Not only can fleas drive dogs mad because they cause terrible itching, they are also disease carriers. Flea infestations do not necessarily have to be combated with radical means, the parasites can be removed with simple household remedies.

As fleas drink the dog's blood, severe flea infestations can lead to anaemia. Skin irritation can lead to infections that can make the dog ill. It is also not uncommon for fleas to jump from dogs to humans, especially if the dog sleeps in its master's bed.

Although flea infestations are worse in summer, dogs need to be protected from fleas all year round. Conventional flea products often contain chemicals, but if you prefer not to use chemicals, you can protect your dog from flea infestation with natural products.

Natural remedies against flea infestation

Fleas adhere particularly well to long and unkempt fur, so brush, wash and shear the dog regularly.

Comb the dog with a flea comb more often, especially just before washing. The fleas get caught in the fine-toothed comb and are easily removed. To make combing easier, soak the comb in soapy water. This also loosens the fleas from the coat and skin.

Add small amounts of ground garlic to the dog food. Garlic repels fleas and helps to keep dogs healthy.

 

After bathing, the dog can be rinsed with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1:2). Wet all areas of the body thoroughly. The vinegar odour that we notice disappears relatively quickly, but the fleas continue to smell it for a while and stay away from the dog.

Add the juice of a fresh lemon to two litres of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the dog with the lemon water and brush the coat thoroughly. This method does not usually work so well with cats, as they dislike the smell of citrus.

As an alternative to lemon water, mix a few drops of lavender oil with water and pour into a spray bottle or add the lavender oil to the dog shampoo. Essential oils must not get into the dog's eyes or nose.

An extremely heavy flea infestation can be treated with washing-up liquid. Soap the whole dog with washing-up liquid and leave it to work for a few minutes. Then rinse the dog thoroughly with warm, clean water to remove the detergent completely.