If your dog has fleas, this is more than just a nuisance than causes your pup to scratch. Fleas can bring disease and tapeworm, so removing the fleas is important to ensure the health of your animal. Read on to learn how to get rid of fleas on dogs…
Step 1: Ask around to your neighbors with pets. Chances are, they have had problems with fleas and had to figure out how to get rid of them. Once you find a way that was successful for them, give it a go.
Step 2: Prevention is always best. Knowing that fleas do well in heat and humidity, try to keep your pet out of these areas if possible.
Step 3: You also can prevent fleas by frequently doing vacuum jobs inside your home, making sure you get corners, cracks, crevices and the basement. Get rid of your vacuum bag and know that adult fleas can escape. Be cautious about who your dog plays with, avoiding animals you think might have fleas.
Step 4: Find a fine-toothed pet comb that has a purpose of flea removal. Drop those fleas into soapy water to drown and kill them. Wash any pet bedding in hot, soapy water once per week. This should kill flea eggs and larvae.
Step 5: Outside, prune foliage and keep grass trimmed short to make room for more sunlight. This is because flea larvae do not do wel in hot, dry areas. Dispose of yard debris near your house.
Step 6: Give your dog a bath twice a week. If this is not possible, ask your veterinarian about other ways of flea removal.
Step 7: Pay attention to your pet for any signs of fleas. This can include scratching and biting, commonly near the tail and lower back. If there are any raw patches, there is a good chance your dog is infected with fleas.
Tips
- If your pet is infected, call your veterinarian for ideas on getting rid of them. There are many products on the market for flea removal, but all of them might not be right for your pet.
- If you are not sure how to use a flea-removal product, call your vet or get supervision from someone who is more knowledgeable before you apply it to your dog to ensure that it is done correctly.
Items Needed
- Washing machine
- Flea/tick pet shampoo
- Hot and soapy water
- Flea/tick spray or powder
- Flea-control medication (prescribed by your vet)
- Pet flea comb
- Vacuum