Flea Control for Dogs

According to the scientific facts, there are about 2000 species of fleas. Fleas are little critters with six legs and no wings. They are pretty amazing as even without wings they can get attached to tall dogs, that too in a single bound. The type of flea which affects the dogs the most is Ctenocephalides felis. The fleas cause a lot of discomfort to the dogs. They are usually never single in a habitat and suck blood from the dog's body.

In addition to the general itching and scratching, the fleas lead to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). The disease is symptomized by an unbearable itching on the affected dog's body. Frequent itching and scratching makes the dog's skin thicker and lose hair. Such a skin is more prone to bacterial infection. Thus, you see that fleas can make your pet dog's life pathetic and pitiable. The only way you can improve his life is by getting him rid of fleas.

Home Remedies for Flea Control

Lemon Water Repellent: Take a glass of water and boil it for a couple of minutes. Take three lemons, and cut each into four halves. Put the cut lemon in the boiled water. Allow the steeping for about 7-8 hours. Filter the water into a spray bottle. Spray the water on the body of your dog. Make sure that the area around the ears, armpits and neck are well sprayed. Do it once everyday to rid your dog from fleas.

Aromatherapy Spray Repellent: There is another repellent which you can make at home for the same purpose. Take 4-5 drops of cedar wood essential oil, 2-3 drops of lavender oil and an almond carrier base. Mix all these ingredients well and put into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the solution on the dog's body. In addition to stopping the growth of flea on your dog, this aromatherapy spray will make it smell good as well.

Herbal Shampoo: There are a number of shampoos available in the market which are specifically meant for flea control. If you get one, use it. If you don't, then you may try any herbal shampoo for humans that contains extracts of rosemary, pine cedar, bergamot, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, geranium, or juniper. Such a shampoo will prove to be of immense help in flea control for your dogs.

Garlic: Garlic has been observed to act as a very effective flea control for dogs. This is probably because, once digested and absorbed by the dog's system, garlic produces a smell which is inhospitable to the fleas. You may grind 2-3 cloves of garlic and add it to the dog's food. Do it once everyday until you get your dog completely free from fleas.

Apple Cider Vinegar: You may use apple cider vinegar as an alternative to garlic. Add 2-3 drops of it to your dog's daily diet. The apple cider vinegar will make the dog's skin more acidic, which will be unpleasant to the fleas as well as to the ticks and mites.

Other Home Remedies: There are several other home remedies that you can try to repel fleas from your dog and surroundings. First of all, sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the filtration system of the swimming pool of your house. This will inhibit the growth of fleas in the pool, and hence, your dog will remain unaffected. Secondly, put cedar chips in alignment of your fence to keep the fleas at bay. Thirdly, plant a herb called tansy near your dog's pen. The smell from the plant will check the growth and development of fleas. There are non-prescription flea control pills available in pet's stores. Get one and use it as recommended.

Select any of the suggested flea control method according to your ease, comfort and availability of resources. Try the home remedy for a period of about 10 days. If you notice improvement, continue with the same. Otherwise, consider visiting a veterinarian for necessary care and assistance that your dog needs.