Fleas are the bane of both dogs and dog owners everywhere. No matter what place you are on Earth, fleas just seem to follow you wherever you go.

Fleas are tiny parasites that can latch onto pets and cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and itching. Fleas suck on the host's blood and multiply all over the body. What's worse is that these pests can latch off from dogs and turn the owners into their next hosts.

If your dog has fleas, chances are you've taken your pooch to the vet. But not every dog can heal from typical medical regimens. Sometimes fleas can come back, and bite harder, and ordinary treatment just won't cut it.

An organic flea remedy might be the answer to your problem. Not only can home remedies help your canine heal, but they can also prevent any pesky fleas from coming back. Here are five organic remedies that you should try to fight off those nasty parasites.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

We're sure that you have this one in your pantry. Apple cider vinegar is the holy grail of organic eating and remedies. Plenty of people have touted the healing effects ACV has on humans.

But Apple cider vinegar can also be a big help for dogs. Its pungent smell and taste can drive any flea nuts. While ACV can't kill fleas, it can be a good line of defense from them. A spritz of equal parts ACV and water can relieve a dog's dry, itchy skin and help keep pests away.

Apple cider vinegar can also be taken orally. Just make sure you have supervision from a health professional.

2. Lemons

Just like ACV, fleas hate lemons. It must be that stingy, sour flavor. Whatever the reason may be, lemons are a great remedy to keep the fleas away. Remember though, lemons don't kill the fleas, they just prevent them.

There are many ways to use lemons as a flea remedy. First, you can make a lemon bath. Mix half a cup of fresh lemon juice into two cups of water. After diluting the lemon in the water, squeeze in some of your dog's shampoo and stir them all together. Use this wash to keep your dog feeling fresh and flea-free.

Another method is to make a spray. Place some lemons into boiling water and let them boil for 10 minutes. Steep the mixture overnight. The next day, pour your mixture into a spray bottle and gently spray it on your dog's coat. Make sure to avoid open wounds and the eyes. It's best to spray in-between creases like behind the ears, armpits, neck rolls, and between paws.

A final method is to directly rub freshly squeezed lemon juice on your dog. Make sure to immediately rinse any residue so your dog won't accidentally ingest it. 

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has so many benefits. It has good fatty acids, helps relieve pain and inflammation, and can leave you with healthy hair and skin. For dogs, coconut oil will not only make their coat shine but can also help prevent fleas.

Rub a teaspoon of oil on your dog's fur to get rid of the fleas effortlessly. Coconut oil can also be fed to dogs. In fact, coconut oil can help treat digestive inflammation and infection. Add a little bit of oil into your dog's food. Just be careful when using coconut oil. Too much oil can cause diarrhea. Some dogs are also allergic to coconut oil.

4. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from the Indian neem tree and has been used for hundreds of years. Today, it is found in cosmetic items and toiletries, including dog shampoos.

Neem oil is generally safe, as long as the dog doesn't ingest it. But we're sure that the sulfur smell of neem oil can turn down even the most voracious of dogs.

Dilute some neem oil in water and use it to spray on your dog's fur. You can also directly rub neem oil on your dog's coat and skin. Neem oil can prevent and kill fleas in the nick of time.

5. Organic Shampoos and Soaps

Hygiene is a priority when you want to cure your dog of fleas. Bathing your dogs can help reduce the number of fleas that are stuck to their skin. But ordinary shampoo or soap won't do the trick.

Look for specialized flea shampoos or soaps that are natural and organic. Look for brands that use no harsh chemicals and have natural oils and ingredients. Make sure that they are also tried and tested so your dog won't get any allergic reactions. There are plenty of shampoos that are available online that can surely help your dog smell good and feel good.

If you have cats, you need to check them for fleas too. If your dog has fleas, the chances are high that other pets might also have some pesky fleas in their fur if they come in contact with each other.

Should I Try Essential Oils on my Dog?

Essential oils are pretty controversial online. Some sources say it is okay under supervision, while others warn that oils can be dangerous for dogs.

Some essential oils can be harmful to dogs, including citrus, cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus. These oils can irritate at best and be toxic at worst. And even for oils that are less likely to cause harm, research for these remedies is very limited.

We discourage the use of essential oils, especially without the advice of a vet. Other oils that are mentioned on this list are a little better compared to essential oils. However, we still advise you to watch out for allergies and negative reactions from your dog. We're trying to make your dog feel better, not worse.

Bottomline

Fleas are a nuisance to your dog's health and well-being. It can cause irritation, discomfort, and a lot of pain. Eliminating fleas is an important task every responsible owner should do. Some pet health insurance companies like Bivvy offer coverage options that include flea and tick prevention, routine vet checkups, and deworming. This is an excellent way to keep your beloved dog healthy and parasite free. 

Natural remedies can be used either in tandem with medicine or as an alternative if no other treatment works. Organic remedies are cheap, easy to come by, and are good preventive measures against fleas. Take precaution when using these remedies on your dogs. Some are more effective than others. And always remember that a healthy dog is a happy dog.