Fleas are a common problem in dogs but not a minor problem. These insects feed on blood, they are annoying by causing itching as well as generating infections or carrying a certain type of disease. They must be treated effectively and quickly to prevent any complications that may arise.
In this ‘ Pets Feed ‘ article, we are going to show you how to remove fleas from your dog so that you can provide the best treatment for your pet. Do not hesitate if you think your dog may have fleas and treat them as soon as possible, his well-being depends on it.
Some Facts About Dog Fleas
Fleas are probably the most successful creatures on the planet in terms of reproduction. There are more than 2,400 species and it is difficult to control them for various reasons: a female flea will produce 25,000 offspring in a month. An undernourished adult can live for several months. The chemicals used to eradicate fleas from adult dogs have no effect on eggs. Fleas mutate very well to resist new pesticides.
- A real threat
Fleas are a threat to dogs! They cause allergic dermatitis, tapeworms and anemia. Most eggs are not laid on the dog, but in the dog’s bedding, carpet and furniture. It is extremely difficult to completely eliminate fleas. The best you can hope for is to control them and keep your dog reasonably comfortable during the hot and humid flea season.
Symptoms of Fleas in Dogs
Unless your dog is suffering from a very serious infestation, it is very difficult at first glance to appreciate the fleas on the dog. At the beginning, we will observe an excessive scratching. When you suspect the appearance of fleas in dogs, you should carefully check certain areas such as the armpits, crotch, neck and stomach. These are the favorite places to hide these little pests.
Another very effective tip is to wet the dog’s coat with a diffuser. Flea droppings, small black spots, become reddish on contact with water.
Treatment of fleas in dogs
It is very important to start treating fleas in dogs as soon as possible and rid our dog of such an embarrassing situation. Although there are home remedies that can help, it is highly recommended that you use specific products that guarantee 100% elimination. To get started, you need to go to a store and buy these products:
- Pest control pipette or collar
- Anti-parasitic shampoo
- Anti-parasitic comb
Remove the fleas from the dog step by step:
To start, it will be essential to take a long bath with lukewarm water and apply a pest control shampoo.
Rub all parts of the dog’s body well, except the face and ears.
Special attention should be paid to hot areas: armpits, genitals, stomach and neck.
Once you are done, use the noise comb and carefully brush your dog’s hair.
Kill any fleas you find. This is essential so as not to re-infest your dog’s hair.
When you are finished, pipette your dog or put on the appropriate deworming collar. Of course, never combine the two products, you could poison your dog.
Once the process is complete (or while the dog is in the bathroom), it will be essential to wash all of its clothes and toys on high heat to kill any possible parasites that still live there. Do it with your clothes too. Also, clean the entire house thoroughly with bleach.
Always follow the instructions on the product and do not overdo it in its application. Remember that these are toxic products that kill small parasites, but in excess, they could seriously harm your dog. If you do not know how to do this, you can always consult the veterinarian for advice. In veterinary clinics, we also find deworming pills depending on the weight and age of the dog.
Remember that if you have other animals, all must follow the same procedure.
Home remedies to eliminate fleas from dogs
If you do not want to opt for chemical alternatives, know that you also have natural products that will allow you to get rid of fleas, but not as effectively. Discover some home remedies to eliminate fleas from dogs:
- Tea tree essential oil
This powerful oil has great insecticidal activity and is antiparasitic. To use it, it must be clear that we cannot apply it directly on the animal’s skin because it could be irritating.
Just add about 5 drops to the dog shampoo and bathe it, if we use the shampoo twice, 5 more drops should be added. Another option is to mix this oil with water and use it as a sprayer. Remember that you should apply this application with caution as the tea tree oil should not come into contact with the eyes, muzzle or mucous membranes.
- Yeast
This remedy aims to modify the smell and taste of the dog’s dermis so that it is unpleasant when fleas try to feed on it. It is a very economical ingredient. You will need to rub the brewer’s yeast against the dog’s scalp and wait for it to take effect. In addition, brewer’s yeast will help heal bites and relieve the pain you feel.
- Lavender oil
In order to remove fleas from the dog with lavender oil, you will need to get a small spray. Add water and about 5 drops of lavender oil and spray your dog with the mixture about every other day. Pay attention to the areas where they usually take refuge, such as the armpits, stomach, neck and genitals.
Remember that one of these treatments must be helped with the use of a flea comb (in its absence an anti-lice comb for children) and that you must kill all the parasites to avoid that they infest your dog again. However, remember that these methods may not achieve all the desired effects, the specific products are undoubtedly more effective.
How to prevent fleas in dogs?
If you have already successfully eliminated fleas from the dog, you will know that it is an arduous and boring process for both of you. For this reason, it will be essential to prevent the appearance of fleas. Here are some tips that can help you:
Buy a pipette or a collar and change it every time its effect ends. Veterinarians usually recommend using a pipette (it doesn’t bother, it can’t be removed and it usually doesn’t cause allergic reactions) but you can get the product you think is most suitable. Its effect generally lasts between 1 and 3 months, it will depend on each case, check the one you have acquired and change it each time it is not up to par.
Brush your dog daily. Brushing is undoubtedly the best way to quickly notice the appearance of any parasite and to eliminate a certain amount.
Bathe your dog when it is dirty. Although the regularity of the dog’s bath is about a month and even a month and a half, if your dog is really dirty, you will have to bathe him. Use a pest control if the occasion requires.
Do not expose your dog. An uninfected pipette, frequent scratches and some wooded areas can harbor small parasites that infect your dog. Avoid using these areas.
Finally, we recommend that you be aware of the symptoms that may indicate that your dog has fleas. This is generally not a serious problem, but too much of this tiny insect can have serious effects on your pet.
Consequences of fleas in dogs
It is normal for a dog to have fleas during its lifetime. This causes discomfort, itching and an unpleasant feeling.
The most common problem is usually a flea allergy, which can lead to excessive scratching, hair loss and even dermal injury. It can also happen that the flea transmits a disease such as heartworm, tapeworms and even bubonic plague.
If you suspect secondary symptoms, it will be essential to go to the vet. We will do the same if we observe an allergic reaction to any of the products mentioned in the treatment.
This article is purely informative, petsfeed.co do not have the power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to bring your pet to the veterinarian in case he has any type of condition or discomfort.