5 Super Helpful Tips for Getting Rid of Fleas from Your Dog

If your dog has fleas, you must get rid of them as soon as possible. A flea infestation can make life miserable for your dog and you.

So, here are a few things you need to do to get rid of the fleas.

Keep Your House Clean

The first step to getting rid of fleas is to keep your home clean. That includes your dog’s bedding, toys, and anything they play with and sleep on. Cleaning these things will prevent fleas from coming into contact with them. You can also use natural flea repellents on their bedding that will stop the pests from laying eggs there in the first place.

Vacuum frequently (at least once a week) to remove fleas hiding in your carpets or rugs. Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. These filters can easily trap minute particles like fleas, eggs, and larvae. Vacuum your carpets and upholstery, as well as floors and under the furniture.

Wash your dog’s bedding in hot water. You can also use a washing machine that is designed for high temperatures. This will kill any remaining flea eggs or larvae hiding in the bed’s fabric.

Bathe Your Dog

Since fleas are weak and small, you may want to consider giving your dog a bath to get rid of them. It is the easiest way to control fleas.

Use a shampoo designed specifically for killing fleas. If you use the wrong kind of shampoo, it can irritate their skin and make them uncomfortable. So, before applying, check the labels.

Do not use human shampoos or cat shampoos on dogs. Dogs have different skin types than cats. So, they will need different products that are intended for their specific needs. Using the wrong type of pet supplies can cause irritation or infection in their skin.

Mow Your Lawn

This one is more of a precaution than a treatment but is important nonetheless.

Mow the lawn and trim away bushes that are close to your house. Fleas love to hide in landscaping around your home, especially in untrimmed bushes and grass. The more ground you leave around your property, the more opportunities fleas will have to come inside and infest your dog’s bedding, toys, food bowl, and water bowl.

Start a Flea Treatment Course

Prescribed medication is arguably the best way to deal with fleas. There are many types of flea treatments available on the market today. Some of them require a vet’s prescription, while some do not. You can take a close look at the variations on PetCareRx. Here, you will find different flea treatments for dogs, including the ones your vet prescribes.

Vet-prescribed medication is always the better option. Your vet will check the condition of your dog and then prescribe accordingly. They can also warn you about possible side effects and completely avoid certain treatments if they are harmful to your dog.

Your dog must complete the entire treatment course. Do not skip any doses, as that can hamper the treatment process.

One other thing to remember is that the treatment might show some side effects even if the vet had said otherwise. That is because the drug’s reaction will not always be the same for all dogs. In such cases, do not panic. Take your dog to the vet and let them do the rest.

Use Natural Flea-Repellent Oils

Lavender and peppermint are popular natural flea repellents. You can use them to keep your dog’s fur clean, shiny, and healthy. You can also check out other natural repellents like neem oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Using the oil alone might not be effective. So, use a flea comb with it as well. Combing through your pet’s fur will help you detect any stray fleas that may have found their way onto your dog. You can also use it to help remove them before they have time to lay eggs or cause an infestation.

You should also consider using a flea spray for areas where your dog spends most of its time. That will prevent any new fleas from infesting the place. It is easier to use the spray indoors, but you can also use it outdoors in specific areas.

If your dog has a flea infestation, seeking professional help is always the best course of action. However, knowing these tips for getting rid of fleas can also be useful. Your dog can achieve permanent peace from fleas if you follow these tips. In case that does not happen, these tips will at least help prevent the infestation from growing bigger. In the meantime, you can talk to a vet and follow their advice.