We're not out of the woods yet when it comes to fleas and Southern California Weather. While the rest of the country is buried deep in snow, we here in Los Angeles are still having 80 degree days in the "dead of winter".
While this is quite pleasant in many ways, there is one major downside when it comes to pet owners. You guessed it, fleas.
Our dog Orion has never really had a huge issue with fleas, but my boyfriend and I are quick to get rid of them as soon as we suspect an infestation i.e. overtly energetic scratching, biting, and chewing.
As soon as Orion begins these characteristic signs, we're on it!
Here is a recipe for a natural flea shampoo
that is gentle yet very effective. You'll be finding dead fleas for days afterward with a fine flea comb
after using this homemade shampoo. The proof is in the pudding as they say, and this is no different.
Here's What You'll Need:
How to Make All Natural Flea Free Dog Shampoo
-
- 1 cup water
- ⅔ cup castile soap (I like this one
) - 1 TB of almond oil (I like this one)
- 20 drops of essential oil, either citronella and eucalyptus or lavender and cedarwood
)
)
and 
or 
and 
Loving Preparation - Flea Free Dog Shampoo
Funnel everything into a shampoo bottle
and shake it up really well before each use. Get a really good lather going and let the shampoo sit on the dog (or cat) for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Some dogs won't want to sit still this long so my boyfriend will usually use this time to brush Orion's teeth which takes a good 10 minutes anyways.
Once your dog has soaked in the natural flea shampoo a bit, rinse them thoroughly and dry as usual.
Comb the dog with a fine comb for several days afterward.
In conjunction with a good ol' flea bath I often use a natural flea spray
in my home or sprinkle cinnamon
on the carpets before vacuuming to make sure my house stays flea free!
[yumprint-recipe id='50']For more on flea control, check out these articles:
What are my options when it comes to natural flea control for my pets
DIY Flea & Tick Spray for Cats - Natural Flea & Tick Prevention For Cats
6 Ways to Naturally Prevent and Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs
Homemade Flea Powder
cindy says
Want to know what's really cool? DogOsuds organic shampoo is EXACTLY this, already made! It works like crazy on fleas and also on itchy, allergy skin!
Barbara says
Where can you DogOsuds? I live in South Carolina and my small dog gets fleas all the time and he has been allergy skin.