Robyn, Palmolive dish detergent with 2 good squirts of baby oil do wonders in killing fleas, don't know why but used it on my guys last week they had been scratching and when I finished I found a few dead fleas. Heard about it on another dog line. Don't think it will cause any adverse effects and the baby oil will moisten the skin. Good luck Suzi,Quincy and Tex