Fleas are a common problem in dogs, but that doesn't mean they aren't serious. These insects feed on blood, are annoying because they itch, and can also cause infections and carry certain diseases. They must be treated quickly and effectively to avoid potential complications.
Below, we'll show you how to get rid of fleas on your dog so you can best treat the problem. If you suspect your dog has fleas, start treating them as soon as possible, as your dog's health depends on it. In addition, in this article, we'll introduce you to some home remedies to get rid of fleas on your dog and the most commonly used prevention methods.
What are chips?
Fleas are small parasites that feed on the blood of their host. They don't have wings, but they are nevertheless able to jump incredibly far unlike ticks, and it is also thanks to this characteristic that they can spread out very easily. To differentiate between ticks and fleas , we also recommend reading our article on how to remove a tick from a dog.
Fleas have small, flat bodies and three pairs of legs. There are over 2,000 species of fleas, but not all can infest dogs. Most have evolved to adapt to the specific organisms they feed on, including cats and humans.
Typically, these parasites live on the animal's body for 2 to 3 months, but each one is capable of laying between 500 and 1,000 eggs.
Does my dog have fleas?
Unless your dog has a severe infestation, it can be difficult to determine at first glance whether your dog has fleas or not. Initially, the first symptom you may notice is excessive scratching. If you suspect fleas, check the underarm area, genitals, neck, and stomach—these are the preferred hiding places for these parasites.
Another effective trick is to spray water on your dog's fur using a spray bottle. Flea droppings, small black specks, turn reddish if they come into direct contact with water, as they are nothing more than dried blood.
How to Remove Fleas from Your Dog: Treatment
It is very important to start flea treatment for dogs as early as possible to rid them of this annoying situation. Although some home remedies can help you, we recommend using specific products to be sure to get rid of fleas on your dog 100%. You can find them in pet stores as well as in our online store, these include flea collars , flea combs and anti-parasite shampoos .
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog, Step by Step:
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To begin, it will be essential to give the dog a long bath in warm water using the antiparasitic shampoo.
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Rub all parts of the dog's body well, except the eyes and ears.
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Focus especially on the dog's warm areas: armpits, genitals, belly and neck.
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Once you're done, use the flea comb (a children's lice comb is also suitable) and comb the dog through.
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Kill any fleas you find. This is essential to prevent them from re-infesting your dog's coat.
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Once finished, apply a pest control spray or put a pest control collar on him. Do not use both products, as your dog could become poisoned.
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Once the procedure is complete (or while your dog is still in the bathroom), wash all of their toys, clothes, and blankets at a high temperature to kill any remaining parasites. Do the same with your clothes and clean the entire house with bleach.
Always follow the product directions and do not overapply. Remember that these are toxic products used to kill small parasites, and overuse can be seriously detrimental to your dog's health.
If you're unsure about what to do, you can always ask your veterinarian for advice. Antiparasitic medications are also available at veterinary clinics, depending on your dog's weight and age. Remember to repeat the same steps with other pets if you have any at home.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog: 3 Home Remedies
If you don't want to resort to chemical solutions, there are also natural products that can help you get rid of fleas, but not completely effectively. Below, we present some home remedies for getting rid of fleas on dogs.
Tea tree oil
This powerful oil has excellent insecticidal and antiparasitic properties. When using it, keep in mind that it cannot be used directly on the animal's skin, as it could cause irritation and allergies. Simply add 5 drops to your dog's shampoo and wash it. If you shampoo twice, add 5 more drops the second time as well. Another option is to add tea tree oil to water and spray it on your dog. Remember to apply it carefully, as tea tree oil should not come into contact with the dog's eyes, muzzle, or mucous membranes.
Brewer's yeast
With this remedy, you can change the smell and taste of your dog's skin so that it is unpleasant for fleas when they try to feed through its skin. It is a very inexpensive ingredient. You will need to rub the brewer's yeast on the dog's scalp and wait for it to take effect. Additionally, brewer's yeast helps heal wounds and relieves pain.
Lavender oil
To use this oil, you'll need a spray. Dissolve 5 drops of lavender oil in water and spray the mixture on your dog about every other day. Focus especially on areas where fleas usually hide, such as the armpits, genitals, neck, and stomach. Remember to use a flea comb (or a lice comb for children) with each of these treatments and kill all parasites to prevent them from re-infesting your dog.
Keep in mind that these home remedies may not be entirely effective; specific products, on the other hand, definitely are.
How to prevent fleas in dogs?
If you've managed to get rid of fleas on your dog, you'll have realized that it's a long and tedious process for both you and your dog. You'll need to prevent their appearance, so here are some tips that may help:
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Buy a flea collar from our range of flea products for dogs and replace it when it loses its effectiveness. Veterinarians generally recommend using either the collar or the anti-parasite spray (it doesn't bother you, you can't remove it, and it usually doesn't cause allergic reactions), but you can choose the treatment that seems most appropriate to you. The effect lasts between 3 and 6 months depending on the case, so remember to replace it when it loses its effectiveness.
- Brush your dog with a flea comb regularly. Brushing your dog is the best way to prevent the appearance of any parasites and allows you to eliminate many of them. For even more effectiveness, you can even opt for an electric flea comb .
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Wash your dog when it's dirty. Although you should wash your dog once a month or month and a half, if your dog is very dirty, it will be necessary to wash it. If necessary, use a flea treatment .
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Avoid high-risk areas. Dog areas that aren't disinfected, dogs that scratch frequently, and certain wooded areas can harbor small parasites that can infest your dog. Avoid these situations.
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Finally, we recommend paying attention to symptoms that may indicate your dog has fleas. Generally, this isn't a serious problem, but many fleas can have even serious effects on your pet.
Dog infested with fleas: the consequences
It's normal for a dog to get fleas at least once in its life. These parasites cause discomfort, itching, and an unpleasant sensation; as another natural remedy, you can relieve the pain caused by fleas with aloe vera. Never forget that fleas can cause secondary, even serious, problems for your dog.
One of the most common is flea allergies, which can lead to excessive scratching, hair loss, and even skin sores. Fleas can also transmit diseases such as filariasis, tapeworm, and even bubonic plague.
If you think you have detected secondary symptoms due to fleas or an allergic reaction, it is essential to take your dog to the vet.
Please feel free to leave a comment below this article if you have any suggestions or questions. We would love to answer them and help you with your relationship with your pet.
