Smart Dog Owner: Natural Flea Prevention & Signs That It's Too Late

You love your dog and you do not want it to deal with a nasty nuisance like a flea infestation, yet this is a very real danger. The following is a simple guide that might help you prevent such an infestation through natural means. And you will also learn some of the signs you should look for if your dog is already infested with fleas.

A Few Ways To Naturally Prevent Flea Infestation

Consider some of the following:

Apple Cider Vinegar

The first thing that you should consider is a diluted apple cider vinegar spray for your dog. All you have to do is pour 1 part water and 1 part apple cider vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Spray your dog with this blend every day to help enhance your dog skin's natural defenses against pests like fleas. Be sure to consider unfiltered and apple cider vinegar for best results. 

Cedar Dog Collar

The next thing that you can try is using a homemade flea-repelling collar. All you need to do is dilute about 5 drops of cedar oil in 1/4 cup of water, then carefully infuse the blend into a clean bandanna. Cedar oil is a strong bug repellent because it inhibits the insect's ability to breathe, killing it. And the scent is strong enough to destroy any offspring that a flea might have laid on your dog's body. 

You can also talk to your veterinarian, as he or she could also enlighten you about other natural techniques that you can use to protect your dog from fleas.

Signs That A Flea Infestation Might Already Be There

Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare against it, fleas may still find a way to attach themselves to your dog, and you should know how to detect them. The following are just a few signs to look out for:

• It is possible that you might see a flea jumping from within your dog's fur or see one walking, so check your dog's coat periodically.
• You may notice that your dog is starting to lick, scratch, or chew certain areas of his or her body more than usual.
• There could be signs of irritation on your dog's skin, like redness or scabbing.
• You could see flea dirt or feces on your dog, which will look like dark flakes. The color might be dark reddish-brown.

Talk to a veterinary office like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital as soon as you can, should you notice any of the aforementioned signs, because it is easier to deal with a flea issue earlier rather than later.