Introduction
Fleas are a common problem that plague dogs and their owners. These pesky parasites can cause itching, irritation, and discomfort for your pup. While there are effective over-the-counter and prescription flea treatments available, many dog owners are interested in trying natural home remedies first. Using items you likely already have at home, such as lemons, to treat fleas can be an affordable and convenient option. But how well does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look at using lemon as a home remedy for getting rid of fleas on your dog.
Why Fleas Are A Problem
Fleas are more than just a nuisance – they can transmit diseases and parasites to both pets and humans. According to the CDC, fleas can spread diseases like plague and murine typhus to humans (CDC). Pets are also susceptible to flea-borne diseases. For example, dogs and cats can get tapeworms from ingesting infected fleas, which live in their intestines and rob nutrients (Anteater Pest Control). Another common skin condition in pets caused by flea bites is flea allergy dermatitis, resulting in intense itching and hair loss (Orkin).
For humans, flea-borne typhus is one of the top dangers, triggering high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and rash (Anteater Pest Control). Bartonellosis is another bacterial infection humans can get from fleas via their feces, leading to swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fever, and muscle and joint pain (CDC). Therefore, flea prevention and control is critical for protecting both human and pet health.
Effectiveness Of Lemon
The compounds in lemon that have insecticidal effects are d-limonene and linalool. D-limonene, found in citrus peels, has been shown to have insect repellent, knockdown, and killing effects against mosquitoes in studies (http://www.orientjchem.org/vol35no4/the-activity-of-d-limonene-from-sweet-orange-peel-citrus-sinensis-l-exctract-as-a-natural-insecticide-controller-of-bedbugs-cimex-cimicidae/). Another study found d-limonene exhibited repellency, larvicidal activity, and other insecticidal effects but no toxicity to mammals (https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/entities/publication/735e28f5-0644-4ce7-9233-aa3c6800d09a). The EPA has also reviewed d-limonene and found low concerns regarding toxicity (https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-079701_1-Sep-94.pdf).
Linalool, another compound found in lemon peel, has also demonstrated insecticidal activity according to studies (Maurya et al. 2009, Batish et al. 2008). The citral and limonene work synergistically to repel and kill insects.
Methods Of Using Lemon
There are a few ways you can use lemon to help get rid of fleas on your dog:
Lemon Spray: You can make a natural flea spray by mixing lemon juice with water and spraying it directly onto your dog’s coat. A good recipe is 3 cups of water, 3 lemons juiced, and 1 1/2 cups of vinegar. Make sure to spray all over your dog’s body, while avoiding their eyes and nose. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. The citric acid in the lemon juice will help kill adult fleas and also repel new ones.[1]
Lemon Rub: You can also rub freshly sliced lemons directly onto your dog’s coat and skin to help repel fleas. Focus on areas like behind the ears, base of tail, and belly where fleas often gather. Let the lemon juice sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with water. The fresh lemon scent can deter fleas. Be cautious around eyes, nose, and broken skin.
Lemon Shampoo: When bathing your dog, you can mix some lemon juice into their regular dog shampoo. Let the shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. The lemon will help kill any fleas and eggs in their coat while also leaving a fresh citrus scent after. Be careful not to get shampoo in eyes.
Around the House: You can also wipe down your dog’s bedding, play areas, floors, and other surfaces with a lemon water solution. The citric acid will help kill flea eggs and larvae. Focus on cracks, corners, and carpets where fleas like to nest.
Other Precautions With Lemon
While small amounts of lemon applied topically may be safe for dogs, there are some precautions to take. The citric acid and oils in lemon can be irritating, so avoid getting lemon in your dog’s eyes. If lemon juice gets in your dog’s eyes, flush them thoroughly with water to dilute the acidity. Lemon juice has a pH around 2-3 and is very acidic, which can damage the cornea. You’ll want to flush the eyes for at least 10-15 minutes if lemon gets in them. It’s best to use plain water rather than saline, milk, or other solutions when rinsing.
In addition, do not let your dog lick lemons or ingest lemon juice, as the acidity can cause mouth ulcers, vomiting, and diarrhea. The essential oils in lemon peel can also be toxic if consumed in large quantities. When using lemon topically on your dog, stick to mild dilutions of lemon juice and avoid the concentrated essential oils in peel. Monitor your dog closely and discontinue use if signs of skin irritation or inflammation occur.[1]
Limitations of Lemon for Fleas
While lemon juice contains compounds that may kill fleas, it has a number of limitations and should not be used as a standalone treatment:
Lemon juice can be irritating to a pet’s skin and cause reactions or discomfort, especially if the pet licks or ingests the lemon. Lemon should always be thoroughly rinsed off after application and pets monitored for adverse effects according to this source.
Lemon juice does not kill flea eggs, so repeat applications are needed. It also does not provide any residual flea killing effects according to this article. This means fleas can reinfest quickly after application.
Lemon juice should never be used undiluted and requires careful application to avoid getting it in pets’ eyes. Owners must rinse residues off thoroughly afterwards.
For severe flea infestations, lemon juice alone will likely not eliminate the problem. More effective commercial flea treatments or veterinary assistance may be required.
In summary, while lemon juice shows some promise for killing fleas, it has limitations and should not be a pet owner’s only flea control method according to experts.
Other Home Remedies
In addition to lemon juice, there are some other homemade and natural remedies that can help get rid of fleas on dogs.
One option is apple cider vinegar. Mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spraying or rubbing it onto your dog can help repel and kill fleas due to its acidic nature (Source 1). However, be sure to not get the mixture into your dog’s eyes.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, citronella and eucalyptus can also naturally repel fleas. You’ll need to dilute the oils in water first before applying. Do not use essential oils on puppies. Test oils on a small area first to check for skin irritation (Source 2).
While not a home remedy, applying flea and tick medication like Frontline or Advantage II as recommended can kill fleas and provide ongoing protection. Consult your vet for the best medicated prevention options for your dog.
When To See A Vet
If you’ve tried using lemon and are not seeing improvements in your dog’s flea infestation within a few days, it’s time to seek professional veterinary help. Signs that lemon is not effectively getting rid of the fleas include continued excessive scratching, redness, hair loss, scabs, and flea dirt or excrement on your dog’s skin (https://www.webmd.com/pets/remove-fleas-from-pet). At this point, over-the-counter treatments are likely not strong enough, and your dog needs prescription flea control products and medications.
It’s also important to take your dog to the vet if you notice any skin wounds, infections, or signs of anemia from flea bites. Puppies and older dogs may be more susceptible to anemia and sickness. Seeking prompt professional veterinary care helps prevent further discomfort and health risks to your dog (https://www.lakeshorevetandpetlodge.com/blog-posts/why-its-important-to-take-your-pet-with-fleas-to-the-vet).
Veterinarians have access to prescription strength flea prevention and treatment products that are often much more effective than home remedies. They can provide medications like flea collars, oral tablets, and topical solutions to kill fleas and eggs while also preventing re-infestation (https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/). Seeking professional veterinary care at the first signs of fleas can help avoid the infestation worsening and your dog developing medical issues.
Preventing Flea Infestations
The best way to deal with a flea problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of a flea infestation in your home and on your dog:
Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where your dog sleeps and rests. Vacuuming picks up adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister outside after each use. The CDC recommends vacuuming carpets, floors, furniture, and pet beds at least twice a week.
Wash your dog’s bedding regularly in hot, soapy water. Fleas can live in bedding and fabrics. Frequently wash your dog’s blankets, pillows, pet beds, and any other items they regularly contact.
Bathe your dog often. Use a flea shampoo or mild soap and water to wash away fleas and eggs. Ask your veterinarian how often is best for your dog’s breed and skin type.
Treat your yard. Use sprays, powders, or granules designed to kill fleas and disrupt their life cycle outdoors. Focus on areas your dog frequents like under trees, porch steps, etc. Reapply as directed on the product label.
Consider preventative medication. Talk to your vet about oral and topical products that can prevent flea infestations. Many kill fleas and ticks before they can multiply and lay eggs.
Check for fleas daily. Examine your dog’s coat and skin for signs of fleas or flea dirt. Catching an infestation early makes it easier to eliminate.
With diligence about these preventative steps, you can help keep your dog flea-free and your home clear of infestations.
Summary
To summarize, while lemon and lemon juice can provide some limited benefits in helping to repel and kill fleas on dogs when applied topically or as part of a homemade spray, most evidence indicates it is far from a cure-all solution. Lemon can be drying and irritating to dog’s skin, so any applications should be limited and avoided around sensitive areas. Lemon is not proven to fully eradicate a serious flea infestation and should only be used alongside comprehensive flea control methods. Complete flea treatment administered by a veterinarian provides the safest, most effective solution and remains the gold standard for eliminating fleas from your dog and home.