Fleas can be a great annoyance. Tiny, blood-sucking parasites, fleas irritate your dog and spread swiftly throughout your home. For many dogs, flea bites can cause extreme itching, red and flaky skin, scabs, hot areas, and hair loss. Fleas, in addition to tapeworms, can also cause anemia.
Fleas can infest humans too!
Fleas plague both pet owners and their dogs. According to the CDC, Fleas will bite humans if they can’t find animals to act as hosts. If they bite you, they can leave painful welts on your skin. In rare cases, some are even capable of transmitting typhus or the plague.
These tiny insects’ primary food source is the blood of their victims. When infected flea feces are scratched into open wounds or while feeding on hosts, fleas can transfer disease-causing germs. These parasites can infect cats with “cat scratch disease,” which can then be transmitted to you. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms to humans and pets.
Fleas are small and fast-moving flying insects. They can leap 13 inches, despite the lack of wings. You may not even be aware of their presence at first. Some animals are more prone to being bitten than others. Itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of the insects.
If you suspect fleas, watch to see if your pet is scratching more than usual. A closer check of your pet’s bedding may reveal scabs, flea filth, or what looks to be salt and pepper.
If your pet has fleas, flea medication is required. It’s vital to keep the pests away from your pet to minimize the number of irritating, stinging bites your pet receives and help prevent infestations in your home.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of fleas on dogs, we’ve got you covered. Follow these four simple steps to get rid of these pesky freeloaders.
How to Detect Fleas
The only method to detect if fleas are causing your dog’s scratching is to look for flea activity, which requires a more careful inspection. When looking for these awful insects, keep an eye out for anything little and dark reddish-brown that moves on your dog’s skin.
Adult fleas frequently hide between your dog’s inner thighs and tummy, so keep an eye out for them there. The truth is, fleas will go to any extent to find a food supply, and no portion of your dog’s skin is immune.
Another sign that your dog is plagued with fleas is the presence of flea filth. This “flea dirt” has the appearance of black pepper flecks or black dandruff.
Now that you know what to look for, take things one step at a time and confront the problem head-on.
What kills fleas on dogs fast?
Bathe your pet.
Allergies to fleas can cause skin inflammation. Bathing your pet is often one of the first flea-removal procedures. Using lukewarm water or water with mild soap, you can eradicate fleas from your pet’s fur and skin. Adult fleas can also be drowned with dish soap.
Flea shampoo or similar products should only be used after consulting your doctor. It can cause your pet’s skin to dry up and its fur to lose its oils.
Bathing your pet can be beneficial, but it is not always essential. Bathing your dog or cat too often can be harmful. Consult your veterinarian about your pet’s needs. Severe infestations may necessitate daily washings, while others may just need to be washed once a week.
Flea Comb Your Pet’s Hair
Fleas are tiny, fast, and difficult to catch. A flea comb can aid in the removal of fleas from your pet’s fur. To catch insects, and stop them from jumping away, soak the comb in water and dish soap.
The teeth of a flea comb are spaced to trap fleas while still allowing fur to pass through. Flea combs are also useful for removing flea dirt (dark brown or black particles that resemble pepper flakes) and eggs from your pet’s fur. Take additional caution when combing your pet’s neck and tail. Fleas love to gorge themselves there.
Topical Treatment
If you’re dealing with an out-of-control flea infestation, you’ll need a topical treatment. Puppies older than ten weeks should not be given this medication. When using a flea and tick treatment, follow the directions on the label carefully and never apply more than what is recommended.
Get Rid of Fleas in the House
To get rid of any lingering fleas, you should thoroughly clean your home. While fleas require a host, their eggs, larvae, and pupae can thrive in a variety of places, including beds, upholstery, and carpets. Give the entire house a thorough cleaning.
Related Question:
Which essential oils are effective against fleas?
Some essential oils can be used to treat fleas in dogs. Natural flea repellents include citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary. If your dog isn’t afraid of a spray bottle, dilute just a few drops of the essential oil in 300ml-400ml water and spray straight on his coat.
It’s crucial to remember that some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can be extremely poisonous to dogs if not properly diluted (.1 percent -1 percent ). Do not use a DIY essential oil solution on your pet unless you’ve double-checked its safety and have spoken to your veterinarian.
