So your pet has fleas — oh no! Every pet owner knows that fleas are one of the most annoying problems that can happen to your pet, since the fleas can get all over your house and can also be passed onto your other furry friends. You are going to need the most effective flea shampoo for dogs and cats to get rid of them, at the very least.
If you want to get the fleas gone for good, then it is a good idea to do what you can to get rid of them, beyond just using shampoo. If you are not sure where to start with getting rid of your pet’s fleas, read on for everything that you need to know. Visit Flea Cures for more useful tips in getting rid of dog fleas.
Bathe Your Dog
If your dog has fleas, one of the first things that you need to do is to bathe your dog. Fill a bath to a reasonable level using some lukewarm water and some effective flea shampoo. If you are getting a flea shampoo for your dog then it is a good idea to speak to your veterinarian first since they can tell you if the shampoo will be suitable for your specific dog. If you do not have any shampoo then you can also use dish soap since it will drown the fleas. Some dogs actually have allergies to fleas — if that’s the case for your dog then you need to be extra careful with treating them.
Try not to bathe your dog too often since it can damage their fur and skin when it’s done in excess, but a bath can be a good idea if your pet has fleas so it is certainly a good thing to try.
Clean Your House
Nobody really likes cleaning, but it is a must if your pet has fleas. It does not matter what you do — you could apply all of the flea treatment in the world but if your home is still covered in fleas, they are likely to end up right back on your dog’s fur again. You can get rid of them by using a heavy duty vacuum cleaner. This should also help you to get rid of any flea eggs and larvae that are on the surfaces. Clean fabrics very carefully, especially couches and carpets. If you are able to do so then it is also a good idea to get your house cleaned professionally.
It may seem obvious, but it is also a good idea to clean any areas where your dog likes to hang out, such as bedding.
Run A Flea Comb Through Your Dog’s Fur
The bath should have drowned a good portion of the fleas, but you still need to do more. Get a fine tooth flea comb, dipping it in a little bit of dish soap and water. Run it through your dog’s fur, checking for any fleas as you go. A flea is a brown or red sort of color so you will know one when you see one. If you notice a flea, put the comb into some hot soapy water to kill it. It’s not a good idea to attempt to crush them because they will just jump away from the comb, and potentially back into your pet’s fur. When combing your dog, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to sensitive areas — be careful on the tail and neck especially, because fleas like to hang out here and it may also hurt your dog since they feed here.
Apply Flea Treatment
Flea treatment is an effective way to get rid of your dog’s fleas. Get a veterinarian approved flea treatment for your dog’s skin to get rid of the fleas and follow the directions on the medications. They should go away not long after you have applied the treatment.
Speak To Your Veterinarian
If you are ever unsure about anything when it comes to your pet, rule number one is to speak to your vet. They will be able to advise you about how to get rid of the fleas if you are unsure, and can advise you on the right kind of treatment to use. They will also be able to show you ways that you can prevent your dog from getting fleas in the future.
Conclusion
Fleas are certainly an inconvenience for both you and your dog, but they are not something that you should have to deal with. With the right prevention methods and the right treatment, fleas can be a thing of the past in your household.
