Fleas are a nightmare for pet owners. These tiny, irritating pests can make your dog miserable, and they’re notoriously difficult to get rid of. If you suspect your dog has fleas, you’re probably searching for anything that might help. You may have heard that lemon juice can kill fleas. Is there any truth to this claim?
The Truth About Lemon Juice and Fleas
Lemon juice is not known for its flea-killing qualities. Fleas have a tough exoskeleton that can withstand acidic substances like lemon juice. However, due to its acidic nature, lemon juice can help repel fleas.
Many cats and dogs dislike the smell of lemon juice. So, while you might be repelling fleas with a lemon juice solution, you might also be repelling your beloved pet.
How to Use Lemon Juice as a Flea Deterrent
If you want to try using lemon juice to deter fleas, here are a couple of methods:
- Lemon Bath: Add a cup of lemon juice (fresh or bottled) to your dog’s bathwater. Be careful to avoid getting the solution in your dog’s eyes, as it can sting. It might also sting your dog’s skin if he has sensitive, itchy areas due to flea bites.
- Lemon Spray: Fill a spray bottle with lemon juice and spritz it onto your dog’s brush before brushing their hair. This will make your dog smell pleasant to you but not to fleas.
You can also create a lemon spray to get rid of fleas in your house. Boil thin lemon slices and allow them to cool overnight, then spray the mixture over soft furnishings.
Another folk remedy involves boiling water with peels from grapefruit, orange, and lemon. Use this water for your pet’s regular baths, or soak the peels in boiling water overnight, pour into a spray bottle, and mist it onto your dog. This water will keep your pet smelling fresh and eliminate ticks and dog fleas.
Other Natural Flea Remedies
Since most natural flea remedies don’t have long-lasting effects, they’re often best used together. Besides lemon juice, here are some other home remedies for dog fleas:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar as a homemade flea spray or add it to your dog’s drinking water. To make a spray, mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, and add some sea salt. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and spray all over the dog’s coat, avoiding the eye area. You can also add a couple of spoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water.
- Salt: Dilute salt with water to clean the bite marks on your dog’s skin. Use a clean cotton ball soaked in saltwater to dab over the affected area. Rinse the diluted saltwater multiple times a day to keep your pet’s wounds clean and promote quick healing. You can also sprinkle salt in areas where your dog often scratches to shock the fleas. Then, clean the flea-infested area on your dog.
Important Considerations
- Essential Oils: Do *not* use lemon or orange essential oils on your pet’s fur or skin. Many animals, especially cats, can react badly to many types of essential oils, including citrus oils.
- Professional Help: Any flea treatment, whether biological or chemical, DIY or professionally applied, works best when you treat your home, yard, and pets simultaneously.
- Combination of Methods: To effectively control and eliminate fleas, you’ll need to use a combination of methods to get rid of the ones on your pet and remove the infestation from your home.
While lemon juice can be a useful tool in your fight against fleas, it’s not a foolproof solution. For dependable flea control, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy.