How to Eliminate Fleas from Dogs and Cats with Natural Remedies

How many eggs do fleas lay?

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

Where they live

It's not true that fleas are only found in countryside environments, gardens, and outdoor areas of the home. They nest extremely easily in sofas , under rugs , between carpets , and even in pet beds . Outdoors, however, fleas prefer humid places, from gardens to hedges, while they are very rarely found 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 heated environments are a natural habitat for fleas. The first risk a dog faces with fleas is an allergy , particularly 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

You see your dog scratching and biting , especially on his back near the base of his tail, his belly, and his 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 commercial antiparasitics available , and flea collars are very effective as a preventative measure, but they generally don't last more than four months . However, there are some contraindications . Antiparasitics , however, are chemical agents, often very toxic to cats, if you have any. When purchasing commercial products, it's always best to consult your veterinarian.

How to eliminate them with natural remedies

While there are many products on the market that can help keep fleas away from dogs, here are some natural alternatives that can be easily made at home at very low cost.

• 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?

• To bathe cats: use very hot water and natural products. Otherwise, a towel or wet wipes will suffice (photo).
• Treat dog fur with apple cider vinegar. Or with rosemary and tea tree oil.
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