How to Wash a Dog with Fleas Naturally

Medium
20 - 45 Minutes
2 Days

Introduction

Getting rid of fleas is certainly a difficult task. Fleas are nasty little creatures that not only spread disease but can also live in your home, in your dog's bedding, and in your carpet and furniture. Washing your dog with the purpose of getting rid of fleas can also be difficult and potentially scary since most flea shampoos are filled with chemicals meant specifically to kill the fleas. If you'd like to get rid of your dog’s fleas, but in a more natural way, you can wash him with natural products that will help rid your dog's fur and skin of these nasty critters. Be sure after you have washed your dog with a natural based solution to rid fleas that you also do the same with his bedding and toys and various places within your home such as your carpet to rid those areas of fleas as well.

Dog's Perspective

If your dog is nervous at all, he might be nervous about taking regular baths. He might be even more nervous about this more intense bathing. Your dog may also be a bit apprehensive about bathing if he has battled fleas long enough that his skin is affected. Dry, itchy skin can be disturbed and painful when washed with soap and water. To ease any of this tension, be gentle with your dog and be sure you are talking with him with a loving tone, so he understands this is good for him.

The Vinegar Method

Effective
0 Votes
Spray
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Flea Comb
Towel
Step
1
Shampoo and bowl
Add vinegar to your favorite natural shampoo to rid your dog of fleas.
Step
2
Bathe
Use this new natural shampoo mix and give your dog a bath.
Step
3
Dry
After his bath, dry your pup off with a towel. While you are drying, look for jumping or moving fleas. Vinegar isn’t an instant kill. It will take time, but you may have been able to rid some in the bath alone.
Step
4
Vinegar dip
Fill a bowl or tall glass, one your flea comb will fit in, with vinegar.
Step
5
Comb
Use a flea comb and comb your dog’s fur, pulling fleas out with the comb. Rinse the comb in vinegar by dipping the comb each time you use it to comb more of your dog’s clean fur.
Step
6
Spray
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water and spray your dog several times a day. Using the flea comb, pull any fleas you find out of your dog’s fur.
Step
7
Repeat
Continue using these products and methods to rid your dog of fleas every day for a week. After the first week, repeat the bathing one a week for a month. You should be seeing fewer fleas over the first week and be rid of them on your dog’s body after a few weeks. Be sure to keep up with the process to kill any eggs as well.
Recommend grooming method?

The Dry and Wet Shampoo Method

Effective
0 Votes
Spray
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Flea Comb
Step
1
Dry shampoo
Mix equal parts of baking soda with corn starch together. Be sure to work out any clumps so you are left with a smooth powder. Add several drops of lemon juice and mix together. Let the lemon dry before using the dry shampoo.
Step
2
Massage
Sprinkle this dry powder mixture onto your dog and massage it into his fur and skin.
Step
3
Comb
Use a flea comb to comb the mixture into the fur.
Step
4
Two Days
Let this mixture sit on your dog for two days, combing through several times a day. If you notice the powder coming off your dog, add more. It should not be so thick that it falls off in your house, but it may rub off while playing or sleeping.
Step
5
Wet shampoo
Add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to your dog’s natural shampoo or to a natural dish detergent.
Step
6
Wet bath
Use the wet shampoo mixture you made and give your dog a bath. Be sure to rub the solution in and let it sit on your dog’s sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
Step
7
Rinse
You should see fleas rinse off in the water as you bathe and rinse your dog. Rinse with clean water.
Step
8
Comb
Use a flea comb and comb through your dog’s fur. Be sure to rinse any fleas off the comb before bringing the comb back to his skin.
Step
9
Repeat
You may need to repeat this several times before your dog is rid of all his fleas. After your dog is dry, if you still see fleas, start over with the dry powder, wait for two days and bathe with the wet shampoo solution.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • If you are battling fleas on your dog, be sure to wash all of his bedding, toys, and potentially even any rooms with carpet or furniture your dog may visit frequently.
  • If you live in an area where fleas are common, talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick control for your dog. These treatments are effective in keeping these dangerous critters out of your home and off your pet.
  • Fleas tend to lay several eggs. So more than one treatment may be necessary for your dog, as well as for his bedding, to completely get rid of fleas.
  • Natural flea remedies may require several treatments, so be prepared to bathe your dog with this treatment more than once. This is typically true for remedies which are not natural as well, however, more likely with natural remedies because they do not rely on chemicals for instant annihilation of fleas
  • Along with bathing your dog with these natural remedies, consider also placing a natural remedy in a spray bottle and spray your dog down several times a day.  This ensures the flea killer is in constant contact with your dog's skin and fur.

Conclusion

Fleas can not only be dangerous to your dog, they can be highly annoying as well. Don't let these little buggers ruin your dog's fun. Get rid of them the natural way giving your dog treatment the leader of a pack would expect.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
Jax
Pitadors
8 Months
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Question
0 found helpful
Jax
Pitadors
8 Months

So i’ve heard there certain way have wash Pitadors because of there skin so wondering exactly how do you give them a bath?

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Question
Benji
Don’t know
10 Years
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Question
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Benji
Don’t know
10 Years

Is it ok to bathe Benji outside using water hose? What to I do with the towels after. I believe he has fleas. I’m not all over my legs and arms and forhead. We gave him prescribed flea meds bought s new bed bed he is still itchy? Help

Paige Thompson
Paige Thompson
Dog Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Cindy! Im sorry to hear that Benji had fleas. If you gave him flea medicine prescribed from your veterinarian you will want to check with the vet again to see if Benji can have additional flea prevention. Most flea medicines will kill all the fleas but sometimes your dog is still itchy from the bites. A bath in oatmeal shampoo may help soothe the skin. If it persists you should ask your vet to check for a flea allergy. He can be bathed outside if you wish, just make sure he is fully rinsed. Thanks and good luck! Paige

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Question
Wolfee
Yorkshire Terrier
9 Days
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Question
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Wolfee
Yorkshire Terrier
9 Days

My dog has diabetes 1 and can't be exposed to chemicals. How often do I bathe him with vinegar?

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Ginger, little Wolfee shouldn't need to be bathed that often - certainly no more than once a month. I would speak to your vet about a special shampoo, recommended for him. Vinegar is okay for occasional use but can be very drying. Wolfee's skin could become dry and itchy if too much vinegar reaches the skin. Gentleness is key when bathing a tiny Yorkie. I hope this helps!

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