{"id":3101,"date":"2017-05-25T05:08:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T05:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=3101"},"modified":"2024-01-08T13:07:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T13:07:22","slug":"natural-ways-to-farewell-fleas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/caring-for-your-pet\/healthcare-wellbeing\/natural-ways-to-farewell-fleas\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural ways to farewell fleas"},"content":{"rendered":"
What’s the best way to avoid a flea infestation? To not have them in the first place! Prevention is always the best option. A clean pet, with clean bedding and in a recently vacuumed house is much less likely to get fleas.<\/p>\n
A good way to prevent fleas is a<\/strong> natural flea collar<\/strong>. Some essential oils have antibacterial properties, which can prevent or even kill fleas. Try popping a few drops of lavender, lemon or cedar essential oil on your dog\u2019s collar. If you don’t want to put it straight on your pet\u2019s collar, a fabric or ribbon tie or a bandana can be a fashionable alternative.<\/strong> Test a little of your mix diluted on your pet\u2019s skin before putting it on their collar. Reapply every week to keep fleas away!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another option is a preventative spray<\/strong>. This is an all over spray for your pet, so more of a last resort for cats! As an added bonus it will keep their coat shiny and glossy. A lemon water spray can be made by boiling water and pouring it over chopped lemon, leave it to infuse and cool for a few hours before putting in a spray bottle.<\/strong> Another option is Alternatively, try a cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with a litre of fresh water. Add some lavender or cedar oil for an extra kick and nice smell. Spray your pet lightly and use a cloth to get around their neck and ears. Spray in favourite sleeping spots around the house for extra protection!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Signs your pet has fleas<\/strong><\/p>\n If it’s too late for prevention, a natural flea dip is the way to go!<\/strong> Go for four parts water to one part active, boiled and allowed to infuse and cool completely. Test your mix on your pet before putting them in the tub! A good choice is the citrus mix. The lemon has been shown to kill or deter the fleas.<\/strong> Another choice is water infused with rosemary, prepared in the same way as the lemon. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, keeping away fleas and soothing your pet\u2019s itchy and angry skin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your pet isn’t keen on a bath, use the same formulation above but apply with a<\/strong> flea comb<\/strong>. Slowly and carefully work your way through all your pet\u2019s hair. Don’t miss a single spot! Fleas can hide and reproduce all over again before you know it. Animals not keen on sitting still for a comb can be sponged but it’s not as effective at catching all the fleas in the comb.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once you know there are fleas in your house it’s time to<\/strong> treat to the carpet<\/strong>. On top of regular cleaning, sprinkle table salt all through your carpet, rugs and furniture. It works by attaching itself to the fleas and their larvae, killing them over time<\/strong>. You’ll need to leave it for at least a week to be effective or a new wave of hatchlings will take over.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nNatural treatments are great to treat fleas but take precautions to make sure they don’t irritate your pet\u2019s skin.<\/strong> If you’re regular and persistent with the treatments they can be an effective way to treat fleas. If the natural route isn\u2019t working for you, be prepared to have a chat with your veterinarian or local pet supplier for an alternative way to say farewell to your fur baby\u2019s fleas!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What’s the best way to avoid a flea infestation? To not have them in the first place! Prevention is always the best option. A clean pet, with clean bedding and in a recently vacuumed house is much less likely to get fleas. A good way to prevent fleas is a natural flea collar. Some essential … <\/p>\n\n