If you don't know how to deal with it, a flea infestation can be dire for both you and your pet dog. Some areas are constantly warm throughout the year, which is very conducive to flea growth. The best step is prevention, but there are also several ways to get rid of fleas after they have landed on your pet. Here are a few different ways to get rid of fleas and reduce their nuisance to your dog.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Giving Medication
Step 1. Bathe your dog with an anti-flea shampoo
While dog shampoo or dish soap will usually work against fleas as well, if you need a stronger option, try a special flea shampoo.
- Read the label on the shampoo package carefully to find out how to use it properly for your dog.
- Wet your dog with warm water and rub flea shampoo into his fur.
- Let the shampoo sit on your dog's coat for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
- Anti-flea shampoos usually contain pyrethrin, a chemical that kills lice.
- Anti-flea shampoo will get rid of fleas on the dog's body.
Step 2. Purchase a flea spray
Anti-flea sprays are available in aerosol and spray bottles.
- For best results, choose a spray that contains an adulticide and insect growth inhibitor. Thus, both adult lice and their eggs can be eradicated at once.
- Follow the veterinarian's instructions and the instructions for proper use on the packaging.
- Spray in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting it in your dog's eyes.
- Wear gloves when spraying to protect yourself.
- Do not spray sensitive areas, such as a dog's face, directly. Spray it on to your glove, then wipe it over the area, rather than risk getting your dog's eyes, mouth or ears on.
Step 3. Try a flea powder
Anti-flea powders can usually be purchased without a veterinarian's prescription, and have the same benefits as flea sprays.
- Read the instructions on the label for proper use. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice before giving powder to your dog.
- Usually, you only need to apply powder by sprinkling a light coat on your dog's coat and leaving it alone. However, keep in mind that talcum powder can make a dog's coat dusty and should be sprinkled frequently.
- Start at the dog's head and work your way back toward the tail, making sure the powder gets in until it hits the dog's skin.
- Sprinkle some powder on the dog bed too.
- Repeat once a week if necessary.
Step 4. Prepare a medicinal solution for soaking the dog
Your dog should be soaked and rinsed when the fleas start to attack.
- Mix the soak or rinse solution according to the directions on the package label. Consult a veterinarian for further guidance.
- A flea-killing bath requires your dog to be immersed in a diluted solution of the drug. While the rinse is a drug solution that is poured into the dog's fur until it is wet. Apply both to all parts of the dog's body, and don't try to use them only on certain areas.
- Use this soaking and rinsing water in a room with smooth air.
- Most flea baths should be left on and not rinsed off your dog.
- These products usually contain chemicals such as pyrethrin, permethrin, and organophosphates.
Step 5. Put a flea collar on the dog
Anti-flea collars are available in a variety of quality levels, and some are limited in activity, so they are only capable of getting rid of fleas near the collar (around the dog's head and shoulders). However, a high-quality flea necklace can help prevent or eradicate lice if used properly. So, make sure to choose a collar that is appropriate for your dog's age and weight.
- Tuck your two fingers under the collar to make sure it's the right size and doesn't strangle the dog's neck.
- Cut off the remaining part of the collar after attaching it to the dog's neck. Do not let the dog bite the end of the collar.
- Check the label for a flea necklace guide to find out how long it lasts and what to avoid. Some types of flea necklaces are less effective if they get wet.
- Keep an eye on the dog's collar, removing it if the skin is irritated.
Method 2 of 3: Using Flea Control
Step 1. Give a topical treatment once a month
Once a month topical treatment is one of the most effective and widely used options for preventing flea infestations in dogs.
- You will need a veterinarian's prescription for most of these ointments or direct treatments.
- Give a few drops of flea medication in a single dose package to the recommended place. Some drugs must be given in the dog's shoulder blade, while other drugs must be given at a different location. Apply the medication directly to the dog's skin, not just to the coat.
- This medicine will kill adult fleas that stick to and bite the dog's skin. This medication is usually effective for 1 month.
- Some products are also able to eradicate nits, but not all products have the same ability.
- This drug should also be given once a month for a full year. If you live in an area with sub-zero temperatures during the winter, you might be able to reduce the frequency of use during this time of winter, as the fleas won't be as active.
Step 2. Give your dog flea medication once a month
Ask for a prescription for flea control that you can give your dog once a month.
- Give the drug with dog food once a month.
- Your veterinarian must give the correct dose according to your dog's weight.
- When a female flea bites a medicated dog, it ingests a chemical called lufenuron. This compound will carry over to the eggs and prevent them from hatching (but these compounds are not capable of killing adult fleas, so it may take some time for results to be seen).
Method 3 of 3: Try Natural Treatments
Step 1. Bathe your dog
Bathing your dog in warm water and mild dish soap or regular dog shampoo can often kill most -- or even all of the fleas that infest it.
- This treatment is best suited for mild to moderate infestations, as it may not be sufficient to eradicate large numbers of fleas.
- Use only mild dish soap without fragrances and dyes, and safe for use on sensitive skin. Stop the treatment if your dog shows a bad reaction to the soap. Continue the dish soap treatment with a dog-specific conditioner to counteract the soap's drying effects.
- Rub the soap into a lather and rinse your dog once a week. Bathing your dog more often (especially with dish soap) can irritate your dog's skin due to its dry condition.
- Soap can trap fleas and expel them from the dog's body. In addition, the soap will damage the flea's cell membrane and remove its protective waxy coating. As a result, fleas are no longer able to retain water and die from dehydration.
Step 2. Comb the dog's hair with a special flea comb
You can use a lice-killing comb, but you can use any fine-toothed comb.
- A flea comb will physically remove fleas from your dog's fur.
- Comb from top to bottom. During combing, be sure to dip it into the fur so that it touches the dog's skin. If you just brush and don't touch the skin, some lice may still remain afterward.
- You should immediately dip the flea comb in a bucket or bowl of warm, soapy water after removing the lice. This soap solution is able to kill fleas.
Step 3. Prevent lice infestation with lemon juice
Applying diluted lemon juice to your dog's coat can help get rid of fleas. But use it with care, as lemon juice can make your dog's skin too dry.
- Mix lemon juice and warm water 1:1 in a small bowl.
- Alternatively, cut a lemon into quarters, and soak it in boiling water. Leave it for eight hours or overnight before straining the liquid.
- Dip a dog brush or comb in the lemon solution and run it over your dog, the comb will coat the dog's fur with lemon juice when you touch it. Be sure to comb through every strand of hair, and dip the comb into the solution after two combs.
- Do this treatment once a day for three days.
Step 4. Give your dog an apple cider vinegar treatment
Treatment of lice using apple cider vinegar can be given topically.
- Mix apple cider vinegar and warm water 1:1 and put it in a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto the dog's coat to coat it, focusing on places where the fleas congregate, such as behind the ears, the top of the tail, and under the paws.
- If your dog's skin is dry or looks like it reacts badly to apple cider vinegar, stop this treatment immediately.
Step 5. Try brewer's yeast
This yeast is a natural preventive ingredient and can be used as an alternative to chemical drugs. Evidence for efficacy is mixed, but active yeast appears to have a greater impact on tick numbers.
- Incorporate brewer's yeast tablets into your dog's diet every day or two. Ask your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dose for your dog's age and weight. Do not attempt to determine the dose yourself without your veterinarian's approval.
- This yeast will seep into the dog's skin and out through the skin pores. As a result, the dog's skin and coat does not support the growth of fleas, and prevents their attack effectively.
Step 6. Prepare the rosemary water
This method may not be scientifically proven, but there is some evidence that it is quite effective at preventing lice. Wet your dog in rosemary-soaked water and let it dry naturally.
- Steep 2 cups (500 ml) of fresh rosemary leaves in boiling water for 30 minutes. Use water to cover all the rosemary leaves.
- Strain the liquid and discard the leaves.
- Add 4 liters of warm water to the rosemary steeping water. Reduce the number for smaller dogs.
- Let the rosemary water cool slightly. The temperature should still be hot, but not so hot that it could hurt your dog.
- Pour rosemary water over the dog's body, until it is completely wet. Let it dry by itself.
Step 7. Apply lavender essential oil
This method has not been scientifically proven, but there is some evidence that it is quite effective at preventing lice. You only need to apply a few drops of lavender to a certain area to prevent infestation.
- Bathe your dog as usual with warm water and soap. Dry the dog's body with a towel.
- Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the top end of the tail, and a few more to the back of the neck. Use your fingers to gently massage the oil into the coat and skin of the dog.
Warning
- Do not give dog flea medication to cats. Many of the chemicals contained in dog flea medications are toxic to cats and can even cause death.
- Be careful when using several methods of getting rid of fleas at once; You should first consult with your veterinarian before using several methods at once.
- Many flea medications are strong and may be harmful to humans who are exposed to them for long periods of time. Wear gloves if possible, and always wash your hands thoroughly after grooming your dog.
- Pregnant and lactating women and children should avoid contact with most flea medications. Read the label for warning information.
