10 ways to get rid of fleas on your dog

Fleas are a nuisance to you and your dog. They can also pose serious health issues if left untreated. Many pet parents are very concerned with using harsh chemicals on their dogs, so they turn to natural remedies. Unfortunately, some solutions touted as natural remedies for fleas are dangerous for your pet and their effectiveness is up for debate among vets and pet owners alike.

As always, we recommend consulting your vet before giving your dog any medicines or natural remedies. Good news: our guide can help you identify fleas and find the best way to get rid of them.

👉 Because dogs have sensitive skin and lick their fur, they need dog-friendly flea treatments. Pay attention to labels because most flea products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs, and might not be suitable for both species. 

Fleas have been a nuisance to our four-legged friends since long before domestication, but today’s technology has given veterinarians and pet medication manufacturers the tools to combat these pests safely and effectively.

The most reliable way to protect your dog from fleas is with a prescription medication. Some of these vet-approved flea treatments target multiple parasites, while others focus solely on fleas. Whether it’s a spot-on liquid, a collar, or a chewable tablet, your vet can help you choose the option that fits your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Generally, prescription flea medications are safe for puppies starting at 8 to 12 weeks old. If your pup is younger than that, you may need to stick with natural alternatives until they’re old enough for stronger treatments.

Flea sprays are popular for pet owners who want a quick way to fight fleas. Many brands offer sprays labeled as “all-natural,” which are popular for those looking for something other than chemicals. However, not all sprays work the same. Some only keep fleas away, while others kill adult fleas but don’t affect eggs or larvae, which will lead to a new infestation if left untreated.

For example, Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray claims to kill fleas at all life stages and uses plant-based ingredients like peppermint oil and clove extract. Peppermint oil is commonly found in natural flea sprays because it is thought to help repel and kill fleas.

How to use flea sprays effectively

Flea sprays can help with mild flea problems when used the right way. To get the best results:

• Read the label. Make sure the spray is safe for dogs and works on fleas at all stages, including eggs and larvae.
• Protect yourself. Wear gloves when using flea sprays to avoid getting the oils on your skin.
• Apply properly. Lightly spray your dog’s coat, then rub the spray into their fur and skin to cover it completely.
• Reapply when needed. Natural sprays may need to be used more often than chemical ones.

Flea sprays can be useful in preventing fleas or treating small infestations, especially for those who want a natural option. However, if your dog has a severe flea problem, you may need stronger treatments, like prescription medications.

👉 Check out our guide to the best flea sprays for a comparison of the top products and tips on choosing the right one for your dog.

Most soaps and shampoos can kill fleas during a bath, so you don’t necessarily need a special flea shampoo. In fact, some flea shampoos can be too harsh on your dog’s skin and cause dryness. Regular soap works by suffocating the fleas. Fleas can’t float on water because of their exoskeleton, so when soap is added to warm water, it helps drown them.

How to use shampoo to treat fleas

For safety, it’s crucial to always use shampoo that is specifically labeled for use on dogs. Never use shampoos made for humans, as they may contain ingredients that could harm your dog. Also, pay attention to any age limits listed on the label—some shampoos are not safe for puppies. Check out our article on the best vet-recommended flea shampoos for our top recommendations.

Here’s how to use shampoo to treat fleas:

1. Fill the tub with water. Make sure there’s enough water for the fleas to fall into so they can’t jump off your dog to escape.
2. Lather and rinse. Use the shampoo as directed, making sure you wash your dog thoroughly.
3. Follow the directions. Always read and follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle to ensure you’re using it correctly and safely.

Shampooing is a helpful tool to control fleas, but if you’re dealing with a major infestation, you may need additional treatments.

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic treatment commonly used to control adult fleas in the home. It’s made from the crushed fossils of tiny ocean organisms (diatoms) and consists mainly of silica. This powder-like substance kills fleas by damaging their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and lose moisture.

How to use diatomaceous earth to treat fleas

To use diatomaceous earth in your home, sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth on bedding, furniture upholstery, baseboards, and carpets. Let it sit overnight to allow it to work, then vacuum up the powder along with the dead fleas. Be sure to wear a mask while spreading diatomaceous earth and avoid using it in rooms where your pets are present to prevent irritation to their lungs.

Coconut oil is a natural, pet-safe remedy that some pet owners use to fight fleas. Many sources (especially those selling coconut oil) claim that its fatty lauric acid can coat a flea’s exoskeleton, immobilizing and suffocating the pest.

While there aren’t specific studies proving coconut oil kills fleas, research from the USDA’s Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources Agricultural Research Service highlights its potential as a repellant. Fatty acids derived from coconut oil were shown to repel biting flies, ticks, bed bugs, and mosquitoes for about four times longer than DEET (a common chemical repellant). Though fleas weren’t included in the study, this evidence suggests coconut oil might help keep them at bay too.

While coconut oil can provide some relief, it’s best used as a supplement to proven flea prevention methods, not a replacement.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often thought of as a natural way to keep fleas away, but there isn’t solid science to prove it works. Some pet owners spray diluted ACV on their dogs, but it’s important to be cautious with this method. To be clear, we don’t recommend the use of ACV for pets unless specifically instructed by your vet.

Instead of trying ACV, using flea treatments made specifically for dogs is safer. Always talk to your vet before trying any other flea control methods, especially if your dog has health problems.

Lavender oil contains a chemical called linalool. Studies Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources have shown it can kill fleas at all stages of life, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. However, these studies used highly concentrated linalool, which may not be safe or effective when used in diluted amounts at home. While lavender oil may help with fleas, it’s important to be cautious around pets, as undiluted lavender oil can be harmful.

How to use lavender oil to treat fleas in your home

Mix 10 drops of food-grade lavender oil in 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on walls, floors, and areas where your pet doesn’t go. Be sure to avoid areas where your pet spends a lot of time, as fleas tend to hide in dark places like under the couch, stove, and baseboards.

Citrus extracts are natural flea repellents. D-limonene, found in citrus fruits, and linalool can both help repel fleas. Products like lemon juice work by drying out fleas. When fleas come into contact with citrus, it breaks down their protective coating, making it hard for them to keep moisture and survive.

How to use citrus extracts to prevent fleas

If you use a citrus flea spray, make sure to check the label to see if it’s safe for dogs. Additionally, some dog-safe citrus products may not be safe for cats, birds, or small pets.

You can also make your own flea spray by adding up to 10 drops of food-grade citrus essential oil (like lemon or orange) to an 8-ounce spray bottle with water. Use the spray in areas of your home where your pets don’t go.

Sulfur may be a helpful tool for controlling fleas, but it’s essential to use it carefully to avoid harming pets, wildlife, or yourself. Sulfur has been registered for pesticide use in the U.S. since the 1920s and is effective against various pests, including insects, mites, and fungi. According to the National Pesticide Information Center’s sulfur fact sheet Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources , sulfur works by disrupting the energy production of fleas when they touch or ingest it. But it’s not safe for dogs (or cats) to eat in large amounts.

In a 2017 article about flea control by Elisabeth J. Giedt, D.V.M., published by Oklahoma State University, she states, “There are several products that are commonly used, such as B vitamins, brewer’s yeast, and sulfur products, which have not been scientifically proven to be effective as flea repellents.”

How to reduce risks when using sulfur for flea prevention

If you choose to use sulfur to treat your yard for fleas, it’s important to follow these safety guidelines to protect your pets, plants, and the environment:

• Avoid indoor use. Sulfur can harm both humans and pets if inhaled or ingested, so it should only be used outdoors.
• Be mindful of your own exposure. Long or repeated skin contact with sulfur can cause rashes or calluses. Breathing in sulfur dust can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully to minimize risks to humans, pets, and wildlife. If there’s any exposure, seek medical advice immediately.
• Target flea hiding spots. Fleas thrive in dark, damp areas where their eggs can hatch and larvae can grow. Focus on areas like tall grass (especially shaded spots), under shrubs, in piles of sand or wood, and around porches, sheds, or dog houses to reduce flea numbers.
• Apply sulfur carefully. Use a sifter to spread a thin, even layer of sulfur powder. Avoid applying it too thickly—too much sulfur can harm your plants and increase the risk of exposing pets.
• Sulfur remains after rain. Sulfur doesn’t dissolve easily in water, so it will stay in the treated area even after it rains. Be cautious of its presence if pets or wildlife are in the area.

A light trap uses light and heat to draw out fleas. The trap has a yellow-green bulb above a sticky mat that catches fleas until they die or are disposed of. The light follows an on-and-off pattern, tricking fleas into thinking the light is a host they can jump onto.

This chemical- and substance-free method can help control fleas, but it’s important to note that light traps are only effective when combined with other flea control methods, like medications and treating the environment.

Flea bites often appear as red, raised dots on your dog that disappear after a few minutes. In homes with infestations, fleas may bite people, particularly around the ankles and exposed skin. For pets, these spots can get lost in your dog’s fur and are only visible if the skin is inflamed from itching.

• Check your dog’s coat for flea dirt. This looks like black pepper on your dog’s skin and fur. Flea dirt is often concentrated at the neck, ears, tail base, or lower back. One helpful hint to tell if it’s flea dirt or just dirt is to comb the specks onto a white napkin and then moisten it and look for red discoloration. Flea dirt is actually flea “poop” from the digested blood, so it will turn red when wet.
• Watch for movement. When grooming or petting your pup, you may see fleas moving when disturbed by a comb. Look for shiny, brown dots less than half the size of a grain of rice. A flea comb works great for finding both fleas and dirt.
• Look out for symptoms. There are some telltale signs of fleas based on symptoms alone, like itching and scratching, hair loss, scabs, and with more severe infestations, pale gums. Pet parents may also notice hot spots or “pimples” if the fleas have caused an infection.

It may as begin as your dog scratching, but fleas can become far more serious than that. Not recognizing the signs that your dog has fleas poses serious problems for your pet. Fleas are parasites that carry diseases that can endanger your pup.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Here’s what you’re preventing when you catch fleas early:

• Tapeworms. If your pet ingests an infected flea with tapeworm larvae, it can transmit the parasite to your pet.
• Anemia. An abundance of fleas on young puppies or kittens can create extreme blood loss with serious consequences, including tissue damage, anemia Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources , and even death.
• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. This can create extreme immune reactions in your pet.
• Mycoplasma haemocanis. Formerly called Haemobartonella canis), this is an extremely rare disease, so most dog owners shouldn’t worry. But if your dog has had their spleen removed, this flea-transmitted disease could be life-threatening.

When to go to the vet for fleas

Fleas are usually more of a nuisance than a medical emergency. However, some dogs suffer from allergic reactions to flea bites. Known as flea atopic dermatitis, this condition can lead to hair loss, broken skin, and infections. In young puppies, or even in adult dogs in severe cases, excessive flea bites can cause life-threatening anemia. Fleas are also hosts to tapeworms, which can invade your dog’s intestines and make them sick. Take your dog to the vet for treatment if you notice signs like: hair loss, broken skin, pale gums, sudden weight loss, diarrhea, or tapeworm segments in stool

Getting rid of fleas is very important to your dog’s health. The rule of thumb is that for every one flea you see, there are 10 more hiding, so take action immediately if you spot any on your pet. Vet-approved flea prevention and diligent cleaning habits can make all the difference in avoiding future infestations.