How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs?

Fleas are a nuisance for both dogs and their owners because they make pooches quite uncomfortable. Removing fleas from dogs can be very tricky because they are quick, tiny, and can cause re-infestation. However, several natural, as well as commercial alternatives, can be used to remove adult fleas, flea eggs, and pupae from dogs. Similarly, DIY solutions, like Diatomaceous Earth, are also helpful for fleas on dogs. Keep reading to know more about how you can get rid of fleas on dogs.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs?

There are many methods to remove fleas from dogs. However, we will only discuss a basic technique that is not only useful in removing fleas but can also control the number of fleas on dogs. Some important steps of this method are mentioned below.

Do Regular Checkups

It is better to be safe than cured. Therefore, preventing a flea infestation is better than treating one. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to comb your dog once a week to look for fleas. This process becomes particularly important for those canines that have a history of getting infected by pests. Early detection will make it much easier to handle these pesky parasites.

Use a Flea Comb with Soap Water

Regular combs can’t go deep into the fur of your pooch. Hence, you may fail to find any fleas even if they are present. A fine-teeth flea comb is a perfect alternative for dog owners because it’s designed especially for removing fleas and their eggs.

This technique is a fantastic starting point for treating fleas and should be tried before opting for any other remedy. It will help the owners to keep future infestations away from their dogs. It is necessary to kill the fleas which you have caught while combing. This can be done by drowning them in a solution of soap water. It is considered the easiest and best way to kill fleas.

Bathe Your Dog

Some fleas (or flea eggs) can escape the grasp of a flea comb and will require some additional effort. In that case, you will need to use any dog-friendly or organic pet shampoo to kill fleas on dogs.

Apply the shampoo and lather your dog’s coat with it. After that, leave the shampoo on your dog for two minutes. The shampoo will find its way to the skin and kill all the fleas that come in contact. A highly recommended shampoo that can naturally kill fleas on contact is TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo (Found here on Amazon). #ad

Commercial Sprays to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

Choosing the right product for the removal of fleas from dogs is one of the most difficult tasks, especially for novice owners. This is because a variety of flea sprays are available in the market. The following are some of the best products that can help the owners to get rid of fleas on dogs.

Natural Flea and Tick Dog Spray from TropiClean

Natural Flea and Tick Dog Spray from TropiClean (found here on Amazon) (paid link) is particularly designed for dogs’ skin, bedding, and kernel. It guarantees protection (either kill or repel for at least 2 weeks) against fleas and ticks. It is made from essential oils (like clove and cedar) which can be useful in killing fleas, ticks, larva, and even flea eggs.

Combining this product with a dog flea shampoo can yield amazing results. You can also apply this spray directly to your dog. But it is recommended to use it on dogs that are at least 3 months old.

Flea and Tick Home Spray from Vet’s Best

Flea and Tick Home Spray from Vet’s Best (Found here on Amazon) (paid link) is specifically designed for indoor use and can be useful for protection against fleas. It can prevent infestation and kill fleas on dogs. This spray is made from essential oils, which is why it has proven to be quite effective on dogs. This home spray is quite safe and skin-friendly which means owners can apply this spray directly to their dogs. Just make sure that your pooch is at least 12 weeks old before applying this product.

Dog Flea and Tick Treatment Spray from Advantage

Dog Flea and Tick Treatment Spray from Advantage (Found here on Amazon) (paid link) is specifically designed as a treatment spray for dogs against fleas and ticks. It can be used on a dog’s coat, outside yards, or even inside of the home to kill the fleas and ticks whenever they contact it. This easy-to-use spray is also helpful in controlling fleas for a long time. It can be applied directly to dogs that are at least 6 months old.

Flea and Tick Pet Spray from Direct Protect Plus

Flea and Tick Pet Spray from Direct Protect Plus (found here on Amazon) (paid link) is particularly designed to protect pets (like dogs and cats) against fleas and ticks. This spray has a long-lasting waterproof formula and can start to kill fleas on dogs within 5 minutes of contact. This makes it one of the most effective dog sprays. It can kill adult fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and ticks and will also repel them for several weeks. It can be applied directly to your dog if he/she is at least 2 months old.

Dog Flea and Tick Spray from kin+kind

Dog Flea and Tick Spray from kin+kind (found here on Amazon) (paid link) is a plant-based repel spray specifically designed for dogs to protect them from fleas and ticks. It contains various essential oils (like cedarwood and lemongrass oil) and is further formulated with organic coconut and olive oil. These oils make a perfect defense for your dog’s coat and repel fleas and ticks from them for a long time. These essential oils can also keep your dog fresh for at least the entire day. It can apply to dogs with ages of about 3 months or more.

Homemade Sprays to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

There are many natural ingredients and methods from which owners can make several homemade flea sprays. The USP of these products is that they are chemical-free and have no skin issues for dogs. Some of the most common homemade sprays which can help you to get rid of fleas on dogs are discussed below.

Essential Oils Spray

Essential oils are the best options to get rid of fleas. That’s the reason why they are also used as an ingredient in various commercial dog flea sprays. These oils are safe for homes, around family members, and even on your pets (like dogs) but quite dangerous for fleas.

Owners can make their essential oil spray by adding a few drops of dog-safe essential oils (like lemongrass, lavender, and Eucalyptus) to water. Transfer the solution to the spray bottle and directly apply it to their dogs or their coats. Some other essential oils, like cedarwood and clove essential oil, are also effective to kill fleas on dogs. Just remember to dilute them with some water before spraying them onto the dog.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt Spray

Apple cider vinegar is a natural ingredient and can be effectively used in several tasks. Getting rid of fleas on dogs is one of them because fleas cannot accept the strong aroma of the acid. Make a mixture by adding 6 cups of water with 4 cups of apple cider vinegar. Then, pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply it directly to your pooch.

You can also add a dash of salt into this diluted solution to increase its efficiency. This addition leads to a dual-action approach where salt is killing fleas and apple cider vinegar is repelling fleas. Make sure to avoid your dog’s eyes and nose while spraying because it can cause serious irritation.

Rosemary Spray

Rosemary is an excellent organic product, especially when you are dealing with light flea infestations. Take fresh leaves of rosemary and add them to boiling water. Then, strain the mixture with a spoon and dilute it effectively in warm water. Finally, add this solution to a spray bottle when it cools down and spray it on your dog.

You can also use rosemary in powder form to keep fleas away from dogs. It can be spread on the affected parts of your dog’s coat and will repel fleas.

Lemon Spray

It is a well-known fact that fleas hate the smell of citrus. This makes lemon an effective ingredient to use against fleas. Take two cups of water and add a half cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to it. Dilute the mixture and then add it to the spray bottle. Now, spray the lemon solution on your dog’s fur to repel the fleas away from dogs.

You can use lemon while giving a bath to your dog to treat fleas on dogs. Simply use the above mixture by squeezing in your dog’s soap or shampoo. This will also make your dog’s coat fresh and shiny.

Can Diatomaceous Earth Work Against Fleas on Dogs?

Yes, diatomaceous earth (DE) works quite well against fleas on dogs. DE offers a safe and inexpensive way to treat a flea infestation. It can be applied directly to a dog’s coat if you are using an optimal amount of food-grade DE.

Simply put the powder on the affected part of your dog’s skin and remove it after four hours by bathing your dog. This method might take some time to show considerable results, but it is worth the wait. This is because diatomaceous earth can also prevent your dog from future infestations.

Is Baking Soda Useful Against Fleas on Dogs?

Baking soda can do a lot more than making cakes. For instance, dog owners have been known to use baking soda to kill fleas. All you need to do is to apply a small amount of baking soda to your dog’s coat. Baking soda will dehydrate the fleas and their eggs to ensure the complete elimination of these pests. The combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda can increase the effectiveness of this process.

Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives.