I’m always on the lookout for the safest ways to handle minor health issues for my family, including our pets. Fleas are a typical problem for cats and dogs, but most conventional flea treatments contain a lot of chemicals. So, I wanted to find a safer method to prevent and deal with flea infestations. After some digging, I discovered several natural flea remedies for pets.
Fleas are small insects, no bigger than 1/8 inch, and they can be brown or black. They feed on the blood of pets and other animals, jumping from one host to another, which makes it easy for them to spread throughout your home or neighborhood. Fleas are most active during the warmer months of spring and summer. They rely on your pet to complete their life cycle, but they can also survive for a few days in your home, yard, or nearby parks, making it easy for outdoor pets to pick them up.
If your pet is scratching more than usual, they might have fleas. To check, put your pet on a white towel and brush them. If you notice any dirt falling off, it might be flea dirt—a mix of flea feces and blood. To confirm, wet the dirt on a white towel or a paper towel; if it turns red or reddish-brown, your pet has fleas.
Once fleas have settled on a pet, they can be tough to eliminate and may even invade your home. Here are some natural flea control methods I use when my pets start itching:
The best way to prevent fleas is by boosting your pet’s overall health, making infestations less likely. A healthy body is better at fighting off fleas. Feeding your pets whole foods is great for their health. I make homemade dog food because it’s cost-effective, but I also buy high-quality raw and grain-free dog food. There are great options for cat food too.
Supplements and probiotics can also help. In a podcast, I discussed this with veterinarian Dr. Rob Franklin, who shared tips on improving pets’ health, including their emotional well-being. One of my favorite dietary additions is coconut oil for its healthy fats, which supports their skin, fur, and digestion.
Another tool is a flea comb, which has closely spaced teeth to remove fleas from your pet. It’s useful for both reducing fleas and checking the level of infestation. Do this outside to keep the fleas from getting into your house.
Next, give your pet a bath. Like most parasites, fleas prefer dirty hosts, so cleaning your pet helps. The soapy water also drowns and removes fleas. Use a natural flea shampoo or a citrus-scented castile soap (use unscented for cats).
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a staple in my home. It’s said to help balance your pet’s body pH to repel fleas. Even though there are no formal studies, many pet owners swear by it. Add ACV to your pet’s food (not water) to help fight fleas. For dogs, use ½ to 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight, and for cats, just ¼ teaspoon. You can also use ACV in a spray by mixing it with water, applying it to your pet (avoid the eyes) to prevent fleas from latching on.
Essential oils can also help deter fleas. Some effective ones are cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, catnip, and neem. Be cautious, as essential oils are potent, especially with cats, since they can be toxic. However, cedarwood oil could be safe for cats if used correctly. Always dilute these oils in a carrier oil before applying, or add them to the ACV spray.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized algae and can kill fleas by cutting through their exoskeleton. Sprinkle it on your pet’s dry coat. DE can also be used around your home to eliminate fleas that have fallen off your pets. Fill a stocking with DE and spread it around room edges. DE won’t harm pets or kids but use food-grade DE.
If you don’t address the fleas and eggs in your home, your pets could easily get reinfested. Here’s what to do: vacuum everything, wash all bedding, especially in places where pets frequent, and use DE as outlined earlier. Leave DE for a few days before sweeping and vacuuming (note it can be tough on vacuum filters). If DE isn’t available, salt or baking soda might work.
You can also set a flea trap with a shallow dish of soapy water near infested areas; fleas will jump in and drown. Clean your house after applying your chosen natural remedy to minimize reinfestation.
Flea infestations can be a hassle for both you and your pets. But these natural remedies are easy to use with things you likely already have at home.
This information was reviewed by Dr. Rob Franklin, a veterinarian with Full Bucket Health. It’s always a good idea to talk with your family vet for personalized advice. How have you managed to get rid of fleas naturally?
