How to eliminate fleas from my dog? 4 tips
Man's best friend has now become the most spoiled. Our furry friends are life partners and part of the family, and that's why besides taking care of their diet and appearance, we are very concerned about their health.
In this sense, one of the most frequent problems with dogs are fleas. It is annoying for us owners, but no doubt who suffer most are them.
Visits to the veterinarian in this matter are not few, and it is well known that one of the main queries is ... How to eliminate fleas from my dog?
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5 effective methods of killing a dog's fleas
Although prevention will always be the best tool, the appearance of these bugs is not something that we can control at all.
Washing and brushing your hair frequently and vacuuming the furniture or textures that tend to accumulate insects, are measures to keep the appearance of parasites under control, but if one day you still discover your dog scratching insistently, it is most likely that have and must apply any of these solutions to eliminate fleas from your pet .
1. Anti-flea collar
This product is the most popular to end with dog fleas. Its mechanism of action is highly effective and there are brands that provide up to 8 months of protection . However, for your action to be total, you have to follow some recommendations.
The first thing that we should do is to consult with your veterinarian the type and brand of collar that best suits, because this is determined according to the plague that has to be fought. Another important advice is to prefer the recognized brands and that they comply with the sanitary norms required.
It is important that we know that the substances contained in the flea collar are toxic to humans, so we must wear gloves, wash our hands after touching our dog and prevent children from having prolonged and frequent contact to prevent some poisoning
A tip for your dog to feel comfortable with the necklace, is that you choose one according to its size or that it is adjustable. When you put it on it leaves a space of two fingers between your neck and the collar. If you use it for the first time, we have to be alert to possible allergic reactions .
So if you're wondering how to eliminate fleas from my dog ?, the flea collar is an excellent solution and also works as a preventive method.
2. Pipettes
The flea pipettes are a quick, convenient and safe alternative to eliminate fleas from your dog.
They are ampoules with liquid inside ready for immediate use . They are administered topically and with a single application they protect up to 4 weeks.
If you are leaning towards this option, you should know some important things to ensure its proper functioning. An important element is the brand you choose. There are some cheap sale alternatives in the market but they do not work as they should and in the end the expense is greater, because in any case it will be necessary to resort to another solution. It is better from the beginning to invest in a renowned brand pipette, because this will guarantee that we can eliminate fleas. Be careful to check the expiration date, because a pipette that is already expired will not work.
And the most important thing: apply it correctly. It should be placed at three points along the back of our puppy : neck, spine and near the tail. Make sure to put aside the fur and put the product on the scalp and not on the hair otherwise it will not work. Oh! And something important: you should not bathe your dog in at least 48 hours.
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3. Flea spray
If your puppy is already infested with fleas and it's not just about preventing but eliminating fleas altogether , the spray is an excellent solution.
There are many brands and the vast majority are efficient and easy to apply. Just spray the product all over the body of our pet, avoiding the eyes of both the animal and who applies it, because it is very irritable.
The spray is immediate action, unlike the pipette and collar, because while you are applying it, you can see how the fleas are dying.
Subject to the recommendations of the spray brand or your veterinarian, it is best to leave the spray for a few hours to act and then bathe and brush it to eliminate all the dead fleas left in its fur.
4. Flea shampoo
This alternative could work more as a preventive measure that as a solution to kill dog fleas, but can be used if the problem just begins the infestation and few have been detected, or also as support for the flea collar or the spray.
To use it, it is enough to replace the shampoo with which you normally bathe it with an anti-flea of the brand you want. Some have a strong odor and others can irritate or dry out your skin. You can try trying two or three until you find the one that best suits your pet.
You can also try a homemade anti-flea shampoo. Mix a couple of cups of hot water, a cup of alcohol and a few drops of dish soap. Then apply it in the same way as a conventional shampoo, let it act for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. You can apply vinegar and let it act for a few minutes to finish brushing your puppy very well and finish completely with the fleas.
Bibliographic references:
- Marcos Linardi, P. and Costa Santos, J.L. (2012). "Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): some issues in correctly identifying these species". Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 21 (4): 345.
