6 Home Remedies to Fight Fleas

Since the products for animals that are obtained in the stores are usually very harmful and irritate dogs’ skin, we recommend that you use home remedies to fight against fleas and ticks.

How to eliminate fleas naturally

If you have a dog at home, you will surely know that fleas and ticks are a problem that should be checked for periodically, whether or not our pet goes outside and is in contact with other animals.

These parasites that live off of dogs’ blood can also affect human beings and make all of the members of the household sick (especially if there are children or elderly people). Therefore, it is essential to prevent them from developing and multiplying.

Home remedies to eliminate fleas

Products that are bought in pet stores for killing fleas and ticks are not only expensive, but they also contain chemicals and substances that can irritate the animal’s skin. The good news is that there are very effective homemade alternatives:

1. Alcohol and oil

In a bowl, combine two parts rubbing alcohol and one part oil (whatever you have at home) and put it on a cloth or gauze. Wipe it through the animal’s fur several times. The first of the ingredients works as an antiseptic that makes the parasites dizzy and the second causes them to slip and fall to the ground.

2. Chamomile

This plant that we use for teas at home can be very useful if you want to eliminate fleas from your dog. Prepare a tea with chamomile flowers and a cup of hot water. Let it cool until it is warm and strain it. You can also make it with a teabag. Soak some cotton in it and apply it all over the animal’s skin, especially in the “critical areas” (behind the ears, on the nape or around the anus). Then disinfect the house to leave no traces of those horrible parasites.

3. Lemon

Actually this home remedy for fleas and ticks can be made with any citrus that we have on hand (orange, grapefruit, etc). Place half a liter of water and two slices of lemon in a saucepan. When it boils, leave it for two minutes and turn the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer for an hour and let it cool. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and apply on the dog‘s coat (be careful not to get it in his eyes). With the excess liquid, you can disinfect your house, mostly corners and beds.

4. Apple cider vinegar

This is a powerful antibacterial and also acts as an exterminator of fleas and ticks (and also lice). In a bowl, mix one part water and the other part vinegar. Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe it all over your pet’s body. You can also use it as a final rinse if you bathe your dog at home.

5. Vinegar and vodka combined with natural herbs

Although this combination may seem a little strange, it can be very helpful to annihilate your dog’s fleas. In a bowl, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and another of vodka. Then, add two drops of eucalyptus essential oil, two of lavender and one of cedar or rosemary. Add two drops of lemon juice and some mint leaves. Mix well and pour in three cups of boiling water. Allow it to cool, strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it on your pet’s fur, on the floors, on the clothes and on the beds.

6. Brewer’s yeast

This contains vitamin B1, which modifies the odor of the blood making it unpleasant for parasites. It is convenient to add the beer yeast powder to your pet’s bath. It’s very easy: sprinkle a spoonful all over his coat and then scrub with a little water. Rinse well. It will dispel the fleas and also heal the wounds caused by the bites.