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My pet has fleas. Can home remedies really help get rid of them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

What is the best home remedy for fleas? I have to bathe her everyday because the fleas are so bad unread lander oil and vinegar helps could I mix the two in a spray bottle and spray her down and her bedding after it is washed? Also can I bathe her in vinegar? I just need home remedies for getting rid of fleas please

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2017

You can bathe Marley in Dawn dish soap, be sure to let it sit a few moments and it will kill the fleas on her. But any fleas in the environment will just get back on her. Unfortunately I don't know of any home remedies that actually work effectively against fleas. There are so many new and safe topical or oral insecticidal products available now that work immediately.

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    Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry to hear about Marley's flea problem. Unfortunately home remedies for these pesky bugs are not usually very effective. Fleas are very persistent in the environment and can be difficult to control. Regular washing of bedding, and thorough vacuuming can be helpful in controlling a flea infestation indoors. It is likely going to be best for you to use an actual medication product to help get the fleas under control. A topical product, or one given orally can be used and will be available from your regular veterinarian. You may need to consider treating the environment chemically as well as in my experience home remedies are not powerful enough to manage the issue. Fleas can not only cause skin irritation, but can be a source of infection for both dogs and humans, can carry tapeworms, and can also cause severe anemia if left untreated.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    You will first need to vacuum everywhere Marley has been and then wash all bedding. You can then sprinkle FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth onto bedding and surfaces. Vacuum or sweep up excess after 12 hours. Repeat this once a week. You can sprinkle a small amount onto Marley and work it into her coat as well. Diatomaceous earth works best in arid (dry) environments. Ideally, a topical such as Frontline or K9 Advantix should be used as these products will kill fleas faster and in greater numbers bringing relief to Marley quicker. Any method of flea control should be used for at least 3 consecutiove months to break the flea life cycle. Prevention, topical or otherwise, should be used year round to be most effective.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2018

    You can wash Day-z with warm water and Dawn dish soap, and comb out all the fleas, but that will not prevent her from getting more. You need a flea treatment in order kill and prevent fleas from occurring again. Things you read on the internet such as apple cider vinegar do not work at all to kill or prevent fleas. I can give you a good one. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps!

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