Fleas are a wingless insect that feeds exclusively on blood. They cause skin irritation and can transmit other diseases from one animal to another. There are many options for flea control on the market including collars, sprays, shampoos, supplements and medications. But getting rid of fleas doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. By using a few common household items and ingredients, you can eliminate fleas on your dog without ever having to leave the house.
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pitcher
- Lemon
- Knife
- Garlic
- Pot
- Stove
- Teaspoon
Instructions
External
Cut a whole lemon, peel included, into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Place the lemon slices into an empty pitcher.
Fill a large pot with approximately 6 cups of clean water. Set the pot on the stove top and turn the burner on high. Let the water heat up until it is boiling. Remove the pot from the heat once the water has reached boiling.
Pour the boiling water into the pitcher with the lemon slices. Set the mixture aside and allow it to sit for at least 12 hours. This will allow complete infusion of the water with the lemon juices.
Remove the lemon slices from the pitcher and pour the water into an empty spray bottle.
Spray the dog's fur with the lemon water until his entire coat is damp but not wet. If your dog has thick or long fur, rub the mixture into his fur for deeper penetration. Allow the dog's coat to air-dry.
Repeat this procedure every day until fleas are no longer present and then apply on a monthly basis.
Internal
Mince one clove of garlic for small dogs (under 50 lbs.) or two cloves of garlic for large dogs (over 50 lbs.).
Mix the minced garlic into the dog's regular food once per day. The garlic changes the taste of the dog's blood and makes it less appealing to fleas.
Measure 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar and add it to the dog's daily water bowl.