Does Garlic Kill Fleas? Vet Reviewed Answers

Yes, garlic can kill fleas to an extent and in theory. But, if the question is, “Does garlic kill fleas on dogs?” the answer is no. At least not in a safe and efficient enough manner.

Natural flea treatments for pets are spiking in popularity. Natural products alleviate concerns about chemical exposure and align with the holistic pet care concept. Plus, they are reasonably priced.

If you do a little research and visit DIY forums or home remedy blogs, you will see that garlic is one of the most commonly recommended natural anti-flea treatments for dogs.

In this article, we will explain why such recommendations are false and the importance of using adequate anti-flea treatments for dogs.

Breaking Down the Flea Life Cycle

The flea life cycle includes four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. Eggs are small, oval-shaped, and cream-colored. Depending on environmental temperature and humidity, they can hatch or stay dormant.

Hatched eggs turn into larvae. Larvae are worm-like, blind creatures that feed on organic debris and hide in dark places, like beddings and carpets. The larvae spin cocoons and transform into pupae. Pupae are highly resilient and the most challenging stage for eliminating fleas.

When the conditions are favorable, adult fleas emerge from the pupae - typically when a good host (like your dog) is present. Following their first bloodmeal, adult fleas start laying eggs and restart the entire cycle.

Fleas are not just an itchy nuisance for dogs. They also carry diseases, such as murine typhus and plague, as well as parasites, including tapeworms. Heavy infestations result in anemia, and in sensitive dogs, they provoke allergic reactions, known as flea allergy dermatitis.

Evaluating Garlic as a Natural Flea Treatment

An older, in vitro study has shown that applying garlic extract in a hexane solvent kills fleas to a certain extent. The study compared the effects of garlic to those of some common insecticides.

However, if you are wondering does garlic kill fleas on dogs, the answer is still no. The anti-flea effect of garlic in laboratory settings is not directly applicable in practice.

So far, no peer-reviewed papers support the use of garlic as a natural flea treatment for dogs, concludes a 2020 study.

Not only is it not efficient enough, but garlic is also unsafe. Garlic belongs to the Allium family of vegetables and contains thiosulfate. In dogs, thiosulfate damages the red blood cells.

Thiosulfate triggers the formation of abnormal structures called Heinz bodies. The dog’s immune system recognizes red blood cells with Heinz bodies as damaged and removes them, leading to anemia. Studies describe garlic poisoning as a “life-threatening toxicosis.”

Common Myths around Garlic and Fleas

The misconception that garlic kills and repels fleas from dogs comes from several theories, or more accurately, myths. Let’s break them down and get to the scientific bottom.

Myth 1: “Feeding garlic makes your pet’s blood unappealing to fleas.”

The leading theory is that if you feed a dog enough garlic, eventually its body will start releasing odors. The odors are repulsive to fleas and will keep them at bay.

This is not true. "Garlic is not an effective flea or tick repellent on dogs or cats, since they don't sweat like humans”, says Dr. Mike Hutchinson, DVM, in a PetMD article.

Plus, in order to achieve an odor-producing effect, a dog would have to eat significant amounts of garlic, which is likely to be toxic.

Myth 2: “Sprinkling garlic in the yard keeps fleas away.”

Planting garlic in the yard or crushing and sprinkling fresh garlic cloves around is said to deter fleas. While this is true to an extent, it is not enough to prevent a flea infestation on your dog.

Fleas dislike the smell of garlic. However, reducing the flea number in the yard does not mean your dog will not get fleas as soon as it leaves the gate or from other animals passing through.

Additionally, the slight anti-flea effect is not worth the potential risk of your dog finding the garlic and consuming it.

Myth 3: “Garlic is a safe and natural alternative to chemical treatments.”

Garlic is a natural option, but it is not a safe alternative to chemical anti-flea treatments. Garlic is considered to be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Garlic in dogs results in “vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, and panting,” according to the ASPCA.

Studies say that “foods containing garlic should not be fed to dogs.” If garlic-containing foods are off the table, it goes without saying that raw garlic must also be avoided.

Comprehensive Flea Control: Safe Treatments and Natural Prevention

Always rely on proven and vet-recommended anti-flea products for dogs. The pet market offers a range of options, each with its own unique set of benefits.

Vet-Approved Treatments

Topical Spot-On Solutions: Spot-ons are liquid products that are applied directly on the dog’s skin. They are quick-acting and have residual efficacy. Examples are the FurLife™ Flea & Tick Spray, or FurLife™ Flea & Tick Shampoo.
Oral Medications: Oral medications are prescription pills that kill fleas. Some pills act against specific flea stages, while others kill fleas at different life phases.
Flea Collars: Pet collars are worn continuously and offer flea protection for up to several months. The FurLife™ Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats is an example.
Flea and Tick Pendants: Anti-pest pendants are wearable and convenient accessories that offer lasting protection. A recommendation is the FurLife™ Flea & Tick Pendant.

Regular Check-Ups and Grooming

Regular Check-Ups: Frequent inspection allows you to spot fleas early on, before the infestation becomes severe. Examine the dog’s fur daily for fleas and flea dirt. Pay extra attention to high-risk areas, such as ears, armpits, and base of the tail.
Regular Grooming: Grooming the dog with a flea comb helps determine the presence of fleas. In cases of heavy flea loads, combing mechanically removes some of the fleas, making it easier for additional chemical or natural treatments to work.

Environmental Management

Home Cleaning: Regular cleaning, primarily vacuuming and washing in hot water, is vital for removing fleas from the environment. Fleas in various life stages can be found in the house, and regular cleaning helps with their systematic elimination.
Safe Sprays: Pet-safe insecticides and natural sprays designed for carpets, furniture, and other flea hotspots in your home are extremely helpful and aid the cleaning process.

Conclusion

Garlic is neither a safe nor an effective treatment for fleas in dogs. In the kitchen, it is a versatile cooking ingredient that offers a rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

However, when it comes to eliminating fleas on dogs, you need to get a vet-approved product made exclusively for pets. Get a product from FurLife’s line, and rest assured, your dog will be flea-free.