Dog Fleas Don’t Have to be a Problem
Posted on June 2, 2010
Filed Under Dogs and Puppies | 1 Comment
Dog fleas can be a menacing problem for dogs and their owners. There are many methods and treatments for getting rid of fleas. Below are some tips for eliminating fleas on dogs. Following this advice should make your job of getting rid of fleas much easier.
Strong chemicals like diazinon and Dursban are losing popularity for controlling dog fleas because of their environmental effects. Spot on products such as Spotton, Prospot, and Proban are systemic insecticides that travel through your dog’s blood stream and are also losing popularity with pet owners. These systemic products can build to toxic levels in the dog’s blood.
Lets start with some of the gentler dog flea treatment methods. Soapy water makes a great insecticide. Soapy water sprayed on your plants and garden vegetables will kill insects on contact. Mix up some lukewarm bath water with a gentle shampoo and give your dog a bath. The fatty acids in the soap will kill dog fleas as well as any insecticide. Consult with your vet before giving frequent baths to a puppy however.
Your next step should be to use a flea dip containing the active ingredient called pyrethrin. The natural insecticide called Pyrethrum contains pyrethrin as its active ingredient. Pyrethrins are a concentrated form of Pyrethrum. Pyrethrins are considered the gentlest and least toxic of the insecticide chemicals available today. (One note of caution: cats are very sensitive to pyrethrin so do not use it on your cat) This type of flea control for dogs is very effective because his coat is thoroughly soaked with the product.
No discussion of fleas on dogs should go without mentioning the simple use of a flea comb. The fine teeth on these combs will capture fleas and then dipping the comb in soapy water can kill them. This obviously another safe, natural treatment.
A flea repellent can be another good choice as a dog flea treatment. There is a natural powder called Flea Away that when applied to your dog’s coat will repel fleas. There are several essential oils that can be mixed with water and sprayed on your dog as a repellent. Among these are lavender, citronella, tea tree, and cedar. These natural oils are not toxic like harsher chemicals.
Several new products like Frontline and Advantage are topically applied insecticides that protect your dog for up to a month. These are not absorbed into the blood stream like the spot on products. The product is applied to the skin on the back of the animal’s neck and it migrates all over his body. Four one-month applications are typically suggested for flea control.
As you can see this discussion starts with the gentler solutions first and progresses to stronger medicine. These concepts should lead you to a flea free environment.
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You can take the dog to the vet’s office for a professional flea dip, but you’ll probably also need to put an exterminating fog or bomb in your home while you’re out and treat any carpeting and upholstery with Borax Mule Team powder to ensure that the fleas all die… Once bathed, you should apply a topical flea and tick preventative, but make sure that you read the instructions properly and, again, ask your veterinarian… Some topical products can be applied hours after bathing, and some require waiting 2 or 3 days after bathing to be effective and prevent the dog from suffering any adverse effects… Combing your dog regularly, and flicking the fleas into a cup filled with some rubbing alcohol will kill the nasty critters… Good luck getting rid of your dog’s unwanted tenants.
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