The flea known as Ctenocephalides felis or “cat flea” is a species of parasite that usually lives on the body of pets. Pulex irritans or "head lice" and Ctenocephalides canis or "dog fleas" also live on the bodies of pets, but are less common. Fleas generally live for 6 weeks, but some fleas can live up to a year. Since only 1% of fleas are fully grown, and most flea treatments only kill adult fleas, it can be quite difficult to get rid of fleas that live on your dog or around your home. Prevention is the best method to keep fleas away from your dog and home.
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Method 1 of 3: Preventing Fleas in Dogs
Step 1. Apply a topical flea medication
Topical flea medications, such as Advantage, Frontline Plus, and Revolution, can be applied to dogs on a yearly basis. This treatment can help prevent fleas from infesting your dog's body. Topical medications are generally in the form of a cream or thick liquid that can be dripped or rubbed on the back, between the dog's shoulder blades.
- Consult with your veterinarian to find out the appropriate flea medication for dogs and the dosage. The contents of flea medicine packaging generally vary, depending on the size of the dog.
- The reason why a topical medication is applied to a dog's back area is so he can't lick it. This medication takes time to absorb and start working. Therefore, do not let the dog lick the drug too quickly.
- Some topical flea medications contain "permethrin". Although safe for dogs, it is toxic to cats. Therefore, do not use this product on cats.
- Alternatively, you can apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to your dog. This can prevent and eradicate fleas.
Step 2. Put a flea collar on the dog
Flea collars are one way to prevent fleas from infesting a dog's body. However, in order to work properly, the flea collar must be properly attached. Once the leash is in place, make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. The necklace should not be too tight or too loose. Most flea collars are too long, so cut off the unused portion of the collar once the collar is adjusted to your dog's needs.
- Consult a veterinarian or pet kit technician to determine which type of flea collar is right for your dog.
- Read the instructions for using a flea collar. Some flea necklaces become less effective when wet. Therefore, you should remove or change the leash when the dog is about to swim.
- Remove the necklace if irritation occurs. You may have to try another necklace.
- Do not use flea collars containing Amitraz, permethrin, or organophosphates on cats.
Step 3. Make your own flea necklace
In addition to using flea necklaces sold at pet stores, you can also make your own flea collars using natural materials. You will need: a regular bandana or leashes; 1-3 tbsp water; and 3-5 drops lavender or cedar essential oil. Mix the water with the oil until it dissolves. Use an eye dropper (or another device that works the same way) and then put 5-10 drops of the solution on a leashes or bandana. Rub so that the solution is evenly distributed. Put a bandana or leash on the dog.
- You may have to reapply the solution every week to keep it effective.
- You can also mix 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and 1-2 drops of the prepared solution. Once mixed, apply to the base of the dog's tail. This way, the fleas will stay away from the dog's neck and tail!
Step 4. Give the dog an oral flea medication
There are several oral flea prevention products for dogs or cats on the market. One such product is called Program. For dogs, you can buy pills in the form of pills that must be taken once a month. The pill contains an inhibitor that prevents the growth of insects, so fleas cannot live on the dog's body. However, the pill cannot kill an adult flea. Several other oral flea prevention products are: Capstar, Comfortis, and Trifexis.
- Capstar only lasts for 24 hours. Therefore, this product is suitable for use when you need a quick solution.
- Trifexis can also prevent heartworms. In addition, this product can also help dogs with hookworm, roundworm or whipworm infections.
Step 5. Add apple cider vinegar to your dog's drinking water
You can add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar (or white distilled vinegar) to your dog's water. You should add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar if your dog weighs 18 kg. Therefore, if your dog weighs 36 kg, you should add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. If your dog weighs 9 kg, add tbsp (7.5 ml) of vinegar.
Remember, apple cider vinegar is also good for treating your dog's skin and hair
Step 6. Consider giving your dog a supplement
There are several supplements you can add to your dog's diet to prevent and kill fleas. However, not all supplements are suitable for all dog breeds. Therefore, if you give your dog a supplement for 1 month but nothing changes, the supplement may not be suitable and may not work as well.
- Garlic - Giving your dog garlic, either raw (chopped) or in capsules, can help prevent fleas. Large dogs can eat 1 clove, medium-sized dogs can eat clove, and small dogs can eat clove of garlic. The dose of garlic capsules can be estimated based on the assumption that the human dose is for a 68 kg human.
- Vitamin B Complex - You can give your dog B complex vitamins of plant origin on a regular basis. The dose given can be adjusted to the size of the dog and the dose commonly consumed by humans. You can also give your dog yeast which is rich in B1.
- Remember, some dogs are allergic to yeast. Consult a veterinarian before giving your dog yeast.
Step 7. Make a comb that can prevent fleas
To make it, you will need 1 sliced lemon, 1 bowl of water, and 1 comb, brush, or sponge. Put the lemon wedges and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. After boiling, remove the pot and cover. Refrigerate the pot of water and lemon for 1 night. The next day, dip a brush, comb, or sponge in the water in the pot and apply it to the dog's hair.
You can choose to use a brush, comb or sponge depending on the type and length of your dog's hair. Choose the best option for your dog
Step 8. Make a flea spray
Apart from getting rid of fleas, this spray can also make your dog's hair look more beautiful! You will need: 1 cup (250 ml) distilled white or apple cider vinegar; 1 liter of water; 2-3 drops lavender or cedar essential oil; and an empty spray bottle. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle (example: vinegar, essential oil, water). Stir the spray bottle to mix the ingredients well, then spray on the dog.
- The type of vinegar used doesn't really matter. You can use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar has a better smell. You can mix the two vinegars if you don't have enough - as long as the final dose is 1 cup or 250 ml.
- Essential oils are not mandatory. However, essential oils can make the spray more pleasant to smell.
- Make sure you don't spray the dog's eyes, nose or ears. It's best to avoid spraying your dog's face. Use a cloth or sponge to apply this solution to the dog's face.
- You can also spray dog bedding to prevent fleas.
Step 9. Make a “flea repellent” bag
To make it, you will need: two pieces of porous fabric with an area of 15 square cm; sufficient cedar flakes; 1-2 tsp (5-10 ml) dried lavender shoots; and 1 lemon peel. Sew the two fabrics on the three sides to form a pocket. Fill the bag with cedar flakes, lavender shoots, and lemon zest. Tie the top of the bag with rubber or string. Place the bag near the dog's bed or a place that the dog usually visits. Change the ingredients in the bag every 1-2 months.
If you want to try this option but can't sew, buy a bag made of porous fabric
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Fleas on Dogs
Step 1. Make sure the dog is in good health
As with any other disease, start by making sure that your dog is strong and healthy. Make sure your dog eats healthy food in appropriate portions, gets enough exercise, isn't stressed, and gets enough attention.
Fleas know which dogs are sick and which are healthy, and prefer to stay in the body of a sick dog (sick dogs are better for fleas). Dogs can be prevented from fleas or ward off on their own if the dog stays healthy
Step 2. Apply olive oil and essential oil spray on the dog
A solution of 10 drops of essential oil and 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil can be used as a spray that can kill fleas on dogs. However, this treatment will not always work. If there is no change after you have been on this medication for 3-4 weeks, this medication is not working well and should be discontinued.
- You can use the following essential oils: cedar, tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, and Mentha pulegium.[citation needed]
- Remember, eucalyptus and Mentha pulegium are toxic to cats. Cats have a limited tolerance for essential oils. If you have a cat, choose an option that doesn't require you to use essential oils.
Step 3. Bathe your dog at least once a week
If your dog has fleas, and you want to get rid of them, bathe your dog at least once a week. When bathing your dog, use a non-insecticidal shampoo or an unscented antiallergic shampoo. Shampoos with fewer additives can help prevent your dog's skin from drying out from frequent baths. Make sure you rinse out the shampoo or soap thoroughly.
Consult your veterinarian to find out what shampoo or soap is right for your dog. Veterinary clinics may sell dog shampoo or soap
Step 4. Use a comb every day
Use a comb on your dog as often as possible to see how effective the treatment is. Comb the dog's tail, belly, and face. Don't just look for adult fleas, but also look for eggs (little white dots) and flea droppings (little black dots).
- If you find fleas or their eggs, comb them and put them in a glass of water. The water will kill the fleas and their eggs.
- Remember, most flea droppings contain dog blood. When dirt is added to the water, the water may turn dark brown or red. Do not be surprised. This is a good indicator to make sure that what you put in the water is flea droppings.
Step 5. Do not let the dog roam in the house
If your dog has fleas, determine the areas they are allowed to visit. Flea eggs can easily stick to fabric or carpet. The eggs then become inactive, and will be active again when attached to a suitable habitat (eg dogs) at a later date. If possible, allow the dog to roam in areas that are not covered with lint and carpet (eg kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, hallway, etc.) until the fleas are completely gone.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping the Environment Flea-Free
Step 1. Make sure the yard is kept clean
Fleas and their eggs can easily hide behind grass or piles of objects (eg piles of leaves) in your yard. To prevent fleas from infesting the area, make sure the yard is kept clean and the grass is kept short. Always keep the area of the yard frequented by dogs.
Step 2. Apply a mixture of water and diatomaceous earth on the lawn
Diatomaceous earth is a calcium powder derived from single-celled marine organisms. Use diatomaceous earth that has a BPOM certificate. You can mix diatomaceous earth with water (within a gembor if possible) and then apply the mixture to grass, sidewalks, decks, rocks, and flowers. Focus on areas that dogs frequent.
- This mixture can dry out flea eggs and make it difficult for adult fleas to breathe. In the end, the flea will die.
- If you live in a humid area, you should apply this mixture every two months.
- If you live in a dry area, this mixture does not need to be applied too often. Just apply it every 3-4 months.
- Wear a protective mask when mixing diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth can irritate the lungs..
- You can buy diatomaceous earth online or at a garden supply store. Pest control services also sell it. Diatomaceous earth can also kill a variety of pests.
Step 3. Use a hose to spray areas frequented by dogs
Fleas and their eggs will sink when exposed to water. You can use a hose to spray and drown fleas and their eggs in areas frequented by dogs (eg kennels, beds, etc.). Spray water to cover the area.
Step 4. Make sure you mop the floor and vacuum it regularly
To kill fleas and their eggs that live in the house, you must clean the house regularly. Start by mopping floors (eg tile floors, hardwood floors, etc.) as often as possible. Clean any crevices in the floor where fleas can hide. Use a vacuum cleaner on the carpet every day to remove fleas and their eggs.
- To keep your work from piling up too much, and to prevent fleas, it's a good idea to roll up and store the carpet during flea season. Clean the carpet before storing and when going to use it again.
- When using a vacuum cleaner, also vacuum the furniture in the room (eg sofa, pillows, etc.).
- If the vacuum cleaner has a bag, you can refrigerate the bag to kill any fleas in it. Remember, fleas will still live when sucked into the vacuum cleaner bag if the bag is not cooled first.
Step 5. Clean your dog's bedding once a week
If your dog's bedding is not too big, you can machine wash it using hot water and a mild detergent. If the bedding is too large to fit in the washing machine, you can wash it in a tub filled with a mixture of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. If the bedding is too big for the tub, make sure you vacuum regularly and thoroughly.
Step 6. Contact a steam cleaning service
If the fleas are out of control, or you want to make sure that your home is completely free of fleas, contact a steam cleaning service. Ask the staff to clean floors, furniture, and bedding for the dog. Make sure the furniture is removed first so that the steam cleaning service can clean the area under the furniture.
