How to get rid of fleas the natural way

There are lots of proprietary remedies for killing fleas on dogs and cats and they are very effective. Some people think there are dangers associated with them and would prefer to use natural and traditional remedies - they work just as well and are without side effects - they're much cheaper too!

It's bath time One of the best ways to get rid of fleas is by giving your dog a bath - some warm water, a gentle shampoo which doesn't have to be especially for dogs, baby shampoo is fine, and you'll see most of the pests going down the plug hole.

Showering your pet is effective also. The downside to both is that he'll shake when it's over so have an extra large towel ready and wrap him straight in it. You can dry use the hair dryer on a warm (not hot) setting to dry him - most dogs love this. But if he is one of those who don't like it, towel him well and let him sit by the fire or a central heating radiator. Dogs musn't be allowed to get chilled after a shampoo.

Do the white sheet test the next day and if there are still some black specks (eggs and/or flea droppings) you'll know that some of them could swim and you didn't get them all. It's time for another bath and this time use a flea shampoo. Make sure you use the correct one - dog flea treatments can be extremely toxic and even fatal for cats.

Using herbs

Adding a few drops of herbal oil to your pet's shampoo will help to eradicate fleas. Try tea tree, eucalyptus, pennyroyal or lavender. Fleas don't like the smell and those that survive the watery onslaught will soon hop off and find somewhere more doggy smelling to live. Never use herbal oils at full strength, always follow the instructions and if they are not already diluted you can do this by adding a few drops to almond oil.

Persistence pays off

If you see one flea on your dog you might think that's all there is. But these prolific little pests can produce 250,000 descendants in the space of a few weeks. There's rarely ever one - at any given time there are more likely to be 100 or more on your furniture and carpets and floors. Lots more will be outside,on the front porch and in the garden, just lying in wait for some warm blooded creature (it might be you!) to pass by. One jump and they're back in residence, blood sucking and happy. It's a never ending battle and only persistence will see these pesky critturs finally eradicated from your pet and your home.