Natural Way to Protect Dogs Against Fleas

Many dog owners are faced with the dilemma of treating their beloved pet for fleas. Fleas can cause itching and irritation in dogs, which can be anywhere from mild to potentially dangerous. A dog that incessantly itches at its fur because of a flea infestation can puncture its skin, which can lead to an open sore or an infection. There are ways to naturally prevent a flea problem in any breed of dog before it begins.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Medium sized pot
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 gallon jug
  • Spray bottle
  • Cedar dog shampoo
  • Brewer's yeast
  • Marigolds
  • Table salt
  • Vacuum
  • Outdoor trash can
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dog dish
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Instructions

  1. Citrus Spray

    • 1

      Bring three cups of water to a hard boil in a medium-sized pan.

    • 2

      Cut a lemon into quarters and place the pieces into an empty gallon sized jug, such as an empty and cleaned milk container. Cut the lemon into smaller pieces if the opening of the container does not accommodate the larger chunks.

    • 3

      Pour the boiling water into the jug and allow it to sit for 12 hours.

    • 4

      Place the contents of the jug into a plastic spray bottle.

    • 5

      Spray the dog once a day with the natural citrus repellent, paying special attention to areas fleas will most likely inhabit, such as behind the dog's ears and underneath its armpits.

    Alternate Methods

    • 6

      Bathe the dog with a dog shampoo that containers cedar oil. The cedar oil will act as a repellent and will help stop a flea infestation before it begins.

    • 7

      Place 1 tsp. brewer's yeast, which can be purchased at many health food stores, into the dog's food once a day. The yeast will create an odor on the dog's skin that fleas find unattractive.

    • 8

      Plant marigolds in the your garden. Fleas are repulsed by the odor of this plant and it may keep them from finding your dog at play in the yard or home.

    • 9

      Sprinkle the carpet and furniture with a thin layer of table salt and allow it remain overnight. The next morning, vacuum these areas. The salt will help eliminate the fleas. Empty the vacuum outside and place its contents in an outdoor garbage can.

    • 10

      Pour one half cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of water into the dog's water dish. The fleas will be put off by the smell of the apple cider vinegar.