Natural Home Remedy to Get Rid of Fleas

Wash your pet's bedding often to help prevent flea infestation.

Because of the sometimes-harmful chemicals used in many flea-control products, increasingly more pet owners are looking for a natural home remedy to keep the pests off their pets. With a little extra effort, a flea problem can usually be handled without the use of insecticides.

Topical Ointments

Citrus peel extract, available at whole foods or health food stores, is a way to deal with flea problems on a dog. The extract will kill fleas at all stages of their life cycle. To prepare a solution, cut up four lemons and simmer them for an hour in one quart of water. When the mixture cools, strain it and rub it into the dog's coat. Citrus extract should never be used on cats.

In the Diet

Feeding your dog plenty of garlic will not only keep fleas away but also provide your dog with anti-cancer properties that have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. As garlic can cause feline disorders of the red blood cells, this remedy should not be used with cats.

Natural Pet Shampoo

Regular shampooing of your dog or cat can go a long way in preventing and minimizing flea infestations. A natural shampoo can be prepared at home by mixing 2 cups of water with 2 tsp. of liquid castile soap, 1 tsp. of vegetable oil and 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel.

References

• Care 2 Green Living: Flea Free
• Green Paws: Flea Treatments