Dog fleas or ticks are parasites that live in thickets and trees. These fleas can get in between the fur and hide on the surface of the dog's skin, then suck the blood. These flea bites will not only irritate the dog, but can also transmit dangerous diseases. These fleas can stick to the skin, fur, or fabrics your dog wears when he comes in contact with plants. You may not even be aware of the presence of fleas until these parasites have sucked the dog's blood. The best way to prevent dog fleas is to avoid their habitat, or use a flea repellent product to prevent them from getting close to your dog.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding Dog Flea Habitats
Step 1. Keep the dog away from the flea habitat
- Dog fleas live in places overgrown with dense trees--bushes with rotting leaves scattered about.
- Ticks hide and wait for their host. Ticks will climb bushes and low grass up to 45-60 cm above the ground, then wait for an animal (such as your dog) to pass and land on their body. Be careful when crossing places where the grass is thick and low.
- Fleas have heat sensors that can detect a dog's body heat. When the dog passes by, the tick will attach its paw to the dog's fur. Unknowingly, the fleas have moved to the dog's body, much like small bloodthirsty arrows darting across the dog's skin. After that, the fleas will begin to suck the dog's blood to fertilize the eggs.
- Walk according to the trails provided when hiking with your dog, and make sure your dog is always nearby. Stay away from areas of tall trees and grass, which are dog fleas' habitats. If your dog is off the hiking trail (which he probably does often), be sure to check him for fleas when he gets home.
Step 2. Pay attention to the presence of flea habitat in the yard
Your dog is at risk for fleas if he spends a lot of time playing in the yard.
- Fleas don't usually live in open areas--like the middle of the yard. But it will gather at the edges, such as the border of the yard with trees, where there are ornamental plants and thick grass, and any part that is shaded with rotting leaves and high humidity.
- Remove rotting leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and try to keep the dog from sniffing the tree area. Trim your lawn so it doesn't go above your ankles, so it doesn't become a habitat for fleas.
- Close the trash can, remove piles of rocks and hairy objects. This will help keep any rodents that may be carrying fleas away.
Step 3. Check your dog for fleas every day, especially after spending time outdoors
Check carefully. Dogs tend to be more susceptible to fleas than humans.
- Comb the dog after a walk in the forest. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove fleas on your dog's fur. Part your dog's hair with your hands and check the surface of the skin to make sure that no fleas have settled there. Feel the surface of the dog's skin for any unusual lumps.
- Remember to check between the dog's toes, inside and behind the ears, underarms and belly, and around the tail and head.
- Immediately get rid of fleas found on dogs. Use tongs or a flea spoon gently. Use tongs to get the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull up until the tick releases its grip. Don't tug, tug or twist the flea, or the head and mouth will come off, and the flea head will stick to the dog's skin as a result. Don't press the tick until it disintegrates, or you run the risk of transmitting the disease it carries.
- During routine checkups, ask your veterinarian to check your dog for fleas. This method is very useful for making sure that no ticks are missed from your examination. Pay close attention and learn how your vet checks for fleas on your dog so you can do better.
Step 4. Check for fleas in your home
Fleas carried on the dog's body may not suck the blood immediately, but spread throughout the house. So, be on the lookout for small 8-legged animals that look like spiders or mites in your home.
- Be aware that it may take a long time for the tick to get through the fur and reach the dog's skin. If your dog gets into the house before the fleas are on the dog's skin, there's a good chance that the fleas will jump on you and on your family members.
- Fleas like objects in the house that are similar to their natural habitat, such as carpet or heavy cloth, or any place where they can hide. If you suspect a flea infestation in your home, consider cleaning the entire house with a vacuum cleaner. Watch out for fleas in your home.
- Consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth, baking soda, or borax on the carpet to kill fleas and ticks. Diatomaceous earth is toxic to fleas, but not to humans or dogs, but you should only use baking soda and borax sparingly.
Method 2 of 3: Using Topical Insecticides
Step 1. Make your dog unattractive to fleas
Of course, the safest way is to keep your dog away from trees and flea habitats, but if you want to take your dog on a mountain hike, make it less attractive to these bloodsucking animals.
- Try applying a topical insecticide directly to your dog's skin to protect it in the long run. This option is probably the easiest. A single dose of a topical insecticide will protect your dog from fleas for 30 to 90 days.
- Try attaching a flea repellent collar to your dog. Flea repellent collars should be changed every 3 to 4 months, but they are relatively unobtrusive to dogs and can kill any infesting fleas. Many flea repellent collars contain a pesticide that is safe for dogs (acaricide). This pesticide is able to kill fleas without poisoning dogs. Some acaricides will kill fleas directly, while others will be absorbed into the dog's bloodstream and over time will kill fleas that attach to and suck blood.
- Try using a flea spray. Flea repellent sprays are made for a single use, and their effects tend to wear off faster than other options. Flea sprays are often made from natural ingredients. On the other hand, other flea repellents are made of pesticides and insecticides.
- Do not mix flea medication. Consult your veterinarian before using any new anti-flea products, especially pesticides.
Step 2. Use a topical insecticide
Apply this medication to a small area of the dog's back, between the shoulders. This product is probably the easiest option to use, and generally the effects last the longest.
- These medications must be reapplied every month, although the effects of some products may last up to 90 days. Do not touch the dog's back for several hours after applying the product until it is absorbed into the skin.
- Some products can kill fleas and ticks, while others only kill fleas, so read labels carefully. The active ingredients that may be contained in the product include permethrin, pyrethrin, or fipronil. Do not use products containing permethrin on cats, as this can be fatal.
- Visit a pet supply store or vet and consider the variety of products available.
Step 3. Use a flea repellent necklace
This necklace can be used in place of or in conjunction with a topical anti-lice medication. In addition, the size of this leashes fits most regular leashes.
- Check the package of the flea repellent collar to determine how long it will last for your dog. Many flea repellent necklaces should be replaced every 3 to 4 months for optimal protection.
- Be aware that many flea repellent necklaces are less effective when wet. So, if your dog spends a lot of time playing in the water, this option may not be for you.
- For a comfortable fit, you should still have two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. Be sure to cut off any remaining collars so your dog doesn't bite them.
Step 4. Bathe your dog with flea and tick shampoo
This product is specifically designed to get rid of fleas from the dog's body, although some shampoos also have an anti-flea effect after use.
- You can buy flea shampoo at a local convenience store or pet supply store.
- Be sure to spread the shampoo all over your dog and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing for optimal effect. This method can be used with almost any anti-lice shampoo.
- Remember to protect your dog's eyes and ears.
- Consider placing a white towel under your dog while bathing. Fleas may fall onto the surface of the towel from the dog's body, making it easier to find and kill.
Step 5. Use a flea spray
If you rarely have a problem with flea infestations, but would like to take your dog for a walk to a potential flea habitat, this option might be for you.
- Although they can be used when needed, the effects of flea sprays usually don't last long. Follow the veterinarian's recommendations and the instructions on the product packaging regarding the frequency of use, and use it in a room with smooth air. These sprays often contain permethrin or pyrethrin.
- Many flea sprays are made from natural ingredients. You can use this option if you are concerned about pesticide exposure to your dog. Most other flea repellents are made from insecticides or pesticides.
- Flea and tick repellent sprays are available in both aerosol and spray bottles. You just need to make sure to spray the product evenly all over the dog's body, not getting wet. Spray a small amount of the product on a cotton ball to apply around the dog's eyes and ears. Do not let this product get in the dog's eyes.
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Dog Flea Repellents
Step 1. Consider using a pesticide-free product
The use of pesticides on animals, especially permethrin, which is toxic to cats and known to kill all insects, is debatable.
- Read the ingredients listed in all anti-flea products, and consider their safety for your dog.
- Consult a veterinarian before applying any pesticides to dogs.
Step 2. Consider making your own flea powder
If you want to avoid the toxins and pesticides found in most flea repellent products, you can use home and garden ingredients to protect your dog from fleas.
- Mix natural diatomaceous earth made from aquatic plant fossils, not pool diatomaceous earth; neem powder (an Indian plant containing the pesticide oneliminoid, which can be purchased at health stores), and yarrow (a herb native to the Northern Hemisphere that soothes the skin while repelling lice).
- Pour the above mixture into a jar. Set the dog's hair aside to expose the skin, then lightly sprinkle your homemade powder from the back to the front of the dog's body. Be sure to sprinkle some powder on the dog's neck.
- The powder needed for a medium-sized dog should only be about a teaspoon. Give this treatment to your dog every month to repel fleas.
Step 3. Make a herbal flea repellent necklace
- Mix two tablespoons of almond oil with Rose Geranium or Palo Santo oil, and pour a few drops of this mixture on the dog's neck before taking a walk in the woods. You can also pour the oil directly on the leashes. Give this treatment once a week.
- To make flea repellent from lemons: cut a lemon into quarters, and place them in a 0.5 liter jar. Pour boiling water into jars and leave overnight. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it all over the dog's body, especially behind the ears, around the head, and the base of the tail and underarms.
Step 4. Make a natural flea shampoo
- Mix a few drops of Palo Santo oil into your organic lavender shampoo of choice.
- Rub the shampoo into your dog's coat and let it lather for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. This method may kill existing fleas and prevent new infestations.
Step 5. Make a natural flea and tick remedy with apple cider vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar can make your dog's blood a little more acidic, making it less likely for fleas and ticks. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog's food or water as a precaution.
- Consider using apple cider vinegar instead of a flea-repellent pesticide. Fill a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and spray it all over the dog before walking around the flea habitat.
- Keep in mind that this option is natural and may not be as effective as pesticide treatment. However, apple cider vinegar has no potential to harm your dog's health.
Tips
- Dog fleas (ticks) are just one of many external parasites that can attack dogs. Other parasites are fleas and mites. The many ways to prevent dog fleas above can fight all the problems caused by these external parasites.
- As with any other pet health issue, you should first consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns you may have. Always consult a veterinarian before using any medication, especially chemical pesticides.
Warning
- Be aware that many flea prevention and treatment methods contain pesticides and can only be used on pets. There is always a risk of an unexpected reaction when using a product like this. Observe your dog for a few days after using one of these products. Unexpected reactions include seizures, vomiting, and weakness.
- Dog flea infestation prevention in this article should be used separately. You run the risk of poisoning your dog if you use them together.
- Do not use dog flea medication without consulting your veterinarian. Each product has its pros and cons, and your veterinarian will help you design a treatment that fits you and your dog's particular condition.
- Dog fleas can carry disease. Dog fleas can transmit disease to both you and your dog. In most cases, dog fleas have to cling to and suck the dog's blood for 24 hours to transmit disease, so it's hard to spot an attack early.
