Natural Flea Killers For Dogs

Within the past few decades it has become commonly known that commercial flea treatments for dogs, while effective, can also be harmful to your dog. Because of this fact, many people are now turning back to using natural flea killers for dogs. These natural treatments are readily available and effective if you know how to use them.

Salt

One of the best natural flea killers for dogs is salt. Salt literally eats through flea larvae much like it does on slugs and worms. If an adult flea ingests salt it will dissolve from the inside out. So how do you use salt as a natural flea killer? Simply sprinkle a small amount of salt around the base of your walls or in dark corners where the fleas usually lay eggs. When the salt comes into contact with the flea, or the larvae, it will kill them. Then sweep up or vacuum the area as usual, taking up the salt and dead fleas along the way.

Soap and Water

Fleas can't swim, and they can't breathe through soap; so combine the two and it becomes an instant natural flea killer for your dog. This makes one of the best natural flea killer combinations. Plug in a small light at floor level, and place a shallow bowl of soapy water next to it. The fleas will be attracted to the heat of the lamp and try to cross the water to get there. You need to keep your dog out of the room while doing this so that he doesn't try drinking the water; so it is best to do this overnight.

Nematodes and Lady Bugs

Nematodes are microscopic worms which eat flea larvae. You can get nematodes at pet stores and garden centers. These can be spread around the exterior of the home to keep fleas from entering. Lady bugs are another natural flea killer because they eat the adult fleas hidden in the grass. Lady bugs can be found around the yard on tree leaves and bushes.

Earth Made Killers

Diatomaceous earth or a powdered pyrethrum, which is a type of algae, can be used on clean bedding and floors. These attach to the flea and cause dehydration and death. You sprinkle this natural flea killer over bedding and floors and let it sit for most of a day, then clean the bedding or vacuum the floor. You can find Diatomaceous at

Herbal Sprays

Citronella, Rosemary, Wormwood and Peppermint Oil are all natural herbs which repel or kill fleas. A combination of any of these in a liquid spray form can kill fleas without being harmful to dogs. You can spray a gentile mist over the dogs coat, or spray along corners and under furniture where fleas like to lay eggs. Herbal sprays can be found