Home remedies for fleas can include the use of rosemary seeds, fennel seeds, garlic, tea tree oil, herbal oils and shampoos, black walnut hulls, aloe vera, vinegar, and natural borax powder in different forms. Fleas can be very harmful not only for your pets but for you as well. Fleas and ticks are most commonly found in dogs and cats, and it is much easier for them to get fleas if they are exposed to stray cats and dogs since fleas take little more than a minute to spread. Fleas are small insects which can be found on the dog’s body, causing your dog to scratch its own body due to the severely itchy sensation.
Home Remedies for Fleas
Certain home remedies, if followed properly, can help cure and get rid of fleas in as little as a few weeks, says the CDC. They are very effective and have shown promising results without any of the side effects that medicinal creams can often cause. [1] [2]
Rosemary Seeds or Oil
Rosemary is one of the most effective herbs for fleas, at least in terms of its essential oil. You can also make use of rosemary seeds by grinding them into a powder and sprinkle the powder all over your pet’s skin or you can add few drops of rosemary essential oil in your pet’s bathing water. This home remedy can be very useful and very effective.
A study published in the [3]Malaria Journal tested safe concentrations of common plant-based insect repellents. Rosemary essential oil was found safe at 36 percent.
Flea bites are itchy and painful, and they can transfer disease to humans. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Fennel Seeds
These work similarly to rosemary oil or seeds. You can use either of these seeds or can mix them up and use them appropriately. In the book Handbook of Herbs and Spices, mentions how fennel seeds are used as a remedy against fleas because of their insecticidal activity. [4]
Garlic
Add one clove of finely chopped garlic into your dog’s food every day. If possible, make use of it in their dinner or meals at night. This will work wonders as it is the most reliable and traditional home-based remedy to get rid of fleas. Be wary of giving your cats garlic cloves, as it is poisonous for them.
Tea Tree Oil
Add equal amounts of tea tree oil and water. Put this mixture into a spray bottle. Spray this water on the itchy areas of the body whenever you see your dog scratching and itching. It will give immediate relief to your pet.
It can also help with flea bites. A study published by Inflammation research found that Terpinen-4-ol, one of the main components of tea tree oil was effective in suppressing inflammation by activating monocytes present in the body. [5]
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is considered to be very effective and has been used for generations. It is non-toxic, so it carries no side effects. A review article published in the Journal of Indian Dermatology pointed out that aloe vera can be used to inhibit and reduce inflammations.
Simply apply aloe vera gel on to the infected body parts and this will give relief to the hot spots or the skin irritation caused due to biting and scratching at fleas.
Vinegar
Include some vinegar in the pet’s regular drinking water, because it works as a disinfectant.
Black Walnut Hulls
These capsules are easily available at the health food stores and medicine shops. Black walnut hulls will repel fleas and ticks.
Sulfur
Add sulfur-rich foods to your pet’s diet, but limit the intake to once a week. This will help them remain flea-free. [6]
If you have pets at home suffering from fleas, then some of these points should be remembered.
Avoid your pets mixing with any stray dogs and cats
Always use herbal shampoo when bathing your pets.
Make it a point to feed your pets (except cats) regularly with garlic and some vinegar mixed in their water. This will prevent them from getting any fleas at all.
