The challenge of controlling your pet’s fleas becomes even more difficult for pet owners looking to avoid treating their pets with harsh chemicals. However, you can employ a number of ways to prevent fleas while still using natural ingredients.
-
General Health
-
Your pet’s flea treatment should begin with an understanding that fleas most often prey on weak or immuno-compromised pets. Before treating your dog or cat’s flea problem, make sure he is consuming a diet that meets all his health needs. You may wish to consider supplementing your pet’s diet with a vitamin recommended by your veterinarian. Your pet should also be up to date on all examinations and required vaccinations. Daily grooming will also help promote your pet’s health and protect against fleas. Use a flea comb if necessary.
Bathing
-
Hot, soapy baths are one of your pet’s biggest defenses against fleas. Use a natural dog or cat shampoo to thoroughly lather your pet’s entire body, leaving your pet covered in suds for at least five minutes. While fleas have been known to escape from plain water, soapy water prevents them from getting away. Adding several drops of lavender or tea tree oil as you run the bath water will further protect your pet. Many natural or environmentally friendly companies offer herbal pet shampoos and flea dips, which may also help prevent flea infestations
Bath Alternatives
-
If you’re willing to deal with the mess, bathing your dog in tomato juice can effectively ward off fleas. If you want to go the less messy route, try saturating your dog’s body with vinegar and water. (You may need several.) Make sure you don’t rinse the vinegar off afterward, as this will defeat the purpose.
Homemade Repellants
-
You can also make homemade flea repellents using items you are likely to have in your pantry. For example, try dropping lemon slices in a pot of boiling water and steeping the mixture overnight. In the morning, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your dog or cat. You can also make your own flea collar by rubbing a mixture of eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, or citronella oil onto a collar or bandanna.
Since cats generally hate baths and flea sprays, you may find that your cat will respond better to an herbal powder or dry foam.
Diet
-
What goes inside your pet can sometimes repel fleas just as well as what you put on the outside. For example, adding garlic or brewer’s yeast tablets to your pet’s food makes your pet smell unpleasant to fleas. You may also want to try adding a small spoonful of flavored vinegar to your pet’s water, but keep an eye on your pet to make sure the acidic taste does not keep him from drinking it!
Living Environment
-
Your pet’s environment plays a crucial role in flea infestations. Wash your pet’s bed in hot water at least once a week and dry it on a high temperature setting. Vacuum or scrub your floors frequently to help prevent fleas from taking up permanent residence.
-