How To Take Care Of Fleas On Dogs

How To Take Care Of Fleas On Dogs

Fleas on dogs can be a nightmare. The tiny blood sucking fleas feed off of your dog causing distress and misery in the process. If properly cared for, it is possible to rid your dog of fleas using natural remedies, household products or a combination of the two.

We’ve all been there. Your dog is itching like crazy, running around in circles and getting a little jumpy. You look at him and think “What’s wrong with my dog?! There are no fleas on him!” and then you show your friend who thinks otherwise. Your friend proceeds to explain to you that fleas can lay eggs and that even 30 minutes after a flea was on your pet, it could still be turned into an adult, bite your pet and begin the infestation process once more. After reading through this article, you will learn how to take care of fleas on dogs of all ages using home remedies and be able to effectively raise your “dog parenting” skills a few notches higher than they are right now!

How To Take Care Of Fleas On Dogs

Fleas are common pests that affect dogs, cats, and their owners. These small insects feed on the blood of their host. While wingless, fleas can jump as far as 13 inches, nearly 200 times the length of their bodies.

Not only are fleas tiny, but they’re also quick. You might not even know they’re there at first. Some pets are more sensitive to the bites than others. The insects’ saliva causes an allergic reaction, which leads to itchiness. You might notice your pet scratching more often. A closer look at your pet might show scabs, flea dirt, or what looks like salt and pepper in their bed.

Fleas don’t affect only animals. They may also bite you, leaving itchy welts on your skin. Some may also transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. They can infect cats with “cat scratch disease,” which your cat can then pass to you. Some fleas may also pass tapeworms to animals and people.

If your dog or cat has fleas, medication is a must. Getting the bugs off your pet is important, too. It cuts down the number of itchy, irritating bites your pet gets — and helps keep fleas out of your home.

Remedies and Treatments for Fleas

If you notice fleas on your pet or in your home, you should take care of the issue quickly. They multiply fast, and a few can turn into a serious infestation, causing problems for you and your pets.

Here are a few remedies and treatments you can use to get rid of fleas.

1. Give Your Pet a Bath

One of the first solutions to get rid of fleas is to bathe your pet. Just lukewarm water, or water and a mild soap, can help get fleas off your pet’s fur and skin.  The dish soap can help to drown adult fleas. If you’re thinking about using a flea shampoo or something similar, talk to your veterinarian first. It can strip oils from your pet’s fur and dry out their skin. If your pet is allergic to fleas (your vet may call it flea allergy dermatitis), its skin might be especially sensitive. That’s also true if your pet has any other open wounds or “raw spots” on its skin. Some of the chemicals in flea products can make irritation and infections worse.

While a bath can help your pet, it’s not a must. If you’re worried about how your pet will react, it’s OK to skip this step. You should avoid bathing your pet too often. Talk to your vet to determine what’s right for your pet. Some may need daily baths for severe infestations, where others will only need once a week. It may also depend on the kind of shampoo you use.

2. Comb Your Pet’s Hair Using a Fine-Tooth Flea Comb

Fleas are tiny, fast, and difficult to grab. One way to remove them from your pet’s fur is to use a flea comb. Dipping the comb in a mixture of water and dish soap will help to catch the insects, keeping them from jumping away. The teeth on a flea comb are spaced to trap fleas while they allow your pet’s fur to pass through. Flea combs also help remove flea poop, sometimes called “flea dirt” — dark brown or black specks that look like pepper flakes. The comb can also help to remove eggs from your pet’s fur. Be sure to take special care while you comb around your pet’s neck and tail areas. That’s where fleas tend to feed.

3. Kill the Fleas

The little buggers are usually between the size of a poppy seed and a sesame seed, and they’re brown or reddish brown. If you see a flea on the flea comb, dunk the comb into hot, soapy water to kill the flea. Don’t try to crush fleas. They jump quickly and can be hard to kill by hand.

4. Spray an Apple Cider Vinegar Solution on Your Pet

Apple cider vinegar can’t kill fleas, but it can help to repel them. Fleas don’t like the smell or taste of it, so they’re likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle. If your pet doesn’t enjoy getting sprayed, dip a brush in the mixture and get it into their fur with a grooming session.

5. Do Regular Checks

If your pet has a history of fleas, comb your friend with a flea comb at least once a week until you’re sure that your home and pet are free of fleas.

6. Let Your Pet Groom Itself

Cats clean themselves more when they have fleas. They’re not just itching. Researchers say the extra work helps cats get rid of fleas. Many dogs also groom themselves more often when they have fleas. In most cases, that’s OK. But if your pet is nipping, chewing, or scratching at itself enough that you notice hair loss or red, inflamed, or bloody skin, call your vet right away. Your animal may have an infection or a flea allergy.

Keep in mind that you may not find fleas on your pet, even if your vet has confirmed your pet has been bitten by fleas. They live in carpets, bedding, and other surfaces in your home. They jump onto pets (and sometimes humans) to eat, but they usually don’t stay once they’re done eating.

If you’re not sure if your pet has fleas, see your vet to make sure.

List Of How To Take Care Of Fleas On Dogs

 

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs (Small Dog, 5-22 Pounds, 3 Doses)
Price : $38.99
Features :

  • Waterproof flea and tick treatment for dogs: Frontline Plus for Dogs provides waterproof, fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick treatment and control for your dog. This product is approved for use on dogs 5-22 lbs.
  • Break the flea life cycle with frontline: Frontline flea and tick treatment for dogs kills adult fleas plus flea eggs and larvae to stop existing infestations and prevent establishment of new infestations.
  • Kills fleas and ticks: Frontline flea and tick treatment for dogs kills fleas, flea eggs, lice, and ticks. This flea and tick treatment kills ticks, including those that may transmit Lyme disease.
  • Trusted flea and tick protection for dogs: Frontline has been trusted by veterinarians for nearly 20 years. Made with 2 tough killing ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene – one to kill adult fleas and ticks and the second to kill flea eggs and larvae – this fast-acting, long-lasting protection provides flea and tick control for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older
  • Lasting flea and tick protection: Frontline’s long-lasting formula isstored in the oil glands of the pet’s skin to give non-stop flea and tick protection for a full 30 days. Frontline flea and tick treatment for dogs works non-stop for a full 30 days. A 3-dose supply lasts for 3 months.

Additional Info :

Color orange
Item Dimensions
Height 4.5 Inches
Width 0.75 Inches
Length 5.75 Inches
Weight 0.8 Pounds
Vet
Price : $9.97
Features :

  • GENTLE PROTECTION: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray uses certified natural ingredients to kill fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact.
  • PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Whether facing an active infestation or are applying for routine prevention, our spray is scientifically proven effective against pests but gentle enough to use around the whole family.
  • CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS: Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural.
  • TOTAL HOME DEFENSE: Applies easily on surfaces, indoors and out, including dog bedding, crates, furniture, blankets, upholstery, carpets, outdoor surfaces, and more. Also gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older.
  • MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.

Additional Info :

Color Green
Item Dimensions
Height 0.81 Inches
Width 3.38 Inches
Length 3.38 Inches
Weight 2 Pounds
Vet
Price :
Features :

  • SAFE AND EFFECTIVE – Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray kills mosquitoes, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks by contact without harsh chemicals.
  • EASY TO USE – Includes ready-to-use hose attachment for quick and easy application on turf, lawns, kennels, patios, and other outside surfaces. Not known to be harmful to trees, shrubs, or flowers.
  • CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS – Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural and deet free.
  • USE FOR UP TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET – Each 32oz concentrate bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet and can be refilled with Vet’s Best Yard and Kennel Spray 96oz Refill.
  • MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.

Additional Info :

Color Whites & Tans
Item Dimensions
Height 11.25 Inches
Width 4.75 Inches
Length 2 Inches
Weight 2.4 Pounds
LovinPup Pet Mat Remover Easily removes Mats Professionally from your DOGS & CATS and Straightens Tuft & Knotted Pet hair. Extremely Gentle on pets, works on Sensitive Skin too!
Price : $17.99
Features :

  • 🐩 PROFESSIONAL MAT REMOVER: REMOVES STUBBORN MATTED FUR – Made with high-quality stainless steel teeth! Our pet detangler effectively removes matted fur, tangles, knots, loose hair, dirt and dander. YOUR PET WILL FEEL BRAND NEW & won’t be so itchy!
  • 🐩 TOUGH ON TANGLES, GENTLE ON SKIN – Our Dog & Cat Comb has safe rounded teeth that vigorously, yet gently, work on your pet’s fur without scratching the skin. Unique trappers capture matted hair effectively so that you can enjoy that NEW & SHINY FUR COAT again! *** Here are more reasons to love our dematting comb: 🐩 Thumb rest on the handle for better control. 🐩 Extremely durable. 🐩 An eyelet for hanging up the comb. 🐩 Premium packaging! & the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE too! Just Add to cart!
  • 🐩 SOOTHING MASSAGE + REMOVES Painful Knotted Hair: – Beyond just removing the annoying & painful hair mats from the skin while matting the dog’s hair, our comb also massages your pet. This increases blood circulation, leaving your furry friend with a soft, shiny coat. He/she’ll feel calm & pampered, too! Time to give your pet the tender loving care s/he deserves
  • 🐩 DOG GROOMING TOOL DESIGNED FOR YOUR COMFORT – This dematting pet comb comes with a soft rubberized comfortable grip 4.5-inch handle. No matter how long you brush your pet’s hair, you won’t strain your hands and wrists! Now, do you want that pet brush delivered to your door soon? Just ADD TO CART now & let the LovinPup Pro’s do their talented service for you!
  • 🐩 A CAT & DOG BRUSH that WORKS FOR ALL DOGS & CATS HAIR TYPES – Whether your furry pet has long, short, thick, wiry, or curly hair, our tangle remover is here to help! There’s no tangle our comb can’t smoothen! Our TOP QUALITY DOG & CAT BRUSH is the reason everyone can trust LovinPup! *** When you purchase a product from LovinPup you get our commitment to excellence that we will deliver the best quality product at the lowest cost to you!

Additional Info :

Color Blue
The Dog Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Canine Questions
Price : $14.95
Features :

    Additional Info :

    Item Dimensions
    Height 6.44 Inches
    Width 1.06 Inches
    Length 4.69 Inches
    Weight 0.74 Pounds
    Release Date 2006-11-08T00:00:01Z

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