Safe Ways to Kill Fleas on Animals

A flea infestation on your animal is often a nightmare to deal with. The tiny brown insects multiply quickly and can cause relentless itching, hair loss and skin infections. An over-the-counter, on-the-spot flea killer may seem like the quickest and most effective remedy, but according to the Humane Society of the United States, that is not exactly the case. These products can contain highly toxic pesticides that can severely harm animals and even lead to their death. Fortunately, there are safe alternatives to ridding your animal of nasty fleas.

  1. Natural Shampoo

    • Avoid using a flea medication or harsh shampoo to wash the animal and kill fleas. Choose a gentle shampoo made from natural ingredients. If possible, wash the animal outside. Work the shampoo into a good lather all over the animal, taking care to avoid the eyes and ears. For those sensitive areas, use a damp paper towel instead. Immediately dispose of the paper towel in a plastic bag and place the bag in an outside trash can. Also quickly wash any towels used to dry the animal. If giving the animal a bath indoors, thoroughly clean the surrounding area afterward to kill any fleas lying around.

    Vinegar Mixture

    • Vinegar is a gentle remedy for killing fleas. VetInfo suggests creating a mixture of one-quarter gallon of vinegar and three-quarters gallon of water. Soak a hand towel in the solution, ring out the excess and rub your animal with it. Allow the vinegar mixture to dry for about 20 minutes and comb or brush your animal, outside if possible, to remove dead fleas. You can also fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar to three parts water and spritz your animal regularly until you are sure the fleas are gone. Check your animal for sores before washing or spraying with vinegar. The acid can irritate sores and cause pain.

    Do Laundry

    • Your animal's living space can serve as host to fleas and their eggs. Wash the animal's bedding, including any towels, rugs and nearby curtains, in hot water and dry at the highest setting. If your animal sleeps in your bed, also wash that bedding. Simply picking up the linens or bedding can scatter fleas all over. Instead, pick up items by their corners and bring them together. Fill the washing machine with water and drop the items straight in. The fleas will drown instantly. Continue to launder your animal's bedding weekly.

    Vacuum Thoroughly

    • Fleas and their eggs can disappear easily into carpet and cracks in floors. You can stop them from infesting your animal by vacuuming your entire home, paying special attention to the animal's living area. Move furniture and vacuum under it, and use attachments to get into crevices and corners. If you have hardwood or vinyl floors, use a vacuum as well as a mop. Take the vacuum outside to dump in the trash. For extra insurance, plunge the debris into water.

    Invest in a Dehumidifer

    • According to Veterinary Pet Care, fleas thrive in areas where there is high humidity --- 75 percent or more. The eggs need only 50 percent humidity to survive. Use an existing dehumidifier or consider purchasing one or two and place them around the home. The units help to lower humidity and kill both fleas and their eggs. Keep the humidifier below 50 percent to safely rid your animal and home of fleas.