Green Tips to Protect Your Pet from Fleas

An infestation of fleas in your home can cause problems for your pet and for you. Flea bites can result in intense itching, sores, skin infections and illness. Getting rid of these pests can be difficult.

Chemical flea killers pose a threat to the health of your pet, making natural remedies the way to go. Eco-friendly household products not only work as well, they're inexpensive and won't harm your pet or you.

Flea Comb Once a Week

Comb your pet with a flea comb to remove fleas and eggs. Carefully comb through the animal's fur down to the skin and dip the comb into soapy water to drown fleas and eggs. Comb through all areas, especially the belly, neck and hind quarters where fleas love to hide. Do this once or twice a week to remove fleas and eggs.

Bathe with Baby Shampoo

Bathing your pet helps remove fleas by drowning them. Chemical shampoos aren't necessary to accomplish this. Baby shampoo works just as well and is safe for your pet.

Starting at the neck, place a thick layer of shampoo around the entire neck and lather with water. This creates a barrier to keep the fleas from running to your pet's head. Rub the lather down to the base of the fur making sure to get the neck, belly, legs and hind quarters. Don't get lather in your pet's face or eyes. Continue lathering for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Bathe your pet every day for heavy infestation, and once or twice a week for minor ones. Use the flea comb after bathing and wash pet bedding at least once a week to help prevent re-infestation.

Natural Repellent Spray

Make your own natural flea repellent with household products instead of harsh chemicals. Fleas hate the smell of vinegar and lemon, so you can use them to keep fleas from getting back on your pet.

A solution of 1 part vinegar or lemon juice to 5 parts water can be used as an after bath rinse or as a spray on your pet to keep fleas away for a few days. A stronger solution of half lemon or vinegar and water can be used to spray bedding and wash floors.

Natural Food Additives

• Garlic can be added to pet food to repel fleas from the inside out. Crush a small garlic clove and add to your pet's food once a day for cats and small dogs, and 2 or 3 cloves for large dogs. After about a month, fleas will find your pet unappetizing. Don't give them too much garlic as it can cause anemia in pets over time.

• Brewers yeast contains vitamin B and makes your pet taste bad to fleas. Add brewers yeast to pet's food daily, 1 teaspoon for cats and small dogs, 2 teaspoons for medium dogs and 1 tablespoon for large dogs.

• Apple cider vinegar added to your pet's drinking water can help repel fleas from the inside and boost their immune system. Add 1 teaspoon to your pet's water daily.

Don't resort to harsh chemicals to get rid of fleas. Go green for the safety of your pet and your family.