Natural Flea Prevention for Dogs

Significance

• Fleas are unwelcome pests on the coat of a dog. Most pet owners rely upon chemical flea treatment methods to get rid of fleas and bring quick relief to their dog. Chemical-laden shampoos, collars, sprays and powders are the sort of tools that many pet owners use to combat fleas. However, the chemicals used in most store-bought flea repellent products are not only dangerous for the dog's health, but also for human family members. All-natural flea repellent methods are safer for dogs and are non-toxic options that can put an end to the itching once and for all.

The Facts

• Fleas are tiny insects that feed on blood to survive. They do not fly, and typically live in the fur of animals. There are four stages in the life cycle of a flea: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Once a female flea reaches adulthood, it begins laying small, white, oval-shaped eggs. Some of the eggs remain on the host, while others drop to the area surrounding the host, such as the floor or a dog bed. After the eggs hatch, the next stage of life, called larvae, begins. The larvae feeds on any sustenance within reach, such as fecal matter or dead bugs. After a period of one to two weeks, the larvae spin a cocoon. It pupates inside the cocoon for another one to two weeks. After that period, an adult flea hatches out of the cocoon and must find an immediate host as a source of blood to survive.

Identification

• It is not hard to identify fleas once they have invaded your home and dog's fur. A dog that scratches extremely or gnaws at his own skin most probably has fleas. Pet owners must carefully inspect the fur and skin of the dog. A flea comb can help separate the fur and identify fleas where they hide. The skin of the dog should be checked for a rash or redness. The appearance of tiny eggs or "flea dirt," which is the waste product of the flea that is composed of digested dried blood, are good signs that fleas are present. The evidence of flea infestation may also be present on or near the dog's bedding.

Prevention

• The first line of defense against fleas is preventing them before they can take hold on your pet's skin or in your home. It is difficult to find the source of fleas. However, taking precautionary measures can ensure that they never appear. Be vigilant in vacuuming your dog's bed and sleeping area; this should include floor seams and paneling cracks.

  Paying close attention to your dog's time outdoors can also keep fleas at bay. Brush his coat with a special flea brush to remove any stray fleas or eggs before he enters the home.

Treatment

• There are several chemical methods to treat fleas. Natural flea prevention is best to effectively get rid of fleas once and for all. Dogs should be bathed, with a mild shampoo, and very warm water. Once the fur is dry, a good combing with a special untreated flea comb can help remove fleas from the depths of even the thickest fur.

  You can find all-natural flea remedies right in your own kitchen, including several ingredients that you can add to your dog's meal. Garlic and yeast are substances that fleas do not like. By adding small doses of these all-natural ingredients to your pet's meals, you can render the blood unpalatable to fleas. One small clove of garlic a day is recommended for dogs of any size. Give 1 tsp. of Brewer's yeast to dogs under 50 lbs.; give heavier dogs 1 tbsp. Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is also an excellent flea repellent, and is a natural immunity booster. Place 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in the dog's water bowel per day.