How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

To get rid of fleas on dogs is a really important task that requires persistence and diligent efforts on part of the pet owners. On one hand, fleas force dogs to suffer from itching and on the other hand make them as well as other family members prone to allergic reactions in one way or the other. Before the balloon goes up, you should gird your loin and rid your dog of fleas and save your home from imminent risk of flea infestation. Following are some measures that will help you get rid of fleas on your dogs very efficiently.

Groom your Dog Scrupulously

1. First off, wash your dog with some productive insecticidal shampoo peculiarly made as a dog flea repellent. If you do not want to use chemical shampoos, you can make natural repellent on your own by mixing up neem oil or white vinegar into lukewarm water.
2. After shampooing and rinsing, squeeze the water out and robustly towel dry the dog. In this way not only the existing fleas will be exterminated but the smell of shampoo will also keep the fleas at bay.
3. Comb your dog regularly with flea comb having fine teeth efficient in trapping the fleas. After each stroke, dip the flea comb in soapy water if you find any fleas sticking to the comb. In case your dog has developed hot spots as a result of flea bites, try using tea tree oil to soothe his irritation.

Spray the Dog with Flea Repellents

1. One most common repellent in vogue is the flea collar which is usually saturated with flea repellent chemicals. Usually it is treated as a supplementary collar to be worn in addition to typical buckle collars. Keep this collar round the dog’s neck unless he has completely gotten rid of fleas.
2. Besides, you can also use flea-away powder and oil made of natural ingredients such as cedar, lavender, tea tree and citronella oils. Spray such repellents over his body with the exception of face and ear to ward off the blood sucking fleas.

Keep your Home and Yard Clean

1. Though a slew of anti-flea chemicals are available in the market, it is much better to vacuum and clean your house and other areas where your dog frequently visits. Vacuum your dog’s bedding, garage, basement, hard and soft flooring and other moist places that can be safe haven for fleas. Do not forget to dispose of your vacuum bag because the entrapped fleas have been maddened, not killed. They may escape the bag and infest your dog once again.
2. Given that your dog stays most of the time in the yard, it will also be important to keep that area clean and safe from fleas. For this you need to mow the wild grass properly and shed off the dark leaf piles. Furthermore, you can also apply natural flea repellents such as cedar chips or flea away powder to the fence line your dog really likes.
3. Keep changing or washing your dog’s bedding on regular basis. While removing the bedding, carefully pick up the towel because it may contain flea eggs that may fall off and nourish larvae in the time to come.

Feed your Fog a Healthy Diet

1. An important aspect which often goes neglected by most of the dog-owners is related to healthy diet. Provide your dog with healthy food because fleas commonly leech onto defenseless or malnourished dogs mainly due to their weak immune systems. In this regard prefer regular dog food, with meat as the important ingredient, over by-products, food coloring and digests.
2. Supplement your dog’s food with medium level of garlic or brewer’s yeast either in the form of powder or tablet. Their unusual taste will keep fleas at distance.

The Bottom Line

Apply all the aforementioned measures and check if they yield positive results. However, if you notice in your dog any signs of chemical poisoning including drooling or shaking, immediately consult some expert veterinary physician. In a similar way if you cannot control the flea infestation in your home on your own, seek help from a professional exterminator.