Natural remedies for dog fleas: all the most useful tips

With the fleas The dog is losing weight and hair. Lavender oil, white wine vinegar, and lemon: these are the best natural solutions for eliminating the most dangerous enemies of our pet's health. Avoid pesticides, which can be very toxic.

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How many eggs do fleas lay?

They are the real Achilles heel of the dogs, And cats are even more vulnerable. The fleas They can cause serious problems, especially in the summer and autumn months, when these parasites are rampant. Consider that the female flea can lay eggs on the animal's body. up to 20 eggs per day, which then tend to fall off and spread everywhere. Fleas, black or dark brown in color, have a tiny body, 1 to 3 millimeters long, and six legs, two of which are located at the rear. This makes them very agile, elusive, and able to move quickly from one part of the animal's body and the home to another.

Where they live

It is not true that fleas are only found in countryside environments or in gardens and outdoor areas of the house. They nest extremely easily in sofas, under i carpets, between the carpet and in the same pet kennelsOutdoors, however, fleas prefer humid places, from gardens to hedges, while it is very rare to find them in a sunny area.

Damage caused by fleas

Fleas live and mate, usually in the evening, on the dog's body: more frequently in summer, but also in winter, as the heated environment of a house is a natural habitat for fleas. The first thing a dog risks with fleas is an allergy, in particular allergic dermatitis, or the transmission of other parasites. Fleas also cause tapeworms and, in cases of massive infestations, even anemia, debilitation, and weight loss in dogs.

How to recognize them

See your dog scratch e nibble, especially on the back near the base of the tail, on the belly, and on the sides: fleas are attacking him. During the attack, the dog bites and licks himself frequently, loses hair, and has pale gums. Furthermore, black dots appear on his bed: these are flea feces.

How to eliminate them

What to do? There are some on the market pesticides and, as a prevention, they are very effective flea collars which however generally do not last more than 4 monthsBut here some things start to happen contraindications. In the case of the pesticides However, these are chemical agents, often very toxic to cats, if you have any. If purchasing commercial products, it's always best to consult your veterinarian.

How to eliminate them with natural remedies

Even though you can find many products on the market that are useful for keeping fleas away from dogs, here are some natural alternatives which can be easily reproduced at home at very low costs.

You know how it's done a natural flea collar? Applying on a lace or a cloth handkerchief, which will then be rolled up on itself, ten drops of eucalyptus essential oil and ten drops of essential oil of lavender essence Other suitable essential oils include peppermint, cedar, and citronella. Another essential ingredient for keeping fleas away from our four-legged friends is vinegar.
White wine vinegar is particularly good for keeping fleas away. and can be applied to the dog's fur after being diluted with water and sprayed onto a soft cloth. Furthermore, vinegar can be used to periodically wash our dog's toys. dogs, in order to sterilize them against insect pests.
La lavender essence , beautiful and fragrant, it is certainly the first form of self-defense from mosquitoes and fleas for dogs and catsAlways keep some plants in your home, on the terrace, on the balcony or in the garden. It is precious in this anti-parasite function.
Avoid excessive washing which could be very counterproductive. They reduce the skin's pH and protective sebum, thus exposing dogs to fleas.
The most effective natural remedy is to use four squeezed lemons and mixed in half a liter of water with 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate: then dab, with a clean cloth, on the animal's fur.
Finally, remember that it is essential clean and disinfect the areas frequented by the dog: the dog's bed or the car. An effective solution is a solution of water and vinegar.
To understand with certainty the arrival of fleas There's a little trick to keep in mind. Have your dog stand on a white towel and brush him: if there are fleas, their small black feces will fall onto the sheet.
In case of heavy infestations It's a good idea to thoroughly sanitize all areas of the house where your dog frequents. Typically, fleas on a dog's body account for only 5 percent of all fleas in circulation.

What smells do fleas hate?

What are the smells most hated by fleas? There are some strong smells like eucalyptus, lavender essence , cloves and peppermint. Another smell fleas dislike is that of rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and sage: one reason to keep one of these aromatic herbs near your dog's sleeping area. Also, cedar. It's recommended to make small beds with it, which are useful for repelling fleas.

When they attack man

Rarely the fleas Dogs attack humans. These small but deadly parasites are more likely to infest our homes or other places, even temporarily. In this case, fleas can reach humans through the lower parts of our bodies: feet, ankles, calves. What harm can this cause? It starts with a normal pruritusHowever, if the situation is not addressed with appropriate remedies, it can degenerate into an ulcer. To soothe the pain and prevent the affected area from swelling, use cold water and a shampoo specific, antiparasitic.

Dog fleas: natural remedies to eliminate them