Fleas (fleas that live on pets) can multiply quickly if not handled properly. However, given the high cost of flea-killing products sold in stores, you can remove them using dish soap. The best way to do this is to wash your pet with dish soap. Alternatively, if your pet doesn't like bathing, use a spray bottle filled with dish soap solution to get rid of fleas easily and inexpensively.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Bathing Pets
Step 1. Pour warm water with a temperature of about 21 °C into the bath
This is a temperature that is warm enough and comfortable for pets without overheating. Fill the tub up to the pet's stomach.
- For example, if your pet's lower belly is about 30 cm off the floor, fill the tub with 30 cm of water.
- If you are bathing a small animal (such as a ferret), use a large bucket (not a tub), and fill it with warm water.
Step 2. Soak the pet in the bath until all the fur is wet
Don't let the water get into your pet's ears or eyes, as this can irritate them. Before proceeding, make sure all the fur is completely wet.
This is especially important for thick-haired animals because you need a lot of water to get the fur completely wet
Step 3. Apply the soap on the pet's fur until it foams completely
The amount of soap used depends on the size of the animal and the severity of the infestation. Start by applying a small amount of dish soap (for example, about 2-3 teaspoons or 10-15 ml) and add more soap if needed. Start rubbing it on the neck and work your way down to the tail.
- Do not let the soap get into the ears or eyes of pets.
- Scrub gently, but deep enough to reach the skin where the tick is stuck and hiding. If your pet moans, you're scrubbing too hard.
- If the bristles are very thick, try using a special pet brush to allow the soap to reach the inside of the fur.
Tip: Since the fleas will move to the animal's head once you start soaking it, it's a good idea to wet and lather the neck first, then move on to the other areas. This is useful for forming a barrier so the fleas don't invade the animal's face and ears.
Step 4. Wait for about 5 minutes, then rinse off all the soap that is on the pet's fur
Before you rinse, let the dish soap sit there for about 5 minutes to kill the fleas. Use a cup or shower head to wash off the soap. Start at the top and work your way down until you reach the tail.
- For best results, brush the bristles with a flea comb as you rinse off any adhering soap to remove as many fleas as possible.
- You may have to use a lot of water in one particular area to completely wash the dish soap off.
- Be careful when washing the hair in the eye area. If soap gets in your eyes, rinse with cold water and dry with a towel.
Step 5. Empty the water in the tub, then dry the pet with a towel when you're done
If there are no more live fleas stuck to your pet's fur, empty the water in the tub. Rub the pet gently with a towel until it is completely dry.
- You can also dry your pet using a hairdryer set on low heat. However, a safer dryer is a towel.
- To be on the safe side, use a flea comb on dry pet hair to remove any fleas that may have stuck to your pet when you bathed the pet.
- The cat can be very distressed when you do this, and may run away immediately. Be careful when drying it so that the pet doesn't get scratched.
Step 6. Repeat this process if there are still fleas attached to the pet
Some fleas may be able to escape during your initial wash or survive exposure to dish soap. Remember, fleas will run and hide into your face and head. This means you may have to add a little soap to the pet's head in the second wash.
- You may need to bathe your pet 1 or 2 more times, depending on the severity of the flea infestation.
- If you notice more fleas within a few days of bathing your pet, repeat the process every few days, then use a flea treatment to get rid of them. You can also put a flea collar on your pet or apply a topical flea solution (such as Frontline Plus) on the pet.
- To ensure that your home is completely flea-free, vacuum floors and furniture coverings as often as possible (at least once a day) to kill any fleas and their eggs that survive when you bathe your pet.
Part 2 of 2: Using a Spray Bottle
Step 1. Fill a spray bottle with warm water that has a temperature of about 21 °C
At this temperature, your pet will not be surprised or scalded from the heat. If you don't have a thermometer, use room temperature water to keep your pet comfortable.
- This method is perfect for rabbits, cats, or other animals that don't usually like to be bathed.
- If you don't have a spray bottle, mix warm water and dish soap, then dip a flea comb into the mixture and use it to brush your pet. However, this method is not as effective as using a spray bottle to apply the mixture.
Step 2. Hold the pet and wet its fur using a spray bottle
You can wrap your pet in a towel or hold his neck to keep the animal from moving around a lot. Be gentle when handling pets. Remember, this treatment can be stressful!
- Before moving on to the next step, make sure your pet's fur is completely wet.
- Make sure the water doesn't get into the ears or eyes because it can irritate the pet.
Step 3. Rub dish soap on the pet's fur until it foams completely
Use about 2-3 teaspoons (10-15 ml) of dish soap to start and add more if needed. Start by applying the soap to your neck and work your way down to your tail. Make sure you rub the soap all the way inside your pet's fur and into its skin.
- Fleas usually live and lay eggs near the skin. So make sure the soap reaches your pet's skin so that all the fleas are killed.
- If your pet's hair is very thick, you may need to use more dish soap to reach the skin.
Step 4. Let the soap sit for 5 minutes, then use a spray bottle to remove the soap from pets
Start at the top of the pet's body and work your way down to the tail. For best results, brush your pet's hair with a flea comb as you rinse off the soap to remove as many fleas as possible.
Remember, you may have to spray a lot of water in a certain area to get all the soap off
Step 5. Dry the pet with a towel and carefully remove the animal from your grip
Pets may be very stressed after going through this process, especially cats. In fact, the animal can immediately run after you release it. Be careful when removing it so that your pet doesn't get hurt or scratched.
