How To Get Rid Of Fleas When Your Dog Brings Them Home




Get Rid of Fleas

Get Rid of Fleas

As much as you love your dog, just remember, fleas love him too.  When you have a dog, knowing how to prevent or get rid of fleas is an important skill to learn.

If your dog encounters fleas outside your home they can leap aboard your pet and get a ride back into your house. They can leap on people too of course but the furry critter closer to the ground is even more inviting to them. Once inside they’ll reproduce like gangbusters and you could find your house infested after only a couple of days.

Get Rid Of Fleas – Step One

Check to see if your dog has fleas.  Running your hand through your dogs fur may not confirm anything as they will run and hide so it is best to use a special flea comb.

It’s quite easy to use a dog flea comb but you will need to dispose of any live fleas that will get caught in the comb’s teeth. Mix up a solution of dish soap and water to quickly dip the comb into as this will kill the fleas – gross but necessary.

Starting at your dog’s head around the ears, run the comb backwards through their fur, also check under the tail and legs. Running a wet comb through their fur repeatedly is quite unpleasant for them but if you are finding fleas keep this process up for as long as your dog can tolerate it.

Get Rid Of Fleas – Step Two – Flea Control For Your Dog

Combing them out is only a temporary measure. You’ll need to give your dog protection that will kill any fleas still living on him and kill any more that get on him later. There are two wonderful flea treatments on the market that do this, Frontline Plus and Advantage.

Frontline Plusget rid of fleas is a topical flea treatment that will not only get rid of fleas within about 12 hours but will keep your pet free for about a month and is waterproof. It will kill fleas at all stages of their lifecycle; adult larva and eggs. An added bonus is this product also protects agains ticks – another major hazard for your pooch.

Advantage (also a topical flea treatment) will also get rid of fleas within about 12 hours and keep your dog clear for up a month. This product is water resistant and again will kill fleas at all stages of their lifecycle.

Be sure to get the appropriate product for your dog’s size/weight etc. and always consult your veterinarian if unsure. Your can ask your vet to prescribe a product specifically for your dog.

How to Use Frontline or Advantage

They are very simple to apply, just puncture the tube and squeeze the contents. Part the fur and apply a spot on your dog where he can’t easily scratch or lick it, usually at the back of your dog’s head at the neck.

Get Rid of Fleas – Step Three - Flea Control for the House

If you’re unlucky enough to have fleas in the home there are several methods to try. If it’s a serious infestation you can use a fogger, they are toxic and you’ll likely need one for each room. Be sure to carefully follow all the manufacturers instructions.

There’s a less hazardous product, which is a powder that I find really effective in getting rid of fleas, it’s called Fleabusters. But again be sure to follow the instructions.

Get Rid of Fleas – Step Four -Flea Control for the Yard

There are several very good products for the yard available. I prefer one that attaches to the garden hose for easy application. A good example is Adams Plus Yard Spray.

It can be quite a bit of work but if you follow the above steps; treating your dog each month for a few months as well as treating the house and yard, you will finally get rid of fleas.

 

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