All Natural Non-Toxic Home Remedies for Fleas

Fleas inflict itchy, painful bites on pets and can be a real problem. Pets can even become anemic if they are infested with fleas. It is important to rid your pet of fleas so that it remains healthy and comfortable. While many people use harsh chemicals to kill fleas on their pets, there are natural ways of doing it, too. It's also important to treat the pet's surroundings so that it doesn't become infested again, and so that you don't have to deal with flea bites, also.

  1. Bath

    • A safe, natural way to rid your pet of fleas is with a bath. Pet stores carry all-natural shampoos that will help kill fleas. Dawn dishwashing liquid is also a safe, mild option for bathing your pet, according to Vet Info. When you lather your pet with the soap, make sure to let it sit for a few minutes. Also, some fleas might run to your pet's face while its body is being washed, so if they do, pick them off and kill them. This method will kill the fleas that are already on your pet, but unlike chemical remedies, it won't deter them from getting back on your cat or dog.

    Flea Comb

    • Another natural, safe method for ridding a pet of fleas is a flea comb. Fine-tooth flea combs are available in all pet stores and many grocery or department stores. Simply begin with a section of your pet's fur and begin combing through it. When fleas appear on the comb, kill them. This method is safe, but it is also extremely time consuming. Also, because the fleas will run when you begin combing, it can take a long time to remove them.

    Clean Environment

    • Treating your pet for fleas will be for naught if its environment is infested. If your pet lives inside, it's important to rid the whole house of fleas. Vacuum your floors, baseboards and furniture to remove fleas and their eggs. After vacuuming, remove the bag and take it out of the house. An even better way to get rid of the fleas is to steam clean everything. Look for natural nontoxic powders that contain borax or diatomaceous earth, sprinkling them on infested areas to kill fleas and then vacuuming them away.

    Outdoors

    • Many pets live outdoors and many others go back and forth between the yard and the house. Therefore, it's also important to make sure your yard is not infested with fleas. A basic way to deter fleas is to keep your grass mowed. Sprinkling natural, nontoxic powders will help. Another natural flea remedy for the outdoors is to purchase nematodes and place them in your yard. These microscopic worms eat flea eggs and can be purchased online or in pet stores. Place them in a moist shady spot; like fleas, they can't live in the hot sun.