Fleas can be the sign of an unhealthy animal.
Fleas are external parasites that do not have wings and suck blood from their hosts. They invade homes, typically brought in by dogs and cats. According to Dr. Jeffrey Levy, there are two issues with getting rid of fleas in your home and off your pets. First: treat the pet. Second: get rid of the fleas from your home. You can use home remedies for killing fleas and their eggs both in the house and on your pet.
Instructions
Treat the Animal
1. Bathe the animal when you first notice any fleas. Wash the cat or dog with dish soap or a natural shampoo. Preferably, wash the animal outside. Focus especially on the belly and underneath the legs. Keep the soap on for five minutes. Rinse the animal until no soap residue remains.
2. Comb your cat or dog with a fine-toothed comb to remove fleas and eggs. Insert the comb in a container of soapy water after ever few brush strokes. The bath and combing should remove most or all of the fleas and eggs.
Comb the animal once a week while it has a flea problem. If the infestation is severe, comb up to twice a day. Make sure to comb areas like the lower back and belly of dogs and around the neck for cats.
3. Cut one lemon into four pieces and place into a pitcher. Add boiling water and let the mixture sit overnight. The next day add part of the liquid to a spray bottle. Spritz your animal with the mist. Use caution around the face by putting some of the lemon juice on your hands and gently wiping the face.
4. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of cedar wood to 10 ml of sweet almond oil in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture and then mist the animal. Again, use care around the face. This mixture can be used on people as well. It will not kill the fleas, but acts as a repellent.
5. Add brewer's yeast or garlic to the animals food. As the nutrients begin to build up in the animal, fleas will be repelled. This does not kill fleas, but in combination with other techniques, it will control them.
Treat the House
6. Vacuum the home often until the all sign of fleas and eggs are gone. Fleas can quickly take over a household. Once you have used the vacuum, it can contain fleas, eggs and larvae. Either throw it away outside after use or place it into a plastic bag, seal it and place it in the freezer for a day.
7. Mix four parts borax with one part salt. Sprinkle it over areas where fleas area. The mixture dehydrates the fleas and eggs. Leave the mixture on for up to two weeks before vacuuming.
8. Place rock salt underneath the furniture where pets tend to spend their time. Make sure the salt is not where children can see it.
Tags: fleas eggs, around face, kill fleas, Make sure, place into, spray bottle, your home