Is There a Natural Way to Get Rid of Fleas From Your Puppy & Home?

Killing fleas for good can be a tricky undertaking. Fleas are resilient pests that have a four-stage life cycle--you need to kill not only the living fleas, but any eggs that have hatched in your home and yard. Chemical flea medications purchased from a store contain toxic ingredients that might be harmful or fatal to puppies. Making a natural flea remedy is a healthier alternative. Treat every area of your home in which your puppy wanders to put an end to your flea problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Paper towels
  • 2 oranges
  • 2 grapefruits
  • 1 tbsp. lavender oil
  • Empty spray bottle
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Instructions

  1. Fleas on Your Puppy

    • 1

      Feed your puppy a healthy diet. Supplement its food with dried garlic or garlic powder and brewer's yeast, a good source of vitamin B. These will make the puppy's body taste less appealing to fleas.

    • 2

      Run a flea comb through your puppy's fur thoroughly, from nose to tail. Clean the comb off under running water each time you see fleas or black specks (flea droppings) collecting on the comb. Fleas are tiny, dark-colored insects about 1/8-inch long that you should be able to spot.

    • 3

      Keep a wet paper towel handy to catch any fleas that jump from the comb. Fleas are very quick. If you see any escape, immediately squash them with the paper towel.

    • 4

      Create a natural flea repellent spray. Put the peels of two oranges and two grapefruits into a blender. Add a quarter of water and blend until smooth.

    • 5

      Strain the liquid into a pot. Set your stove's heat to low and cook the mixture for 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and allow it to cool for an hour.

    • 6

      Add a tablespoon of lavender oil to the mixture. Stir and place the mixture into a clean spray bottle. Spray the treatment on your puppy, avoiding its eyes. Spray the puppy up to four times daily.

    Fleas in Your Home

    • 7

      Vacuum your home thoroughly at least once a week. Do not skip over any areas, including any dog beds and bedding, stairs, under furniture and other places your puppy frequents.

    • 8

      Spray your carpet, furniture and any other places your puppy goes with the natural citrus spray. Use the spray up to four times daily.

    • 9

      Wash the puppy's bed with hot water and a natural soap with eight to 10 drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil every week. Dry it on high heat.

    • 10

      Mow your lawn weekly to keep flea reproduction at bay.

    • 11

      Supplement the citrus spray for your home with a commercial natural spray, such as Sentry Natural Flea &Tick Household Spray, if you wish. The spray kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes for up to four weeks.