How Can I Get Rid of My Dog's Fleas if I Have Tried the Drops & Shampoo?

When your dog becomes infested with fleas, the parasites cause extremely itchy skin and irritation. These pests feed on the blood of your dog and live on its skin, within the dog's fur. Fleas can lead to anemia -- especially in puppies -- skin infections and tapeworms if not treated quickly. If you have already tried flea shampoos and topical medications on your dog's skin with no success, you can choose from other options to rid your dog and home of fleas.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog flea comb
  • Dish soap
  • Olive oil
  • 2 bowls
  • 6 lemons
  • 3-quart pot
  • Empty spray bottle
  • Lemon or rosemary essential oil
  • Oral flea medication
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a bowl with warm water and two to three drops of dish soap. Stir the soapy water. Fill another bowl with warm water and set it next to the first bowl.

    • 2

      Coat the flea comb with olive oil to help fleas stick to it. Comb your dog's coat with the flea comb to remove the fleas. Concentrate on the base of the tail, the abdomen and the head, where fleas are commonly found, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. After each stroke, dip the comb in the soapy water bowl to drown the fleas, then dip the comb in the plain water to rinse.

    • 3

      Continue to comb your dog's entire coat to remove the fleas, periodically rubbing more olive oil on the comb, as needed. After finishing, dispose of the soapy water with fleas by flushing it down the toilet to prevent any fleas that remain alive from jumping out of the bowl.

    • 4

      Cut six lemons in half and add them to a 3-quart pot. Add 1 quart of water and bring the lemons and water to a boil on the stove top. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes, then steep for three to four hours.

    • 5

      Strain the lemon water and add it into an empty spray bottle. Spray your dog's fur with the lemon water, working the liquid into the fur with your hands. Do not spray your dog's face directly; instead spray your hand and rub the mixture around your dog's nose, eyes and mouth. The lemon water will naturally repel and kill fleas on your dog. Store the spray in the refrigerator and continue to spray your dog daily to repel fleas.

    • 6

      Rub two to three drops of lemon or rosemary essential oil into your dog's collar to repel fleas and create a homemade flea collar.

    • 7

      Give your dog an oral flea tablet to kill fleas on its coat and prevent new ones from hatching. Some of these medications work quickly, in as little as 30 minutes, such as Capstar. Administer the medications according to the directions on the package, as you can use some products daily, others monthly. Obtain these types of medications from a veterinarian.