| Flea control is a major concern for many dog owners | | | | borax powder over your floor. Use 1 to 2 cups for |
| (and their dogs). In some parts of the U.S. | | | | an average-sized room. Leave the borax down for |
| temperatures never get cold enough to completely | | | | 24-48 hours (or longer). Then you can vacuum it up. |
| kill off these pests. Even in areas where fleas are | | | | Any fleas should be dead. You can repeat as needed. |
| rare it's possible to find an occasional infestation. | | | | You can use 20-Mule Team Borax detergent for this |
| Many people turn to "spot on" treatments and sprays | | | | job. |
| to get rid of fleas. They may even use dips and | | | | You will also need to wash your dog's bedding often |
| other pesticides. However, some owners are | | | | during flea season. This is one of the places where |
| concerned about the potential side effects these | | | | the pests will most likely be found, hopping straight |
| chemicals may have on their dogs and family | | | | from your dog to his bed. Use hot water. |
| members. Here are some suggestions for a more | | | | Don't forget to treat your yard. A very |
| natural approach to flea control. | | | | cost-effective way to treat your yard for fleas is to |
| A natural approach to flea control means that you will | | | | buy a bucket of diatomaceous earth (garden/pool |
| need to groom your dog daily, especially during | | | | type) from your garden center. Sprinkle it all over |
| summer months when fleas are most active. Fleas | | | | your yard. The diatomaceous earth has sharp edges |
| are often easier to see if your dog has short hair or | | | | which will shred bugs and insects and dry out their |
| a light-colored coat, but you will need to brush and | | | | exoskeletons. |
| comb your dog thoroughly to look for any signs of | | | | You can keep fleas away by planting marigolds, |
| the pests. These signs can range from a visible flea | | | | chrysanthemums and other plants with |
| to the detritus left behind where the pest has fed. | | | | naturally-occurring pyrethrins in your yard. Use cedar |
| This debris is a crusty red-black material that is | | | | chips as mulch since fleas stay away from cedar. |
| coarse and somewhat gritty, like dried blood. Be sure | | | | You can also use herbal flea collars on your dog. |
| to check close to your dog's skin, especially around | | | | These do work though they will not stop a strong |
| his ears, head and tail where fleas are likely to | | | | flea infestation. Be careful using an herbal collar if you |
| congregate. | | | | are pregnant since they usually contain penny royal |
| If you suspect that your dog has a flea or two you | | | | and other herbs which can cause miscarriages. |
| should start using a flea comb to comb him. A flea | | | | Finally, you can spray your dog with a nice citrus |
| comb is much finer than a regular dog comb and it | | | | spray. Fleas hate a citrus scent. Use lemon or orange |
| will pick up any of the pests on your dog's body. You | | | | peel, place it in a pint of water, add a few drops of |
| should then quickly (very quickly!) deposit the flea in | | | | citronella oil and a sprig of rosemary. Allow the |
| a bowl of soapy water to kill it. | | | | mixture to sit overnight. You can use this mix as a |
| If you do find fleas on your dog then you will need | | | | good flea spray for your dog. |
| to give your dog a good flea bath. Look for flea | | | | There are many different ways to control fleas |
| shampoos that have citrus ingredients to help keep | | | | besides using chemicals and pesticides. However, |
| the pests away. Eucalyptus products are also | | | | there may be times when your dog is suffering, |
| effective. | | | | especially if he has a flea bite allergy. In the case of |
| There are some supplements you can give your dog | | | | these allergies, the bite from even one flea can send |
| that have been shown to be effective in keeping | | | | your dog into a frenzy of itching, gnawing and |
| fleas away. Some people like to give their dog a small | | | | self-mutilation. Your dog may scratch and bite himself |
| dose of garlic daily. The garlic odor from your dog's | | | | and end up chewing off his coat trying to stop the |
| skin is a flea repellant, although humans can't smell it. | | | | itching. If your dog has a flea bite allergy or you can't |
| Some people combine garlic with brewer's yeast in | | | | get rid of fleas by natural means, you may need to |
| their dog's food. You may also wish to consider | | | | consider temporarily using one of the flea products |
| adding apple cider vinegar to your dog's diet. Organic | | | | currently on the market. |
| apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and it is | | | | Do talk to your veterinarian about which product |
| claimed that it helps build the immune system. | | | | may be right for your dog and his circumstances. |
| Anything that keeps your dog's immune system | | | | Some products act very quickly to get rid of fleas |
| stronger will make him a less attractive target to | | | | starting in just a few minutes. Some products get |
| fleas. | | | | into the skin or hair shafts and will last for several |
| You should be aware that fleas spend about 85 | | | | weeks, giving your dog some long-lasting relief. Some |
| percent of their time OFF your dog. So, if you find | | | | products work in combination with heartworm |
| one flea on your dog you should assume that he has | | | | medication, and so on. If your dog does need a |
| many little friends nearby in your home. You will need | | | | commercial flea control product, please talk to your |
| to treat your home. | | | | vet instead of simply grabbing something off the |
| You don't have to use flea bombs or chemical | | | | shelf at the pet store. |
| pesticides to treat your home. There are some good | | | | Natural flea control can work for many dogs. Try |
| natural alternatives to help keep your home free of | | | | some of the suggestions here and see what works |
| these pests. Whether you have carpets or hardwood | | | | for your dog. If you are vigilant and stay alert for |
| floors you will need to vacuum daily if you suspect | | | | these pests you can usually keep them at bay in |
| that you have any fleas. For carpets you can sprinkle | | | | many places. |