Let’s admit it, fleas are a nuisance and we all hate fleas.  They are not only to your pet, but to people and other animals.  Their bites are itchy, can spread disease, and can even pass parasites through the bloodstream.  They can spread and are hard to get rid of.  It’s important to deal with fleas immediately once they are detected.

Detecting Fleas

If you find your dog to be scratching and chewing at itself a lot, it may be a sign that your pet has fleas. The problem is, they are fast and not easily seen or detected. One method of detecting fleas is finding “flea dirt” also known as flea feces, which are dark specks of dirt. Combing your dogs for over a sheet of white paper can help detect this. Spray the “dirt” with water. If the “dirt” turns red, it is likely to be flea dirt, vs regular dirt.

The Flea Cycle

If fleas have spread through your home, getting rid of them is not easy. Adult fleas account for only 5% of the infestation, and the rest are eggs and larvae. Once fleas have found a host, fleas will mate and lay eggs. They may stay on the host and fall into the carpet our areas where your dog may stay.

Larvae can feed on dead skin cells, food residue, and flea “dirt”. If there is enough to feed on, they can form a cocoon which protects them until they are adult fleas. If they don’t have enough to feed on, they can still survive for months. They will eventually become adults and start the cycle over again. An adult can lay 5000 eggs in it’s lifetime.

Dog Flea Treatments

Eradicating fleas involves number 1, getting rid of their food source. If they have no host to feed on, they cannot continue their cycle. This usually involves first removing the fleas from the host, and treating the host with a flea treatment.  Here are some of the best ways to erradicate those fleas.

Dog Flea Bath

Fleas don’t drown and can escape very easily if caught with your fingers.  Giving your dog a regular bath won’t necessarily rid them of fleas. To eliminate fleas from your pet you will need a dedicated flea shampoo or flea dip/bath.

When bathing your pet in a flea bath, make sure to get all areas including the belly.

Dog Topical Flea Treatments

There are many flea treatments available on the market. Some of these include k9 Advantix, Frontline, Advantage, FiproGuard, Bio Spot, PetArmor, and Sentry to name a few. These treatments soak into the skin and bloodstream and eliminate fleas at the source. Read instructions thoroughly and if you are unsure, ask your vet. Read reviews online for safety and effectiveness.

Dog Flea Collars

Flea collars are a long time preventative measure. They emit a toxic gas that can kill or repel fleas, or release a substance that is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Read instructions thoroughly and if you are unsure, ask your vet. Read reviews online for safety and effectiveness.

Dog Flea Sprays

Flea Sprays work similarly to the flea treatments and flea collars mentioned above. There are also natural flea sprays available that can help repel or control flea development. Read instructions thoroughly and if you are unsure, ask your vet. Read reviews online for safety and effectiveness.

Dog Oral Flea Treatments

Oral treatments are available and work through the bloodstream to eliminate fleas. These are usually prescribed by your vet and dosages vary depending on the treatment. Read instructions thoroughly and if you are unsure, ask your vet. Read reviews online for safety and effectiveness.

Related: Don’t let fleas or ticks spoil your summer

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