How to Get Rid of Fleas On My Dog?
What are fleas?
Fleas are tiny, dark brown insects which survive in Warm temperatures. These insects vary in size from 1116 to 118 inches and feed on the blood of the host animal. They have the impressive ability to jump about 7 inches vertically and almost 13 inches horizontally.
How can fleas affect my dog?
A flea bite causes itching for the dog. However, if your dog is very sensitive or allergic to fleas, it can lead to severe itching and can cause hair-loss, inflammation and skin infections. Fleas can also transmit some harmful diseases like plague, tapeworms.
How to get rid of fleas on my dog?
1. Cleaning your house.
The first step you must ensure is to clean the house thoroughly. You should vacuum your carpets and especially clean the moist and dark spots in your house. If you are unsure of this, there are many pest control companies which will help to eradicate your house of fleas. However, this might be a costly investment.
2. Set up dehumidifiers for your house.
Fleas thrive in moist, humid surroundings. If you can maintain a humidity level below 50% for your house, then fleas will not be able to survive, and it will prevent the flea eggs from hatching as well.
3. Give your dog a flea shampoo bath.
At first, you should give your dog a proper shampoo bath and see if it positively affects your pet.
If it doesn’t work well, you can go for a more potent flea shampoo product. However, you should read the instructions carefully and consult your vet before applying the flea shampoo.
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, 12 Oz
4. Use a flea comb.
Flea Combs are specially designed to get rid of fleas from your dog’s fur coat. Once you have given your dog a proper bath and dried your pet thoroughly, you should use the flea comb to brush the coat of your pet Make Sure you purchase a good quality product which will help to remove the adult fleas, larvae and eggs as Well.
5. Mix apple cider vinegar in your pet’s drink.
Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl will do the trick. The apple cider vinegar keeps your pet’s coat slightly acidic, and this prevents flea infestation. Before you start feeding your dog this mixture, you should consult your local vet first about the correct dosage.
6. Transform your dog’s collar into a flea Collar.
Use 3-5 drops of lavender oil or cedar oil in 1-3 tablespoons of Water and apply the solution to your dog’s collar. You can also use a bandana and spray it with the solution. Bandanas will be easier to clean, and it is also reusable. This collar will help in preventing fleas.
7. Regularly wash your dog’s bedding.
Washing your pet’s bedding with detergents can significantly help in removing fleas present there. You should dry your pet’s bedding using an electric dryer set to the maximum temperature. The heat will kill the fleas found in the bedding. If you are unable to do so, make sure you dry the bedding in direct sunlight.
Always remember to consult your local vet if you are unsure of applying any of the flea removal techniques to your dog. Hope you and your dog win the battle against those pesky fleas.