Getting Rid of Fleas on Your Dog Articles | Dogs

By: Matthew Hick

There’s nothing peskier than fleas, and nothing more trying than getting rid of fleas. Fleas are parasites that feed on warm-blooded creatures. Your dog will pick up the fleas outdoors and bring them into your beloved abode. When the fleas bite your dog, they cause a skin irritation making the dog scratch or bite the infected area. They will even bite humans. This is a pest you want to get rid of fast! They torment pets as well as owners, and this is why getting rid of fleas is a frustrating undertaking. For as small as they are, they are a big problem!

The second most common expense for pet owners is flea control. If you suspect your pet has fleas, you should visit your veterinarian for help in getting rid of fleas. They will comb out the fleas and prescribe a treatment plan. They are your most knowledgeable resource to getting rid of this nuisance.

When getting rid of fleas, you will focus on your pet first. Getting rid of fleas in your dog’s hair can be done in a number of ways. Shampoos and dips are available and a good way to start if the dog has quite a few visible fleas. This treatment works on getting rid of fleas in the adult stage only and does not attack the flea life cycle. For these reasons, it is not a long-term solution to getting rid of fleas, as it only lasts one day or less. Flea collars are usually only effective in the head and neck area. The type that emits a toxic gas into the dog is more useful in a vacuum bag than on a dog. In the vacuum, they will kill any fleas vacuumed up. The type that is absorbed is more effective in getting rid of fleas. Still, they only kill adult fleas, unless they contain an Insect Growth Regulator to break the flea’s life cycle. Flea powders and sprays also offer short-term solutions to getting rid of fleas, lasting only a couple of days.

Taking the lead over powders and sprays in getting rid of fleas are the on-the-spot treatments available today, which last up to one month. Advantage and Frontline are two popular brands, which are easy to apply. Oral medicines in the form of pills are also available. The flea pills break the flea life cycle, but do nothing to the adult fleas. So this must be used with some other form of treatment in getting rid of fleas.

Now that you have been successful in getting rid of fleas on your dog, you must get rid of the fleas in your home, or your dog will get re-infected. Most of the fleas reside in your living areas. It is important to vacuum on a daily basis, preferably with a flea collar in the bag, and change the bag frequently. Wash all bedding and any removable furniture covers. You can also apply insecticides when getting rid of fleas. If you do this yourself, follow the directions carefully. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, hire a professional.

The best ways to getting rid of fleas is prevention. Vacuum frequently, steam clean carpets occasionally, wash bedding weekly, and comb your dog’s hair daily. Getting rid of fleas is a grueling feat. It will take time and patience. It is not an overnight task. But once you get rid of this uninvited houseguest, your dog will be relieved, and you will get relief.