Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Fleas

Don't put up with the fleas!

 Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 5 drops liquid dish detergent
• 2 cups warm water
• 5 pieces of citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit)
• Vinegar

Flea treatments are expensive and in the current economy, saving money is a must. Luckily, there are a couple household items you can use to help get rid of those pesky fleas. This will not only make your pet happy, but your wallet as well! This articles covers 3 types of baths you can give your furry friend at home in order to get rid of pesky fleas: alcohol and detergent bath, citrus fruit bath, and a vinegar bath. When your best friend is happy and flea free, you will be too!

Alcohol and Detergent Bath

Step 1

Gather together some isopropyl rubbing alcohol, liquid dish detergent, and two cups of water. Mix together the water, ¼ cup of the alcohol, and five drops of the detergent thoroughly in a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Use the mixture as you would any other shampoo to bath your pet. Make sure to scrub thoroughly behind your pets ears, under the armpits, and the tail. The alcohol is what will kill the fleas and the detergent will make the solution easier to apply because it will turn it into a soapy mixture.

Step 3

Thoroughly rinse your pet. Make sure to remove all of the alcohol mixture.

Citrus Fruit Bath

Step 1

Gather five pieces of citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits, and slice the peels off. You can use same fruit or multiple ones to make your desired scent.

Step 2

Place peels in a pot of boiling water. Let the mixture simmer for a few hours, the longer the better, on low. After the mixture has cooled, strain to remove any pulp and the peels. Place the liquid into a bottle and place in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Give your dog a bath and use to citrus solution as a shampoo. Apply the mixture to your pet’s coat and the rinse thoroughly.

Vinegar Bath

Step 1

Gather 2 cups of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 5 drops of liquid dish detergent and mix thoroughly. Vinegar is very effective at killing fleas on contact.

Step 2

Apply the mixture to your dog’s coat. Make sure to scrub your dog’s ears, armpits, and tail as well because fleas like to retreat to these areas.

Step 3

Rinse thoroughly to remove the solution from your pet’s coat. Be warned that you will smell vinegar on your pet for several days after the bath.