How To Treat Fleas In Dogs

How To Treat Fleas In Dogs

There are non-chemical and chemical methods to get rid of fleas. Non-chemical first aid treatments can be used in some cases and they include conditioning, bathing and flea combing. Flea combing involves brushing the hair gently with a number 1 or 2 comb to release adult fleas. Bathing can be one of the most effective way to get rid of fleas in dogs naturally. Commercial shampoos that effectively kill fleas and ticks can be used for this. Conditioning can be done by applying a soothing oil over the dog’s coat after bathing it. For chemical control of fleas in dogs naturally, you should use tick collars, chewable tablets, monthly topical sprays and spot-on treatments.

In this article we’ll be discussing some of the fleas and tick treatment options that are most effective, safe and natural for your dog.

How To Treat Fleas In Dogs

Fleas can cause a lot of problems for your dog. They can lead to hair loss, itching, and even ticks. If you have a dog, then you are probably familiar with fleas. It is important that you know how to treat them so that they do not harm your pet. This article will provide you with some great tips on how to treat fleas in dogs naturally. One of the best ways to get rid of fleas on your dog is by using simple home remedies. These remedies will help keep your pet healthy and happy while also providing relief from the effects of fleas. There are many different types of treatments available on the market today that are designed specifically for use with dogs. However, there are also many natural products which can be used as well if desired. The most important thing is finding something that works well for each individual situation without causing any harm or discomfort during use by either party involved (both human or animal).

How To Treat Fleas In Dogs Naturally

Fleas are the bane of any dog owner’s existence, and they can be dangerous to your pet. They carry diseases, like flea-borne typhus, which can infect humans as well. If you want to know how to treat fleas in dogs naturally, you’ve come to the right place.

A new product has recently been introduced that claims to kill fleas on contact and keep them from coming back for up to 30 days. It’s called

, and it’s made with all natural ingredients that won’t harm your dog or you!

This product is made with the following ingredients:

* Rosemary oil (which kills adult fleas)

* Thyme oil (which kills fleas throughout their life cycle)

* Lavender oil (which repels fleas)

* Cedarwood oil (which repels ticks)

How To Treat Fleas In Dogs

Depending on where you live, fleas may be a seasonal or a year-round problem. Generally, they’re the biggest menace during the summer, when dogs spend more time outside. Fleas themselves are very tiny and move quickly, so a simple visual inspection isn’t always enough. To find out if your dog has fleas, check for black specks on their coat and skin. These are flea droppings (gross!). Or, check for specks by rubbing a white tissue across your dog’s fur. Here are some natural home remedies if your sleuthing turns up evidence of fleas.

Flea Comb

An affordable and practical solution, a flea comb is a must-have for pet parents looking for a natural flea-killer. They come in various sizes, but all have closely spaced teeth that remove both eggs and fleas from the dog’s coat. (Be sure to dip the comb in soapy water after each pass to kill the eggs and adults the comb picks up.) This is a great first step in your war on these pests.

Lime or Lemon Comb/Lemon Bath

Dip your dog’s comb in fresh lime or lemon juice and make multiple passes through their coat. (If your dog has a short or slick coat, you can also use a cloth dipped in the juice instead of a comb.) Another option is to dilute lemon juice with water (use a 1:2 ratio) and add a splash of pet shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar’s slightly acidic pH level creates an inhospitable environment for fleas. Mix six cups of ACV with four cups of water (use a 6:4 ratio), add a pinch of salt, and spray the mixture on your dog’s coat and underbelly, making sure to avoid their eyes and any wounds they may have.

Collars

Dilute two to three drops of oil in one to three tablespoons of water and apply a few drops to your pet’s existing collar or to a bandana. (You’ll need to reapply this mixture regularly. See Barbara Fougère’s book, The Pet Lover’s Guide to Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, for more detailed instructions.) Lavender or cedar oil naturally repels fleas, but be sure to test them with your dog before using them on anything that that goes around their neck.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home and Yard

One of the first things to do when you notice a flea infestation is to launder (if possible, using hot water) all machine-washable soft furnishings your dog comes in contact with, including sofa and pillow covers, blankets, cushion covers and curtains, then tumble dry for about 20 minutes on high (or a little longer on lower heat if the material is subject to shrinkage). This will kill both adult fleas and larvae.

Even when you don’t see fleas, it’s a good idea to regularly launder anything your dog sleeps on, and to vacuum floors and furniture at least weekly; a monthly steam-cleaning can also help. A flea’s life cycle — from egg to adult — is roughly two to three weeks, so weekly cleaning goes a long way toward preventing fleas from settling in. Keep in mind that more than 90% of the flea population in the home is not on the pet but in the home environment in the form of eggs, larvae and pupae. Flea larvae don’t like light, so be sure to vacuum under furniture and around baseboards, too.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is basically the fossilized remains of microscopic diatoms, broken down into a fine, white, silica-based powder. When fleas and other pests (ticks, ants, bedbugs) come into contact with it, it destroys their exoskeletons and they dry out and die. Diatomaceous earth comes in two forms, pool/filter- and food-grade; be sure to get the food-grade, which is low in crystalline silica and nontoxic to humans and animals. You should, however, wear a mask when distributing it, as it can irritate eyes and throat.

Sprinkle it in areas where you suspect high flea activity—carpets, for example—and leave it for about two days, then vacuum the area thoroughly. Empty the vacuum canister or replace the bag outside. It can also be used outside on the lawn or on any area in which your dog regularly stretches out.

List Of How To Treat Fleas In Dogs