Looking after your dog is important if you want to keep it in good health. Fleas are very common in dogs, and they can be a big problem for both you and the dog.
They’re one of the most annoying pests to deal with, but there are some ways to deal with a flea problem.
- Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every couple of days. After each wash, dry the bedding on the highest heat. You could also take the bedding to be dry cleaned, but make sure that any chemicals that they use are safe for dogs.
- Use flea medicine for dogs. You can get various flea treatments, from drops to flea shampoos. Ask your vet for the best option for your dog.
- Groom the dog with a flea comb. When you groom the dog, have a bowl of soapy water to hand so you can dunk the fleas once you’ve combed them out of the dog’s fur. Fleas often gather around the neck and tail area, so concentrate the grooming here.
Try some natural remedies
A good option is a strong solution that adds two cups of rosemary leaves to hot water. Let the solution cool down then use it as a spray, rinse, or soak, on your pet. Use a powerful vacuum on your floors, upholstery, and mattresses. Tight spaces can be good hiding places for the flea’s eggs and larvae.
Ideally, use a vacuum with a bag you can remove and throw away without having to come into contact with what’s inside to reduce the risk of spreading the fleas further.
Use a steam cleaner
Fleas and their eggs can get into your carpets and upholstery. A good steam clean of these items, especially pet beds, can help.
The high heat and soap are terrible for fleas in all stages of their development. Pay extra attention to any favourite spots where your dog likes to lie down, such as their bed or the sofa.
Replace the dog bedding
If your flea infestation is very bad, consider throwing out the dog’s bedding and replacing it with new bedding.
Use chemical treatments around the home. If the fleas have spread into your home, you can treat it with chemicals.
Aerosol sprays can be better than foggers as you can better direct the spray under hard-to-reach places like under the bed. Use an insecticide that contains an adulticide that will adult fleas, and an insect growth regulator that will kill eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Make sure that people and pets don’t come into contact with the spray until it has properly dried. Always wear gloves when spraying, and make sure everyone is out of the house. Mow your lawn regularly. Dogs can pick up fleas from outside. Fleas like tall grass, so mow the lawn regularly and rake thoroughly.
If you have a flea problem outside, bag your lawn trimmings to throw them out instead of adding them to your compost pile.
