HELP! Fleas on my Poodles - Natural Remedy??

[TipsyDog]

I just saw a flea jump off my poodle. My husband saw one too. I checked the dogs and don't see any, but where there's one, there are definetely more! I know it's from all the wild rabbits I have around here lately.

My question is - does anyone have a sure fire method of getting rid of these naturally? The flea shampoo I used to use (Sargent's) has been recalled and pulled of the market. I was going to try DAWN dish soap and afterwards wipe them down with white vinegar. In 25 years of owning dogs, I've NEVER had fleas (more than a few) and I don't want to deal with them now!

Fortunately, they are poodles, so a complete crew cut usually gets rid of them, but it was 36* here this morning and it would be a last resort to remove their coat this late in the year. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[gavinandallison]

I would not suggest Dawn dishwashing liquid - it will dry out the dogs skin - I have used Adams flea shampoo for years and I think it is the best = also if you have carpet , get you some boric acid ( you can get this at any store - name brand stuff is called Roach Prude - or even in laundry detergent has it ) .. sprinkle on your carpet and let it lay for a day or more , then vacum it up - kills all the life stages of a flea and is safe for dogs - I would not use it on the dog direct only on the bed and or carpet.

 

[Judy]

I would never use a Sergeant's product; I have not trusted them for years.

For me, the vet is the answer. Drops dropped between their shoulders are very effective -- talk to the vet -- there is more than one kind. Not natural but also not a nasty poison. They recommend monthly. I am in the country with rabbits, mice, etc. everywhere. I probably use it every 3 months.

Adams flea and tick spray or powder is available at the vet or from WalMart. etc. Very effective but only for the short term. Also not natural but also not a nasty poison.

Don't let anyone tell you DE. Might cut down the number but will not stop an infestation.

There is one very effective natural remedy for the environment: Borax powder, in the laundry section. I used to sprinkle it around the floors of an unused building that was frequented by feral cats. Before I did so, my legs would be covered with fleas just walking in there. After, no more fleas. Also have used it indoors on carpets. Sinks in after a day or two, so you won't remove all of it with a vacuum. Great stuff.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I've used Dawn for years...worked great as a cycle-stopper. Killed the adults and got rid of "most" of the eggs.

Adams stuff seems to work REALLY well, the spray has a "clean" scent.

I use Comfortis now as a monthly treatment. Works great!



I don't know of any "natural" stuff, but our outdoor dogs always got the Sevin treatment.

 

[SpringChickens]

If you want something natural - you can try to find a tea tree oil based shampoo. Be careful though - tea tree oil can be irritating to a dogs skin (although mine never had any problems with it).

I use Comfortis every month now - works AMAZINGLY well. We had nothing but problems with fleas when we moved to Texas and after about one week of Comfortis, no more problems.

Good luck!

 

[emvickrey]

Quote:
I agree, I've used Dawn dish liquid for years. It kills on cantact. I had a chihuahua that her hair was so thin I could see the fleas and I would mix a small bowl of Dawn and water and just dab my finger in it and then touch the flea. Dead on contact then I just removed the dead flea. I wouldn't bathe them everyday in it due to the loss of natural oils to their skin but once a week should be fine. Thats how I did my chihuahua for the 3 years I had her with no problems. I also bathed my chow mix for many more years than that the same way. No problem with itchy dry skin. I don't know if Poodles are more sensitive than a chihuahua but thats what I used.

 

[Avla]

Why not try comfortis? It's a little pill you give your dogs and it keeps fleas killed for a month+, works wonders.

But, Dawn is a good flea killer.

 

[TipsyDog]

Thanks everyone. You guys are great!

I checked two of the dogs very close and couldn't find a flea anywhere. I'm hoping the one I saw just hitched a ride inside from the yard. I've already cleaned the house, washed up the floors, the dog bed and vacuumed everything. Luckily I don't have many carpets. They will get a quick bath with Dawn tomorrow (it should be a nice warm day) and then I'll shave them down, but not all the way. The good thing with poodles is you can shave off the fur and the fleas leave.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I heard of somebody that puts a couple drops of peppermint oil on the dogs collars, apparently it is supposed to work very well. I use a natural spray on my dogs, with different herbal oils. So far I haven't seen a flea or a tick this year on them.

 

[noahsgeese]

Frontline works as well!