How to get rid of Fleas Naturally
Natural Flea Control for Dogs and Cats: A Holistic Approach
Fleas are one of the most common reasons that dog and cat owners seek out a veterinary clinic. However, many owners find themselves faced with potentially toxic insecticides as the primary solution offered by their veterinarians. As awareness grows about the side effects of conventional flea medications, more pet owners are turning to safer, natural alternatives for flea control.
In this article, I will cover essential information about fleas, how to tell if your pet has fleas, the medical problems caused by fleas, the flea life cycle, and, most importantly, my top natural ways to get rid of fleas.
Side Effects of Conventional Flea Medications: A Veterinarian’s Perspective
Conventional flea medications are increasingly linked to health problems in both dogs and cats. During my years in veterinary practice, I frequently encountered cases of small dogs and cats suffering from the side effects of these medications. The symptoms I observed ranged from skin irritation and hair loss to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and, in some rare cases, even death.
The EPA’s Warning on Spot-On Flea Medications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised alarms about the potential health risks of various spot-on flea and tick medications. Spot-on products are typically sold in tubes or vials and applied to areas on the animal’s body, like between the shoulders or along the back.
In the past year, over 44,000 pet health-related incidents were reported to the EPA, ranging from mild skin irritations to severe reactions, including death. The EPA has responded by intensifying its evaluation of these products, focusing on incidents related to spot-on treatments, sprays, collars, and shampoos. Unfortunately, about 80% of these adverse incidents have been linked to just seven products.
The Hidden Dangers of Topical Insecticides
Topical flea medications, like Advantage, are designed to kill fleas on contact. However, these treatments can also have unintended consequences. Each time your pet grooms itself, it ingests a small amount of the insecticide, exposing them to a steady stream of chemicals. And when you handle your pet, you’re also coming into contact with these toxins.
Chronic exposure to insecticides can weaken your pet’s immune system, leading to an increased risk of diseases such as allergies and even cancer. In fact, cancer has become an epidemic among dogs, with nearly 50% of dogs dying from the disease. Despite these alarming figures, the veterinary community and large pharmaceutical companies tend to downplay these risks, although many pet owners are now becoming more concerned.
Signs Your Pet Has Fleas
If your pet is scratching incessantly, there’s a good chance they have fleas. Flea dirt, which looks like small black specks, can often be seen on your pet’s skin. To confirm the presence of fleas, try the following simple test:
- Place your pet on a white sheet of paper.
- Gently rub their fur.
- If you notice black specks falling off, these are likely flea feces.
- To confirm, add a little water to the specks. If they turn red, this indicates that the specks are indeed flea feces.
You can also use a fine-toothed flea comb to check for fleas, flea dirt, and flea eggs. Start at the head and comb backward. If you find flea dirt, place it on a white piece of paper and add water—if it turns red, your pet has fleas.
Flea Life Cycle and Medical Problems
Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial in effectively managing a flea infestation. Fleas go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Flea populations are typically divided as follows:
- 50% eggs
- 35% larvae
- 10% pupae
- 5% adults
From egg to adult, the process can take anywhere from two weeks to eight months, depending on environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and the availability of blood for feeding. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, and these eggs fall off where your pet sleeps.
Fleas are not only annoying; they also pose serious health risks. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), hair loss, hot spots, and irritated skin are common problems caused by fleas. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, and in severe infestations, they can lead to anemia, especially in young puppies and kittens. Fleas have even been linked to the spread of the bubonic plague, though this is rare in North America.
Natural Flea Control Methods
Conventional flea treatments often involve toxic insecticides, but I recommend incorporating natural flea control methods for safer, effective treatment. In cases of severe infestations, or when natural remedies aren’t effective, conventional treatments can be used.
Natural flea control focuses on three main areas: treating fleas on your pet, in your home, and in your yard.
1. Flea Control on Your Pet
A Healthy Pet
A healthy pet is less likely to suffer from flea infestations. If your pet has skin allergies or other health issues, fleas can exacerbate the problem. Boosting your pet’s immune system can help reduce flea issues. Consider using a natural health supplement like my Ultimate Canine Health Formula or Ultimate Feline Health Formula.
Flea Combing
Use a fine-toothed flea comb to check for fleas. Start from your pet’s head and comb backward. If you find flea dirt, place it on a white sheet of paper and add water. If it turns red, it’s flea feces. Repeat this process twice daily for pets with fleas and check weekly as a preventive measure.
Shampooing
Bathing your pet with flea shampoo can soothe irritated skin and eliminate adult fleas. Use a gentle shampoo with ingredients like Neem oil, Eucalyptus, and Cedarwood oil. Avoid using Tea Tree oil, as it’s toxic to cats and small dogs.
Garlic and Brewer’s Yeast
Some pet owners have had success with garlic and brewer’s yeast as a natural flea repellent. For a 10-pound dog, try giving 1/4 tsp of garlic and 1/4 tbsp of brewer’s yeast daily. However, garlic should not be given to cats long-term.
Mullein Decoction
Mullein can be made into a decoction or tea, which can be used as a flea rinse. Simply steep the herb in hot water, let it cool, and pour it over your pet. This will temporarily paralyze the fleas.
Cedarwood Oil Spray
Cedarwood oil is a safe, non-toxic natural flea repellent. Lightly mist your pet with a cedarwood oil spray, such as Triple Sure Natural Flea and Tick Spray. Be sure to use this sparingly and follow up with flea combing.
Borax
Borax can be used to kill fleas by dehydrating them. It can be sprinkled on your pet’s bedding or other areas where fleas may be present.
2. Flea Control in Your Home
Vacuum and Wash
Thoroughly vacuum the areas where your pet spends time, including bedding, carpets, and cracks in floors. Wash your pet’s bedding regularly in hot water to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae. Don’t forget to vacuum your car if your pet travels with you.
Chinchilla Dust (Diatomaceous Earth)
Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder made from fossilized algae, can be sprinkled in your home to kill fleas, larvae, and eggs. Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, not the kind used in pool filters. It can also be used on your pet.
Dehumidify
Fleas thrive in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier in your home can significantly reduce flea populations by limiting the humidity needed for flea eggs to hatch.
3. Flea Control in Your Yard
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that prey on flea larvae and pupae. They can be purchased at garden centers and applied to damp, bushy areas in your yard.
Short Lawn
Keeping the grass short will allow sunlight to reach the flea larvae, effectively killing them. This helps reduce the flea population in your yard.
Ants
Ants naturally eat flea eggs and larvae, so it’s beneficial to encourage them to stay in your yard.
Natural Topicals Outside
Diatomaceous earth can also be applied to your yard, particularly in areas where your pet sleeps outside.
By incorporating these natural flea control methods, you can safely manage flea infestations without relying on harmful pesticides. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, conventional treatments may be necessary, but these natural remedies should always be your first line of defense.
For more information on natural flea control, check out my latest video and special report: How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally and Avoid Toxic Insecticides.
How would you use Borax to get rid of fleas?
Dry by rubbing in and combing with a flea comb or wet by shampooing with it?
I have a 8 pound 3 year old dog.
We would not recommend putting Borax directly on your dog or using it as a shampoo. It’s best used in the environment, like bedding and carpets, to help dehydrate fleas. For your 8 pound pup, we’d stick with flea combing, regular washing, and treating the home too.
I am also interested in how Borax should be used. I have had a very bad experience with flea “drops” for two of my cats, although the dogs have been fine but I would prefer not to use an insecticide.
We understand your concern, especially after that experience with flea drops. Borax is best used in the environment, not directly on your pets. Lightly sprinkle it on bedding or carpets, let it work, then vacuum thoroughly. For cats especially, we recommend being very cautious with flea products and focusing on safe, natural flea control methods.
Get a second opinion about your case…while I admire you taking a stand on holistic and natural remedies (you truly care about doing NO HARM)..you are not using your GOD GIVEN talents on veterinarian care. Why not give it a shot – and attempt to get your license back. What do have to lose? (besides money)…Why can’t your wife (get a holistic medicine certificate or the equivalent) and handle the natural remedy business…and you do the Vet part? There’s got to be a way around this – and be able to do both. I think the BC Vet Board is unreasonable – jealous of your success. YOU are doing MORE GOOD THAN HARM ?? Mixed up crazy world. Good luck.
We believe in using safe, effective options and giving pet owners choices. Natural flea control can be a great part of the solution, along with proper care, a healthy pet, and knowing when other treatments may be needed. Our goal is always the same: healthier, happier dogs and cats.
I am not able to fill out that space to get the 10 veterinary secrets- don’t understand why I can’t move it to the right place-
No worries! Try refreshing the page or using a different browser. If it still won’t work, let us know and we’ll help you out.
Get a second opinion about your case. I have some information that might be useful in helping you, email me if you are interested in more
I have tried almost every manageable option that you mention plus others and combinations. I have found that once the cycle gets going, fleas are vicious and I can only get rid of them by using chemicals (drops and spraying) which I prefer to avoid. I have dogs and cats. The dogs range in size from 12lbs to 110lbs. These animals occupy almost two acres of property. I would welcome something that truly works that I feel good about using on my pets. I do not use any chemicals other than diatomaceous earth on my cats after a close call two years ago. One of them went into liver failure and I almost lost him.
With a heavy flea infestation, sometimes a short term conventional treatment is needed to break the cycle. Then focus on natural prevention by treating your pets, home, and yard together. So glad your kitty recovered.
How is the flea, lice, tick, et al, scourge contracted by humans? Are humans directly infected through their pets (or contact with another animal)? Or are humans only able to
‘get’ fleas, et al from another human being?
How can this infestation in humans be identified or treated…what testing is available to determine without a doubt that a human has fleas or ticks or lice or any other such pest?
Fleas usually come from the environment or animals and may bite people, but they don’t live on humans. Ticks are picked up outdoors, and human lice are usually spread from person to person, not pets. The best way to confirm is by finding the pest or having it evaluated by your physician or dermatologist.
guys, get a book called Natural Nutrition for Cats by Kymythy R. Schultze (she has a book for dogs too). Not only will this book open your eyes about the pet food industry and reaffirm everything Andrew says but you’ll find awesome recipes for making your own catfood. like so many cats, my cats used to be horribly fussy (I now know why!) but not any more. They utterly ADORE their food and guess what? NO FLEAS! And I live on a 5acre horse property with lots of sand, gravel etc! I don’t live in a house; I live in a steel shed and thanks to chronic fatigue, my housekeeping skills are virtually nonexistant. But still NO FLEAS. The only time my cats tend to get them is when I’ve run out of their special food and I start to feed them regular food that doesn’t have the unique blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that I normally add into their mix. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough!
Hello are you looking for a roommate or more cats. We have to move the house my son and I were renting got sold in auction due to the landlord passing away cause of Covid. So his family sold it and the man that bought it said we have 3 day to move out.i got it extended but he won’t give me more time say he will change the locks on us and told me just to abandon our cats.I can’t do that we’ve had all of them since they were little baby and I have a heart I can’t do something like that. Ok sorry what I’m asking is help me relocate my fur baby they are the best cats I want nothing but love and care for them
Absolutely, good nutrition can make a big difference in overall skin and coat health. That said, fleas are a parasite, so if they’re in the environment, even healthy pets can still pick them up. We find the best results come from a combination of a healthy diet, regular flea combing, and treating your home and yard naturally to help break the flea life cycle.
Do NOT use the Borax on your animals. It is for the carpets. It will dehydrate the fleas and then you vacuum it up. Go to http://www.boraxfleas.com/
for more info, but absolutely do not put directly on any animal!!
You are absolutely correct. Do not put borax on your animals! Only on the carpets.
Try that Melissa’a Aloe-Pet, a food supplement.
It is organic aloe vera and nopal cactus juices
Feed it to the pets daily and they will never have fleas!!!!!
try that Melissa’s aloe-pet food supplement
It is made with organic aloe vera and nopal cactus juices (as mentionaed By Dr. Oz )
Feed it to the pets ao a daily basis, and they will not be attracted to any blood sucking insects, fleas or ticks.
I live in southern Spain – hot, dry conditions not great for fleas, so they’re not such a problem. TICKS, however…. brought to us constantly by goat herders, they are a major nuisance to my lot (five dogs, three cats, even the six parrots). What suggestions do you have for them, please?
Ticks can be a real headache, especially with so many pets! We’d focus on regular tick checks, keeping grass and brush trimmed, and using gentle natural repellents like cedarwood spray for dogs. Avoid tea tree oil around cats. Those goat herders are definitely bringing extra visitors!
Chiara,
I just want to respond in saying that you can get fleas from animals (and any source). Vitamin B1 is good for repelling them. Fleas do not like the taste of vitamin B1. They cause severe itching, and you can sometimes see them jumping (they are tiny and black). Hope this helps.
What is the prevention method? I used Revolution on my husky as I was informed by the Vet that it is the right stuff to use for prevention.
Revolution is one option many vets use for flea prevention and it can be effective. We also recommend focusing on the whole picture: regular flea checks, cleaning your pet’s environment, and supporting overall health to help keep fleas under control.
What is the prevention method? My dog does not have flea but I used Revolution on my husky as I was informed by the Vet that it is the right stuff to use for prevention.
Revolution is one option many vets use for flea prevention and it can be effective. We also recommend focusing on the whole picture: regular flea checks, cleaning your pet’s environment, and supporting overall health to help keep fleas under control.
Is it true that all Canadian-made dog foods come from the same factory, and that factory imports (sometimes toxic) ingredients from China? How sad. I thought Canada was this super clean place. But then, I should’ve been suspicious after their official reaction to your honesty.
Did you know that the print out of these pages contains ads for Advantage (at PetSmart.com) and various EXTERMINATORS? How did they get into your fine paper about natural methods of flea control? Spam, spam, spam! Let’s vow never to feed spam to our pets.
Keep up the great work. We love you.
Not all Canadian made pet foods come from the same factory, so it’s always best to look into the company, ingredients, and sourcing.
When it comes to fleas, we believe in helping pet owners understand their options and use safer, informed approaches whenever possible. Thanks for caring so much about your pets!
I discovered quite by accident, that MSM powder (a derivative of DMSO) helps repel fleas. When my old pug, who was a flea magnet, got arthritic, we started putting glucosamine & MSM powder in his food. We noticed that the fleas dissappeared from him. So we started giving it to the other dogs in the family with the same results. We haven’t had to use chemical flea prevention for years. Only time we have a little trouble is when the humidity or stress level goes up!
MSM is an interesting one! While it is great for joint support, we don’t have solid evidence that it directly repels fleas. A healthy pet can be less inviting to pests, but remember fleas also live in the environment. Keeping bedding clean, vacuuming, and using a flea comb are still key. Thanks for sharing your experience with your pug!
In my house garlic seems to work. I have been feeding my dogs a home diet for more than 11 years now. When I hake the rice I always add garlic. My dogs have never had fleas. So it’s working for mine. I also wanted to say that steam cleaning isn’t always a good idea. I knew a family who’s dog and house were flea infested. So they did all the chemical applications but it did not kill the eggs in the carpet. When they steam cleaned it hatched the eggs and the infestation started all over again 🙁
Thanks for sharing your experience! Garlic is an interesting one, and some pet owners do find it helpful, though we always recommend using it carefully, especially around cats. You’re right that flea control is about the whole life cycle, not just the adult fleas. Consistent cleaning, vacuuming, and treating the environment are key. Fleas can be sneaky little critters!
I read once and tried it and it worked! You buy a lamp with a cap shade, like a work lamp for hobbies or a work bench and set it on the floor with a bowl underneath it and in the bowl put some water and a squirt of dishsoap in it. Make sure the lamp shade is right over the bowl, two inches above it but of course not touching it…do make sure it is secured so as not to fall into the bowl and us a small bulb. Do this at night only because the fleas are attracted to light and warmth and they jump right into the bowl and die! Caught many for several nights until no more. Use a flea comb on your pet and do the bowl at night and you can move it around to different rooms until you are satisfied or the fleas life cycle is done. Good luck!
The light trap can help catch adult fleas at night. Just remember, most fleas are hiding in the environment as eggs and larvae, so combine it with flea combing, vacuuming, and washing bedding to break the life cycle.
We have used garlic to keep flies off our horses, but I will have to try garlic for fleas now.
Thanks,
Tom
You’re very welcome! Garlic has been used by many horse owners for flies, and some dog owners have found it helpful as part of a natural flea prevention plan too. Just remember—use the proper amount for dogs, and don’t give garlic to cats, as they are much more sensitive to it. Keep us posted on how it works!
A very informative site to visit. I enjoyed this and has been very helpful to me. I will recommend this to others.
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I’m so glad you found it helpful, and I really appreciate you recommending it to others. Here’s to happier, healthier pets!
If you want to get rid of the fleas in your house…just spray the yellow liquid form (lysol). Spray everything after 3 days YOU will be flea FREE!
Thanks for sharing what worked for you! While Lysol is a disinfectant, I wouldn’t recommend spraying it around pets or on areas they contact, as it can be irritating or even toxic if inhaled or licked. For a safer approach, I prefer regular vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water, flea combing, and using pet-safe natural products. Keeping our pets safe is always the top priority!
What about thieves oil? OR lavender? Are they safe to use? I have two small dogs 5lbs and 9lbs who both have fleas and hot spots. I clean like a mad woman i bathe them with the flea shampoo, I have tried the vinegar all with no luck. And I see no answers here and my babies need real HELP AND FAST ! ! ! And you know the Vet wants to give them chemicals. Could you please answer my questions via email or something they really need help.
Hi, Mary;
See Dr. Jones’ article here: https://veterinarysecrets.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
Isn’t garlic toxic to dogs aswell!!!!
Great question! Garlic can be toxic to dogs if given in large amounts, so it’s important to be careful. I don’t recommend using high doses or giving it long-term. There are much safer natural flea control options, like flea combing, regular vacuuming, washing bedding, and pet-safe topical products. When it comes to garlic, less is definitely more—and for cats, it’s a definite no.
I have used garlic for years with my Bichons after having one of my dogs have seizures after applying the topical stuff you get at the vet. I also started in the food grade Perma-Guard Organic Diatomaceous Earth. Make sure it is the FOOD GRADE as the other type can be toxic. You can also put this in their water or on their food for parasite control.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m sorry your pup had that reaction. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is very different from pool-grade, so that distinction is important. As for garlic, I’d still encourage caution—it’s not risk-free, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. Every pet is different, so it’s always best to use natural remedies thoughtfully and keep an eye on how your pet responds.
It is crazy how Big Pharma tries to make natural seem un-natural.
listen to the ads they have continuously and the side effects that it can cause ..even death they say and yet people continue to take them and do you know that 180,000 people per year die..not of the disease but the side effects!!
I see on t.v. continously..if you took this drug and your baby was born with the following,,you could be allowed a compensation!!!!
The world is nuts! yep..not the good nuts..because nuts are good for you :)..Good idea that your wife would do as one said..always a way around and since when is it against the law to treat…naturally? Man had only been killing more peop,e with their invention of drugs than the diseases themselves…but of course all keeps quiet about it.
I think it’s always healthy to ask questions and be informed about both medications and natural options. Every treatment, whether it’s a prescription drug or a natural remedy—has potential benefits and risks. The key is finding what is safest and most effective for your individual pet. My goal is always to help pet parents make informed choices and use the least invasive option that works.
Dr Jones, fellow pet lovers and owners, I’ve been advised by my vet that I should purchase the combined heartworm / flea tablet FLEXIS. Our flea infestation was/is over the top. We’ve tried numerous natural methods (most of them from Dr Jones’s blog and seminars) and even daily shampooing to no avail. Can you PLEASE share your opinion on this drug. We always administer Heartworm medication as misquitoes are far too numerous too much stagnant water in our area and we don’t want to take any un-needed chances.
Thanks for asking! If you’re dealing with a severe flea infestation, sometimes a conventional product can be the quickest way to get things under control. The key is to use it only when truly needed, then focus on long-term prevention with natural methods, regular vacuuming, washing bedding, and treating the environment—because that’s where most of the fleas are. Heartworm prevention is also important in high-risk mosquito areas, so it’s always about balancing the risks and benefits for your individual pet.
Carole’s method is an old hippie treehugger trick that REALLY WORKS. Use a clear pyrex shallow, rectangular casserole dish. Put a sheet of white typing paper under it. Fill with water and a few drops of liquid soap. Use real soap, not the biodegradable stuff. I use a gooseneck lamp. At night the fleas will hop to the lightbulb, find it too hot to grab, fall into the water and sink to the dish bottom because the soap film won’t allow surface tension. It is sadistically fun to watch the little buggers do their fatal dive, and in the morning there’s a satisfactory body count until they’re finally all gone. Takes about seven nights.
That’s an old-school trick! The light-and-soapy-water trap can definitely help catch adult fleas and reduce their numbers indoors. Just remember it won’t eliminate the eggs and larvae, so it’s best used alongside vacuuming, washing bedding, and treating your pet. Every flea you catch is one less to bite your furry friend!
I had bought a creme/medicine from my vet last year when my cat got fleas. I applied it on her upper neck just like I was told to do but later that night I woke to the horrifying noise of my cat coughing. She drooled all over and her pupils were large. I cried all night thinking that I had killed my cat. I stayed up with her and had to refill her water dish 3 times. I washed her as best I could to keep from repeating the problem. I felt terrible and had no way to help her. (We dont have a nearby vet clinic,or one that is open at 2am!)Luckily she was okay in the morning and the water I gave her seemed to wash out the chemical in her. I still wish that I had read this before the accident. I will never again use a vet brand flea repelent.
I’m so sorry you and your kitty went through that. Thankfully she recovered. Some cats can have adverse reactions to flea products, which is why it’s so important to use only cat-specific products and contact your vet right away if you notice drooling, tremors, coughing, or other unusual signs after application. I’m glad she’s okay, and thanks for sharing your experience—it may help another cat parent be extra cautious.
I love your site great info thank you.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site and finding it helpful. Thanks for being here, and give your furry friend a hug from me!
One remedy that works instantly is Kleene Greene or any other product that is an enzymatic cleaner. Kills fleas as soon as it touches the solution. It is made from plant enzymes. It’s also used for bed bugs and can be used to dissolve odors instantly such as urine. Another remedy is pennyroyal which is an oil. I believe the smell is totally obnoxious to any pests. Falls along the same category as cedar oil.
Thanks for sharing! Enzymatic cleaners can be very helpful for cleaning pet messes, but they aren’t generally considered a proven flea treatment. I’d also be cautious with pennyroyal oil—it can be toxic to both dogs and cats, even in small amounts, so I don’t recommend using it. Cedarwood is a much safer natural option when used appropriately.
Actually, the remedy pennyroyal can be toxic to both humans and animals from what I read in Wikipedia. I would avoid using pennyroyal.
Good point, and thanks for mentioning it! You’re right—pennyroyal can be toxic to both pets and people, so I don’t recommend using it for flea control. There are much safer natural options, such as flea combing, regular vacuuming, washing bedding, and pet-safe cedarwood products.
I bathe my dog in dawn dish detergent and a good conditioner afterwards and this usually does the trick.
Thanks for sharing! Dawn can help remove adult fleas in a pinch, but I wouldn’t use it as a regular shampoo since it can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat. A gentle pet shampoo is a better long-term choice, and don’t forget to treat the environment too—that’s where most of the fleas are hiding!
A simple way to keep flees off of your dogs and cats is to give them garlic powder.I have a 19 lb. dachshund and I put about 4 Tbsp. of water in a small bowl with 1 half tsp. of garlic powder, 1 half tsp. of brewers yeast (makes his coat soft and a little dab of piminto cheese for flavor, I mx this up and he loves it.I do this twice a day, morning and night and he has no more flees or ticks either. Flees hate the taste of garlic, and it has to the garlic power that you cook with. Garlic pills don’t work. This is not toxic to your pets.
Thanks for sharing what has worked for your pup! I’d just add one note of caution—garlic isn’t completely risk-free for dogs, especially in higher amounts or with long-term use, and it should never be given to cats. If you’re looking for natural flea control, I prefer options like flea combing, regular vacuuming, washing bedding, and pet-safe topical repellents. Every pet is different, so it’s always best to choose the safest approach.
I’e always used garlic for my two dogs and my cat, Belle is 4 and Dexter is 3, 75 and 90 pounds respectively, kiwi is 10 pounds. minced garlic in their food, not daily but pretty close to it, I can even throw Dexter garlic cloves and he’ll chow those down. I live in Newfoundland, it’s almost always damp here and our dehumidifier runs 24/7, but we have been successful so far with the flea control.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m glad your pets have stayed flea-free. I’d just encourage a little caution—while some dogs seem to tolerate small amounts of garlic, it isn’t considered risk-free, and cats are much more sensitive to garlic than dogs, so I don’t recommend giving it to them. I’m a big fan of combining safe natural flea control with good environmental management—sounds like that dehumidifier is helping too!
I had a really bad flea infestation this summer and tried EVERYTHING! I kept spending more and more money on the products available and recommended by the pet stores to no avail. After a lot of searching and reading a book on useful household items, I destroyed the fleas and had no problems since. I would put vinegar and water onto a cloth and stroke the cat with it. The fleas dont like vinegar. I sprinkled salt on all the carpets which kills the eggs and dries out larvae. perfect. Salt and vinegar fixed it all and for pennies at that!
Thanks for sharing! Vinegar may help make your pet a little less appealing to fleas, and salt can help dry out flea eggs in carpets. The real key, though, is being persistent—vacuuming, washing bedding, and treating both your pet and the environment. Sounds like your hard work paid off. Well done!
Diatomaceous Earth (Be sure to get food grade as the other is poisonous):
Bug Killer You Can Eat!
It’s safe, effective. Google it.
I use it all over the house for bug killing.
I even put it in the cracks by the windows
where ants were coming in & no more ants.
It’s safe. A little goes a long way.
Also before you go nuts with it, read some
of the articles online ‘cos several say if you
have a LOT of it in your carpet, it can harm your
vacuum. (I guess it depends on the type of vacuum you have….) I put a trail of it by door/window sills when I 1st start opening them,
then mist it lightly to keep it in place.
NO MORE creeping things….at least not from ground level..yeah some still get in but not at those entrances.
Thanks for sharing! Food-grade diatomaceous earth can be a useful part of a natural flea control plan when used correctly. Just be careful to avoid creating dust—both people and pets can find it irritating if inhaled. A light application, along with regular vacuuming and treating your pet, is the best approach. Every little bit helps in winning the flea battle!
Diatomaceous Earth
Forgot to say that if you raw feed, it’s also good to add a pinch to your animals food every few days (add WATER to it..it’s very drying).
It has no taste, but prevents all kinds of weird parasites. (People can take it too)
AGAIN, remember to get FOOD GRADE the other kind is POISONOUS
Thanks for the tip! Food-grade diatomaceous earth is very different from pool-grade, so that distinction is important. While some people do add small amounts to pet food, the evidence that it prevents or treats internal parasites is limited, so I wouldn’t rely on it for deworming. I prefer using proven parasite prevention strategies and reserving food-grade diatomaceous earth for appropriate environmental use.
Hi, useful. I use cedar oil. I have pot riveted a felt pad on to the collars of my two English Pointers. In the summer, once a fortnight (or after they have been swimming) I put a few drops on the felt pad. GI’s put cedar chips of wood into their bedding when in the jungle to keep insects away (I have a cedar wood garage and it is over 40 years old and no sign of wood worm) Please be aware though, cedar oil is toxic
Thanks for sharing your experience! Cedar has a long history as an insect repellent. One important point, though: not all cedar products are equally safe. Concentrated cedar essential oils can be irritating or toxic if misused, especially for cats or if applied directly in high amounts. If using cedar, always choose a pet-safe product and follow the label directions carefully.
I get rid of fleas and the eggs on my dog by bathing/shampooing her with the BLUE DAWN dish soap, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinsing her and it kills both the fleas and the eggs.
Thanks for sharing! Dawn can help kill adult fleas during a bath, and many pet owners have found it useful in a pinch. I just wouldn’t use it regularly, as it can dry out your dog’s skin and coat. Pairing the bath with vacuuming and washing bedding is the best way to help break the flea life cycle.
Fleas hate citrus, we have found that cutting an orange in half and rubbing it over your pet will help a lot in combating fleas! and the citrus does not hurt the pet if they lick it! And they smell good LOL
Thanks for sharing! Citrus certainly smells nice, but I’d be a little cautious. Citrus oils and peels can irritate pets, especially cats, and some citrus compounds can be toxic in larger amounts. I wouldn’t recommend rubbing oranges directly on your pet. There are safer natural flea control options, like flea combing, regular bathing, vacuuming, and pet-safe cedar-based products.
Juist mijn Poedel krijgt ook epileptische aan vallen door al die troep uit spuit busjes ik doe het alleen in de nek een beetje spuiten waar ze niet kunnen likken knoflook had ik gehaald kon ik weggooien wilden ze hun eten niet meer ja goed voor de lijn maar is niet nodig2x uuruit laten en rennen ook poedel van 13 jaar!bedankt voor alle tips,
Translated via Google:
Precisely my Poodle also get epileptic attack to all that junk from spray cans I only do it in the neck a little spray where they can not lick garlic I met I could, they wanted their food not so good for your figure but is throwing nodig2x uuruit not leave and run also poodle 13 years! thanks for all the tips,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear your Poodle had seizures after using flea sprays. It’s good that you’re being cautious with flea products. Every dog reacts differently, so it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find the safest option for your pup. Wishing your 13-year-old Poodle many more happy, healthy runs!
I simply use one formula that I got from Amazon. All you have to do is read these reviews and you’ll understand why I bought it to get rid of fleas: http://amzn.to/MpZ7i1 – My 5 star should be on there as well. This stuff works.
That link isn’t working for Amazon. What is the name of the flea killer you where talking about.
Hi Lisa, try this link on Dr. Jones physical book https://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Secrets-Natural-Health-Dogs/dp/1494928140
I keep hearing about Diatomaceous Earth. Where would I purchase this?
You can usually find food-grade diatomaceous earth at local farm supply stores, garden centers, feed stores, or many pet supply shops. It’s also widely available online.
Just be sure to buy food-grade diatomaceous earth—never pool-grade, as that is not safe for pets.
Diatomaceous earth is available many places. Search the Internet for it, but make sure that you only buy the food grade variety. I bought some on Amazon that is combined with calcium bentonite to make it more effective. (Great company that provides it too.)
I keep hearing about blue Dawn dish detergent being good to eliminate external parasites, but haven’t tried it yet.
Thanks for sharing! Yes, food-grade diatomaceous earth is the only type to consider around pets—never pool-grade. And while blue Dawn can help remove adult fleas during a bath, I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular shampoo since it can dry out the skin and coat. It’s a handy short-term option, but treating the environment is just as important for long-term flea control.
Vegetable oil will suffocate fleas. I bathe my dogs and lightly towel dry them so they are damp, but not dripping wet. I then spray the vegetable oil on and rub in it as I go. I spray the oil more heavily down their backs and around their tails but I make sure I spray them all over. I then towel off the excess oil.
This will last for several days. The dogs will keep a wet, somewhat greasy look, until I shampoo and oil them up again. I keep the funiture covered but I was already doing this anyway.
I use any brand of vegetable oil, usually the store brand, and I pour it into a spray bottle. This makes it easy to apply the oil over the entire dog’s body without wasting any. I only have to use this method of flea control during the summer months. During the winter months, I dust the dogs with food grade diatomaceous earth. I use food grade DE year round for the cats.
Thanks for sharing your routine! Vegetable oil may trap or smother some adult fleas, but it can also leave the coat greasy and may irritate the skin or upset the stomach if pets lick too much of it. I generally prefer safer, less messy options like flea combing, regular bathing, vacuuming, washing bedding, and addressing the environment to break the flea life cycle.
I was told to use Boric acid not Borax as you suggest…any comments
Good question! I prefer borax over boric acid if you’re looking at natural household flea control, but both should be used with caution. Keep either product away from pets and children, avoid inhaling the dust, and never apply them directly to your dog or cat. My first choices are still flea combing, vacuuming, washing bedding, and safe pet treatments.
I have been using Diatomaceous earth. It works, but I need some to go with it, keep seeing suggestion to use coconut oil, how safe it.
Coconut oil is generally safe for most dogs and cats when used in small amounts. It can help moisturize dry skin, but it’s not a proven flea treatment on its own. If you’re already using food-grade diatomaceous earth for environmental control, I’d combine that with regular flea combing, washing bedding, and vacuuming rather than relying on coconut oil to repel fleas. A little goes a long way!
Borax mixed with salt in carpet works. Let it set for an hour then vacumn it up. Peppermint and lemongrass oil in water makes an excellent spray (not on your pet) as well. Cedar chips stuffed inside of a pet bed keeps fleas away. Vacumn vacumn vacumn. Natural flea traps- white plate with water and a drop of soap. Place where they swarm you. The soap breaks the water tension and they drown.
Thanks for sharing your flea-fighting tips! Vacuuming is definitely one of the best tools for breaking the flea life cycle. I’d just add a note of caution with essential oils—peppermint and lemongrass can be irritating, especially around cats, so use them carefully and never directly on your pets. A combination of treating your pet, the home, and the environment is the best recipe for winning the flea battle.
Hi,
I changed my dogs (10 of them!) 3 years ago to raw food.
We live in rural southern France, where fleas and ticks are rampant and a menace.
The second year after being on raw food, we had guests from Australia for the summer, and I dosed the dogs end of May in anticipation of hot summer, fleas and wanting to avoid our guests being bitten. But this past year (2020) we had full lockdown and I didn’t have access to the vet on a just walk in basis, and didn’t get around to buying the flea and tick medication.
The dogs had a brilliant summer, no one around so they could run around the woods and fields over 12 hectares. Not a single flea or tick or itchies the entire year.
I was told that raw food could produce this side-effect, but didn’t quite believe it. It’s been a major bonus as one dog in particular got quiet ill and has trouble breathing after the flea medication every year.
Will it be the same this summer? Who knows but I sincerely hope so.
Thought I’d pass this on.
Hi! Does it still work for your dogs? Thanks Greetz Roos
Yes, this is very effective
Thanks for sharing your experience! That’s wonderful to hear your dogs are thriving on their raw diet. A healthy diet can certainly support a strong immune system and healthy skin, but I’d be cautious about assuming raw feeding alone prevents fleas and ticks. Since you’re in an area where they’re common, I’d still keep checking your dogs regularly. Fingers crossed they have another great, itch-free summer!