Fleas are a nuisance to you and your dog. They can also pose serious health issues if left untreated. Many pet parents are very concerned with using harsh chemicals on their dogs, so they turn to natural remedies. Unfortunately, some solutions touted as natural remedies for fleas are dangerous for your pet and their effectiveness is up for debate among vets and pet owners alike.
As always, we recommend consulting your vet before giving your dog any medicines or natural remedies. Good news: our guide can help you identify fleas and find the best way to get rid of them.
👉 Because dogs have sensitive skin and lick their fur, they need dog-friendly flea treatments. Pay attention to labels because most flea products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs, and might not be suitable for both species.
Fleas have been a nuisance to our four-legged friends since long before domestication, but today’s technology has given veterinarians and pet medication manufacturers the tools to combat these pests safely and effectively.
The most reliable way to protect your dog from fleas is with a prescription medication. Some of these vet-approved flea treatments target multiple parasites, while others focus solely on fleas. Whether it’s a spot-on liquid, a collar, or a chewable tablet, your vet can help you choose the option that fits your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Generally, prescription flea medications are safe for puppies starting at 8 to 12 weeks old. If your pup is younger than that, you may need to stick with natural alternatives until they’re old enough for stronger treatments.
🚨 Most flea medications for dogs are not safe for cats. If you share your home with a cat, ask your vet about feline-safe flea treatment options to avoid potential health risks. You may also need to keep your dog separate from your cats if they like the taste of topical medications.
Flea sprays are popular for pet owners who want a quick way to fight fleas. Many brands offer sprays labeled as “all-natural,” which are popular for those looking for something other than chemicals. However, not all sprays work the same. Some only keep fleas away, while others kill adult fleas but don’t affect eggs or larvae, which will lead to a new infestation if left untreated.
For example, Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray claims to kill fleas at all life stages and uses plant-based ingredients like peppermint oil and clove extract. Peppermint oil is commonly found in natural flea sprays because it is thought to help repel and kill fleas.
Research on peppermint oil alone for flea control is limited. However, some studies on essential oils like clove, citronella, and lemongrass show that they can help kill ticks and repel fleas. Peppermint oil might help when used with other ingredients, but it needs to be used properly, and the right amount matters.
It’s important to know that peppermint oil and other essential oils can be dangerous to pets (especially cats) if misused. Too much peppermint oil absorbed through the skin or eaten can cause irritation or even poisoning.
🚨 Essential oils should not be used on pets without checking with your vet first.
Flea sprays can help with mild flea problems when used the right way. To get the best results:
Flea sprays can be useful in preventing fleas or treating small infestations, especially for those who want a natural option. However, if your dog has a severe flea problem, you may need stronger treatments, like prescription medications.
👉 Check out our guide to the best flea sprays for a comparison of the top products and tips on choosing the right one for your dog.
Image provided courtesy of oritslama.
Most soaps and shampoos can kill fleas during a bath, so you don’t necessarily need a special flea shampoo. In fact, some flea shampoos can be too harsh on your dog’s skin and cause dryness. Regular soap works by suffocating the fleas. Fleas can’t float on water because of their exoskeleton, so when soap is added to warm water, it helps drown them.
Some pet owners may consider using Dawn dish soap, a popular home remedy for fleas. While it can be effective in removing fleas, it’s important to know that it’s not recommended for regular use. Dawn is designed to strip grease from dishes, but it can also remove the natural oils from your dog’s skin, leading to dryness or irritation. Vets usually recommend that if you use Dawn in a pinch, you should always follow it up with a dog-safe conditioner to help restore moisture to your dog’s skin.
For safety, it’s crucial to always use shampoo that is specifically labeled for use on dogs. Never use shampoos made for humans, as they may contain ingredients that could harm your dog. Also, pay attention to any age limits listed on the label—some shampoos are not safe for puppies. Check out our article on the best vet-recommended flea shampoos for our top recommendations.
Here’s how to use shampoo to treat fleas:
Shampooing is a helpful tool to control fleas, but if you’re dealing with a major infestation, you may need additional treatments.
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic treatment commonly used to control adult fleas in the home. It’s made from the crushed fossils of tiny ocean organisms (diatoms) and consists mainly of silica. This powder-like substance kills fleas by damaging their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and lose moisture.
Even though both diatomaceous earth and boric acid can kill fleas, mixing them together does not do much to increase efficacy. Boric acid often needs to be ingested by the flea to be effective, while diatomaceous earth just requires contact with the flea to be effective.
Dwight Alleyne, DVM
To use diatomaceous earth in your home, sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth on bedding, furniture upholstery, baseboards, and carpets. Let it sit overnight to allow it to work, then vacuum up the powder along with the dead fleas. Be sure to wear a mask while spreading diatomaceous earth and avoid using it in rooms where your pets are present to prevent irritation to their lungs.
Coconut oil is a natural, pet-safe remedy that some pet owners use to fight fleas. Many sources (especially those selling coconut oil) claim that its fatty lauric acid can coat a flea’s exoskeleton, immobilizing and suffocating the pest.
While there aren’t specific studies proving coconut oil kills fleas, research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service highlights its potential as a repellant. Fatty acids derived from coconut oil were shown to repel biting flies, ticks, bed bugs, and mosquitoes for about four times longer than DEET (a common chemical repellant). Though fleas weren’t included in the study, this evidence suggests coconut oil might help keep them at bay too.
While coconut oil can provide some relief, it’s best used as a supplement to proven flea prevention methods, not a replacement.
“Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar” provided courtesy of Mike Mozart (CC 2.0)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often thought of as a natural way to keep fleas away, but there isn’t solid science to prove it works. Some pet owners spray diluted ACV on their dogs, but it’s important to be cautious with this method. To be clear, we don’t recommend the use of ACV for pets unless specifically instructed by your vet.
The idea is that fleas don’t like the strong smell of vinegar and will avoid it. Some people even add a little ACV to their dog’s water, hoping it will stop fleas from the inside out. But there is no real proof this works, and it’s based only on personal experiences.
👉 ACV does not kill fleas at any stage—whether they’re adults, larvae, or eggs.
Instead of trying ACV, using flea treatments made specifically for dogs is safer. Always talk to your vet before trying any other flea control methods, especially if your dog has health problems.
Lavender oil contains a chemical called linalool. Studies have shown it can kill fleas at all stages of life, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. However, these studies used highly concentrated linalool, which may not be safe or effective when used in diluted amounts at home. While lavender oil may help with fleas, it’s important to be cautious around pets, as undiluted lavender oil can be harmful.
Mix 10 drops of food-grade lavender oil in 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on walls, floors, and areas where your pet doesn’t go. Be sure to avoid areas where your pet spends a lot of time, as fleas tend to hide in dark places like under the couch, stove, and baseboards.
🚨 Use caution with essential oils. Too much lavender oil can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always check with your vet before using lavender or any essential oils around your pet to make sure it’s safe. Follow proper dilution instructions and watch for any signs that your pet is uncomfortable.
Citrus extracts are natural flea repellents. D-limonene, found in citrus fruits, and linalool can both help repel fleas. Products like lemon juice work by drying out fleas. When fleas come into contact with citrus, it breaks down their protective coating, making it hard for them to keep moisture and survive.
If you use a citrus flea spray, make sure to check the label to see if it’s safe for dogs. Additionally, some dog-safe citrus products may not be safe for cats, birds, or small pets.
You can also make your own flea spray by adding up to 10 drops of food-grade citrus essential oil (like lemon or orange) to an 8-ounce spray bottle with water. Use the spray in areas of your home where your pets don’t go.
🚨 Be careful with citrus extracts. Some pets, especially cats, can have bad reactions to citrus oils. Always ask your vet before using citrus products or essential oils around your pets to make sure they’re safe.
Sulfur may be a helpful tool for controlling fleas, but it’s essential to use it carefully to avoid harming pets, wildlife, or yourself. Sulfur has been registered for pesticide use in the U.S. since the 1920s and is effective against various pests, including insects, mites, and fungi. According to the National Pesticide Information Center’s sulfur fact sheet, sulfur works by disrupting the energy production of fleas when they touch or ingest it. But it’s not safe for dogs (or cats) to eat in large amounts.
In a 2017 article about flea control by Elisabeth J. Giedt, D.V.M., published by Oklahoma State University, she states, “There are several products that are commonly used, such as B vitamins, brewer’s yeast, and sulfur products, which have not been scientifically proven to be effective as flea repellents.”
🚨 Sulfur can be toxic to pets. betterpet does not recommend using it for getting rid of fleas.
If your pet has eaten sulfur, contact The ASPCA Animal Poison Control immediately at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply. Signs of toxicity include stomach issues, lung problems, and neurological effects like seizures. Always keep pets away from treated areas.
If you choose to use sulfur to treat your yard for fleas, it’s important to follow these safety guidelines to protect your pets, plants, and the environment:
A light trap uses light and heat to draw out fleas. The trap has a yellow-green bulb above a sticky mat that catches fleas until they die or are disposed of. The light follows an on-and-off pattern, tricking fleas into thinking the light is a host they can jump onto.
This chemical- and substance-free method can help control fleas, but it’s important to note that light traps are only effective when combined with other flea control methods, like medications and treating the environment.
🚨 If you have a severe flea infestation, light traps alone won’t solve the problem.
Image provided by Anja (CC 4.0). (Image cropped)
Flea bites often appear as red, raised dots on your dog that disappear after a few minutes. In homes with infestations, fleas may bite people, particularly around the ankles and exposed skin. For pets, these spots can get lost in your dog’s fur and are only visible if the skin is inflamed from itching.
It may as begin as your dog scratching, but fleas can become far more serious than that. Not recognizing the signs that your dog has fleas poses serious problems for your pet. Fleas are parasites that carry diseases that can endanger your pup.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Here’s what you’re preventing when you catch fleas early:
Fleas are usually more of a nuisance than a medical emergency. However, some dogs suffer from allergic reactions to flea bites. Known as flea atopic dermatitis, this condition can lead to hair loss, broken skin, and infections. In young puppies, or even in adult dogs in severe cases, excessive flea bites can cause life-threatening anemia. Fleas are also hosts to tapeworms, which can invade your dog’s intestines and make them sick. Take your dog to the vet for treatment if you notice signs like: hair loss, broken skin, pale gums, sudden weight loss, diarrhea, or tapeworm segments in stool
Getting rid of fleas is very important to your dog’s health. The rule of thumb is that for every one flea you see, there are 10 more hiding, so take action immediately if you spot any on your pet. Vet-approved flea prevention and diligent cleaning habits can make all the difference in avoiding future infestations.
Flea sprays with natural ingredients and conventional flea prevention can kill adult fleas on dogs. You can also give your dog a bath in the tub with standing water to suffocate and drown the little blood suckers. Before trying any home remedies, consult with your vet.
According to Dr. Armstrong, “Fleas have to be killed and not just repelled to lay eggs and reproduce at another location.” There’s no single method that kills 100% of fleas, but combining prescription flea treatment with home care is the best approach. Medications, like oral treatments or spot-on treatments, kill fleas at all stages of life. Meanwhile, cleaning your home by vacuuming, washing bedding, and using flea sprays helps remove fleas from your environment. Always check with your vet for a treatment plan that’s right for your pet.
Before anything else, bathe your dog or use a flea comb to remove the fleas. Next, treat your pet with topical flea medications or an all-natural blend that will repel fleas. Sprinkle the carpet and any couches with diatomaceous earth. Let the powder sit overnight before vacuuming. Then, regularly repeat the process until all signs of fleas are gone. You should also wash your sheets in hot water, and launder all of your pet’s bedding, blankets, and plush toys.
Yes, Dawn does kill fleas on dogs. However, veterinarians advise that it’s not a good long-term solution because it doesn’t have any repellent properties and can dry out your dog’s skin with continual use. Using a shampoo formulated for dogs will work just as well due to the surfactants in soaps, and won’t be so harsh on your pup’s skin.
To kill fleas instantly in the house, use a commercial flea spray that’s safe for pets and effective against all flea life stages. Vacuuming can also help by removing fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupae from carpets and furniture. Make sure to empty the vacuum right away to avoid fleas escaping. These methods provide quick relief, but for long-term control, they should be combined with flea treatments for your pets. Keep in mind, severe infestations may require professional pest control.
