Natural Ways to Repel Fleas on Your Dog

I don’t know about where you live, but it seems like fleas have invaded us with a vengeance this summer.  Because I don’t like using pesticides, I’m always looking for natural ways to eliminate problems, and in this case I want to repel fleas. My dogs, Rascal and Ellie, have been going crazy with the fleas and I feel so bad for them. Rascal and Ellie are such an important part of my family that I hate to see them suffer.

In my search of natural ways to repel fleas on dogs, I came across the following information from www.care2.com. Below are some all-natural solutions that will have your dog itch-free in no time.

1. Rosemary Flea Dip
Steep two cups of fresh rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid, discard the leaves and add up to a gallon of warm water depending on the size of your dog. Wait until it cools but is still warm and pour over your dog until he’s soaked. Allow your dog to dry naturally. Works especially well on hot summer days.

2. Lavender Essential Oil
Wash your dog thoroughly and towel dry. Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the base of the tail and another at the neck.

3. Brewer’s Yeast
Add a small Brewer’s yeast tablets to your dog’s food. Much like prescription meds (but much healthier), this is excreted through Fido’s skin making him less attractive to fleas. Check with your veterinarian for the proper dosages depending on weight.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
A spoonful of this stuff added to your dog’s water makes their skin more acidic and not-at-all tasty to fleas. If apple cider vinegar is not your dog’s cup of tea, you can dilute it 50/50 with water, pour into a spray bottle and use as a repellent.

5. Lemon Spray Repellent
Cut a lemon into quarters, cover with boiling water and let it steep overnight. In the morning, spray all over your dog, especially behind the ears and around the head generally (be careful of his eyes), around the base of the tail, and under your dog’s legs.