents the flea from jumping out, causing them to die. Fleas are drawn to the heat of the lamp and will jump into the light, only to land in the soapy water. Once fleas have gotten into your home, it's hard to get rid of them! DIY Trapsįill a wide, shallow pan with soapy water and place it on the floor in the area that you believe is highly populated with fleas. Trim Limbs and Shrubsįleas and ticks prefer dark, damp areas, so remove dead limbs and prune thick shrubs to allow sunlight to permeate your yard. Apply Cedar Mulchįleas hate cedar, so using cedar mulch in your gardens and around your home acts as a natural barrier. However, refrain from mowing your lawn too short, since this repels ants and spiders – the fleas’ natural enemies. You shouldn’t let your grass grow too high, as fleas and ticks prefer to breed in tall grass. Remove leaf litter and plantings within 6-18 inches of your house. There are plenty of natural products that use essential oils and other non-toxic ingredients that can be sprayed on your yard to prevent pests from breeding near your home. Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticksįleas and ticks usually end up on your dog while they are outside your home, so creating a yard that is dog-friendly, but not favorable for pests, is crucial. Ticks are known to spread diseases, but did you know that they can spread multiple diseases with one bite? For this reason, it’s important to learn about ticks and how you can prevent them from pestering your pup. Since ticks love warm weather, the summer and fall are peak tick seasons for most of the United States. The average flea is between two and three millimeters long and weighs about 0.03 grams, so preventing fleas from infesting your pet can be quite a challenge. A single flea can become 1,000 fleas in your home in only 21 days! With a life cycle anywhere between 14 days and 12 months, fleas can become a serious problem for your pet and your home. AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company) wellness coverage offers reimbursement towards flea/tick preventives to help keep your costs down, while ensuring your dog stays healthy! If you’re looking for extra protection for your pooch or want to learn more about natural methods of flea and tick prevention – read on! A Quick Overviewįleas thrive in warm, humid weather and can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best product based on your dog, your environment, and your budget. For most pet owners, the first line of defense against fleas and ticks is preventive medication.
