Caring owners are concerned about the health of their pet, trying to protect it from parasites. However, no method gives a 100% guarantee, so from time to time the question may arise of how to remove fleas from a dog. Usually, if you act quickly and correctly, you can get rid of pests at home in a short time.
Where do fleas come from on dogs?
Many owners of small dogs who do not even go outside mistakenly believe that flea problems will not affect them. But that's not true. Fleas can appear in animals after:
- walks in the forest, visiting places where dogs gather;
- contact with other animals - even simple sniffing is enough for the pet to become infected;
- contact with humans - fleas often move on people’s clothes or shoes;
- a visit to an infected house or institution, for example, after visiting a veterinary clinic, where high-quality cleaning was not carried out.
Fleas especially love pregnant bitches and pets during the period of “estrus”: because of this, the level of cortisol and corticosteroids in the blood increases, which attracts parasites.
How to determine if a dog has fleas
How does a pet become infected?
The main problem is that fleas can settle on a dog even after a short walk outside or meeting another animal. Once the parasite settles on your pet, it will begin to lay eggs and multiply quickly. This cannot be allowed, as contamination can cause an infection.
Symptoms of infection
Determining the presence of parasites is simple - watch your dog.
Symptoms of infection:
- the animal is constantly itching;
- appetite and weight decrease sharply;
- the appearance of aggression uncharacteristic for a pet.
It is worth examining the dog - the presence of whitish grains indicates parasite eggs, black grains indicate its excrement.
Do dog fleas bite people?
Fleas that live on dogs can bite people when they are very hungry. Moreover, even if the pet is not at home, they can live both in the “house” and on the litter.
Red spots appear at the bite sites, and the skin begins to itch.
Are cats and dogs the same?
Often pets suffer from the same type of fleas, but Ctenocephalides canis most often lives on dogs, and Ctenocephalides felis on cats.
How and for what reasons can a pet become infected?
Some dog owners believe that their pet is insured against this disease.
But even dogs that go to the toilet at home can become infected. Fleas get on the skin for the following reasons: Through sick animals. If a stray dog itches, constantly and strongly bites itself, gnawing into its fur, this indicates the presence of parasites in the yard dog
After contact with an animal, it is important to carefully examine the pet at home. From the grass. If an animal has a lot of parasites, then some may remain on the ground where it walked
They wait a long time for the next victim, climbing onto the grass. The jumping height of insects is 30-33 cm, length – up to 20 cm. Therefore, they easily move onto the dog’s fur. Through larvae. They are no less dangerous than adult insects. The larvae fall to the fur of a sick animal on the road, ground, grass, and leaves. Flea eggs often enter the house by sticking to shoes or pants. This is a risk even for pets that are rarely walked.
Therefore, the risk of infection remains in any dog, regardless of the frequency of their stay on the street. Even after successful treatment, infection can occur again, because the insects themselves, their pupae and eggs remain on the pet’s personal belongings. They get on the carpet and furniture. Every item that a sick pet has come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected.
Folk remedies for fleas on dogs
Folk remedies are best suited if the dog is pregnant, nursing puppies, or needs to cure a small pet. But in some cases, at an early stage of infection, they can also help an adult dog.
Herbs
The most effective plants are tansy, wormwood, and eucalyptus. You can make decoctions and infusions from them - you can bathe your dog in them. Considered a safe option for puppies and pregnant bitches.
Garlic
Parasites cannot stand the smell of garlic. However, it is worth remembering that garlic is very dangerous for dogs - if ingested, it can cause severe poisoning, even death. A solution is prepared from it: finely chop 3 cloves, add a glass of water, and leave to steep overnight.
The liquid can only be used on that part of the body that the dog cannot reach with its tongue.
Onion
It works similarly to garlic: finely chop the onion, add a glass of water, add a little soap, stir - after a day you can use it.
Laundry soap
A soap-based solution is also popular: mix 1 tsp. fir and tea tree oil with grated soap. It is enough to add the composition to the water when washing dogs.
Essential oils
Parasites are afraid of any essential oil. Therefore, it is enough to add a few drops to the water when washing your dog. But you can also apply a small amount of liquid directly to the withers.
Needles
The smell of pine needles will repel the pest. It is best to place it in your pet's house or on its bedding.
Vinegar
A solution of water and apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1:3 works well against fleas. You need to lubricate the animal with the resulting composition and wash it off after half an hour.
Medicinal plants
Remember that when fleas are detected, effective measures are needed as soon as possible. You shouldn’t hope that they will simply disappear without taking any measures. You give them time to reproduce, and then you will need to fight the huge colonies that settle in living quarters and begin to attack people.
This herb has a fairly bright and rich aroma, which is very unpleasant for parasites. They perceive it as a threat and try to leave the areas where they can hear it as soon as possible. For processing, you can prepare a decoction; you will need to take 20 g of dry herb and 40 g of fresh grass, pour it into a saucepan, add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil and stir for 10 minutes.
Next, the broth should cool, it should be strained with gauze and can be used for processing. When applied to the fur, fleas will begin to actively run away from the smell, so to prevent them from establishing themselves indoors, it is better to apply the treatment on the face.
Wormwood can also be used in its pure form. To do this, the twigs are laid out near the animal’s bedding, near the places where it likes to play. When you notice insects jumping around the apartment, you can spread grass throughout the apartment, which will repel the insects.
Garlic
The principle of action on blood suckers is the same as in the previous version. A pulp is prepared from garlic; you will need a medium head. Next, 500 ml of the gruel is mixed. boiled water and leave for 12 hours. After which the infusion is filtered and applied to the wool.
But here you should be very careful, you need to apply it only to those places where the pet cannot lick it off. Therefore, it is applied to the withers, neck and back. If it enters the body, such a mixture causes disorders. Also make sure that the solution does not get on the mucous membranes, which will lead to irritation.
Eucalyptus
You can use dry leaves of this aromatic plant. An infusion is prepared from them, for which you will need 1 tbsp. plants pour 1 tbsp. boiling water You need to insist for 2 hours. Apply this infusion in the morning and evening, only twice.
Tansy
It has the same effect as wormwood. Used for preparing solutions for processing wool and in its pure form. When using dry grass, it must be spread around the perimeter of the apartment and near the dog's bedding. To prepare the solution, you need to take 1 tbsp. herbs and pour 1 tbsp. boiling water Let the infusion cool, then strain it and you can process the wool.
Juniper
You need to take 200 g of juniper needles, put them in a saucepan and add 1 liter of water. Next, put on the fire and bring to a boil. We leave the broth until the morning, this way it can stand properly. After which we filter and can be used for processing. Apply only to the withers, along the back and neck, where the dog cannot reach the infusion.
Onion
For this recipe you need to take baby soap, grate 1/3 of it. Next, we gradually begin to add water and mix thoroughly, it is necessary to add such an amount of water that the result is a jelly-like consistency.
After this, take a medium onion and also grate it. Add the resulting slurry to the soap solution and mix thoroughly. We treat the wool well with this solution, as when bathing, leave for half an hour and thoroughly rinse off the solution. A decoction of nettle or a chicken egg is added to this solution, which provides hair care.
Salty water
This method can be used by those owners who have a small breed dog. To do this, you need to take a bucket of warm water, or any other container with the same volume, and add 1 kg of salt, stir until it completely dissolves.
Next, take the animal and dip it up to its neck in the solution for 3 minutes. Next, thoroughly wash the fur. Remember that bites are very itchy and pets scratch them until they become wounds. You cannot keep it in the solution for a long time, as this will cause pain and significantly complicate the skin condition.
Pine sawdust
This is another scent that bloodsuckers cannot stand. It is necessary to take pine shavings and place them near the animal’s bedding and around the apartment. You can fill it into bags made of any fabric and place it in places where parasites may occur.
Chemical pest control agents
If traditional methods do not help or the dog has developed an allergy, you can purchase special industrial preparations aimed at fighting fleas.
Shampoos
Shampoos have a short-term effect, so they are recommended to be used as a preventive method. There are shampoos based on natural ingredients and insecticides. The latter should be used carefully - they can cause allergies. The most famous brands: Beaphar, Fitoelita, Celandine.
Drops
It is considered the most popular and easiest to use product. The number of drops depends on the weight of the dog. On average, the drug lasts 3–5 weeks, then you need to apply the drops again to the withers. The most popular drops: Frontline spot, Celandine.
Sprays and aerosols
Such formulations are very effective, but there may be problems with their use. When using them, you need to try not to point the stream at the face, then make sure that the dog does not lick itself for at least 6 hours. Popular means: Stronghold, Frontline, Bars.
Anti-flea collars
The main advantage is that the effect of the collar can last up to 9 months. It is recommended to put it on your pet at the very beginning of spring. However, if fleas appear, it will not be possible to cure the animal with just a collar. It should not be used on puppies or pregnant dogs. Popular options: HartZ, Beaphar.
Powder
Considered the cheapest option. Powders are manufactured in veterinary pharmacies to order, taking into account the weight of the dog. The main disadvantage is the inconvenience and duration of use.
Pills
Tablets are a fairly common method for controlling fleas. However, it should be noted that this method is not effective enough - it is necessary to combine it with other drugs. In addition, the disadvantages of tablets include the fact that in some cases they can cause allergies. The most popular tablets are Comforts, Capstar.
Drops
Flea drops for dogs are the most effective and easy-to-use remedy for killing fleas on animals. To produce drops, “shock” dosages of active substances are used that destroy or expel parasitic insects. The drops are applied to the dogs' withers, after spreading the fur.
The duration of action depends on the concentration of the active substance. To avoid re-infestation, the drug must be applied again as soon as the period of exposure to the drops after the previous application has expired. This is especially important for dogs that are often free-range.
Pet owners should remember that the amount of flea medication for dogs is calculated based on the weight of the animal being treated. An overdose can result in severe intoxication of the body.
Drops that have been successfully tested and are popular among dog breeders and recommended by veterinarians:
- "Stronghold" from the American manufacturer Zoetis. The active substance – selamectin, effectively destroys fleas and ticks at all stages of development, does not have a harmful effect on the health of the dog;
- "Bars" of domestic production. The active elements are the insecticides praziquantel and ivermectin. The drug can be used by puppies from 2 months.
Many anti-flea drops have been developed; it is impossible to list them in one article. You can choose the best option for your dog experimentally or by consulting a veterinarian.
Features of treatment for puppies
Treatment of puppies has its own characteristics that the dog owner needs to know in order to choose the right remedy.
How dangerous are flea bites for a puppy?
For small puppies, fleas are much more dangerous than for adult animals. The main problem is that the puppies' immunity is not fully formed, which is why they become practically defenseless against infectious agents that can enter the bloodstream when bitten by a parasite.
Due to their very delicate skin, allergic reactions in puppies may be more severe.
Signs of a parasite
The main sign of fleas in a puppy is constant itching, falling out fur, and red spots on the skin.
But in order to accurately determine the presence of parasites, you need to carefully examine your pet - in puppies, fleas usually settle near the ears, because that is where the skin is the thinnest.
How to protect babies under 1 month from bloodsuckers?
Until the age of one month, there are no chemical means to protect against fleas, but you can use folk remedies. You can bathe your baby in a bath with tansy or mint - water procedures should last at least 15 minutes.
After this, comb the puppy to remove dead parasites.
Fleas on a 1 month old puppy
At this age, it is also undesirable to use any chemicals. It is better to wash the puppy in a bath with the addition of laundry or tar soap - it will repel parasites.
To get rid of fleas, you must first wet the fur, apply a soap solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse.
Fleas on a 2 month old puppy
At this age, the puppy’s immunity becomes stronger, so more powerful remedies can be used. Best to use:
- special shampoos based on natural ingredients;
- collars based on essential oils.
You can also use sprays and drops, but only if there is only one pet in the house - when there are several puppies in the litter, these products can be dangerous.
Fleas on a 3 month old puppy
At this age, various insecticidal drugs can already be used. Without fear, you can use shampoos, drops, sprays, choosing a product according to your age.
How to remove fleas from older puppies
For dogs older than six months, you can use all the drugs presented at the veterinary market: shampoos, sprays, drops, tablets.
When choosing, be guided by the tendency to develop allergies, general condition, and the severity of flea infestation. If there are a lot of parasites, you should first wash the puppy with shampoo and then treat it with drops.
Signs of a pest
In order to quickly and effectively remove parasites, you need to find out in a timely manner that your dog has fleas. There are several main signs that may indicate that an animal is infected.
The main ones are the following:
- The dog is bothered by constant itching and pain, and the animal’s behavior changes accordingly.
- When a huge number of parasites appear on the animal’s fur, the dog’s condition rapidly deteriorates. There is a lack of appetite, weakness, and lethargy.
- On the animal’s fur you can see white, dark dots, which represent eggs, larvae, and adult parasites.
It is also recommended to know what a dog flea looks like. This is a small insect, no more than three millimeters long, with a dense shell, powerful hocks, and six pairs of legs. The color of the parasite can vary from yellowish to distinct brown.
Important conditions to resolve the problem
Important conditions for eliminating parasites include:
- Once fleas are discovered, action must be taken to eliminate them as soon as possible. If you hesitate, then after 1.5 weeks their number can increase up to 10 times.
- When choosing a product, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian, who will select the best option for the animal depending on its condition and age.
- It is very important to follow the instructions for the drug exactly - this will avoid poisoning and other health problems.
It is important to use an integrated approach to flea removal: you need to not only treat the pet itself, but also the room. It is recommended to combine industrial insecticides and traditional methods.
Is there a flea vaccination?
There is no flea vaccination that protects a pet for a year. However, you can inject an insecticide - the action resembles drops and protects your pet for about 5-6 months. It works as follows: when bitten, the parasite receives a dose of a substance that leads to its death.
Advantages of the method:
- simplicity of the method - just 1 injection is enough;
- the product will not enter the stomach, which eliminates the possibility of poisoning.
However, not everyone can receive such an injection: it is not suitable for puppies under 3 months, dogs prone to allergies, and weakened animals.
Treating the area where the dog lives
To get rid of parasites, it is important not only to treat the pet itself. If you don’t clean your apartment of fleas, then after the effect of the chosen product wears off, they will come back again.
Treating your apartment for dog fleas
There are several methods for processing an apartment:
- Thermal method, but it can only be used in winter. It is enough to take things outside for a few hours or open the windows wide. Another option is to treat things with boiling water.
- Use of chemicals - Reid, Phenaxin, etc. are suitable for treating walls, floor coverings, and furniture. The main thing is to treat everything in the apartment, otherwise the parasites may appear again.
- Using traditional methods. The same products are used as for treating a pet: wormwood, oils. In addition, they can be used in parallel with chemicals to enhance the effect.
If there are too many fleas, it is better to call a special parasite control service.
Processing the dog house
When treating an apartment, you must not forget about the dog’s bed - bedding or house. If the infection is severe, it is recommended to throw away all these products and buy new ones for your pet. But you can also try to remove parasites by placing branches of wormwood or mint in the house.
Rating of the best drugs
Today there are a large number of drugs that can be used to treat young dogs. However, despite all the diversity, it is quite difficult to remove parasites, so you need to know exactly which remedy is best.
All drugs are divided into several groups:
- shampoos;
- drops;
- sprays;
- solutions (for example, hellebore water);
- collars.
The undisputed leader among shampoos is Beaphar.
The undisputed leader among shampoos is Beaphar. This is confirmed by numerous certificates, as well as the great popularity of the company’s products. Animal shampoo has four levels of action:
- Fight against parasites.
- Preventing re-infection.
- Cleaning areas where an infected puppy has been.
- Deworming.
Drops are no less effective. This product is applied only to the neck area - where the dog cannot reach with its tongue and paws. This is necessary to prevent the pet from licking the poison. Babies can be given drips from the age of one month. The animal should not get wet for 24 hours after the procedure, so you should not bathe it or walk with it in the rain. To get the best effect, the animal can be treated several times.
Shampoo is used once
It is important to avoid contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, ears or tongue.
The third option is a special collar for your pet. It is used for the prevention of infection rather than for treatment. You can be sure that there are no fleas if you constantly follow preventive measures. The collar can be used at any age, which is especially suitable for small pets.
The choice of other options is large - drops, solutions, and shampoos. What is the best flea treatment for puppies? The question is controversial. It is advisable to use several options.
Safety rules for processing
Regardless of the type of product used, it is important to follow a number of recommendations when treating the dog and the premises:
- You should not use drugs that have expired - not only will they not work, but they can also be dangerous for your pet;
- Before using any product, you must carefully study the instructions;
- if it is not possible to get advice from a veterinarian, then when using the drug you must follow all the dosage instructions prescribed in the annotation and the rules of use;
- if after treatment the pet becomes ill, you must immediately go to the clinic or call a specialist at home;
- It is advisable to carry out treatment in the apartment with gloves and a mask, so as not to inhale the fumes of insecticides; upon completion, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
Prevention of re-infection
To avoid the recurrence of fleas, it is recommended:
- use a parasite collar;
- inspect your pet’s fur and skin more often;
- monitor hygiene in the house - remove shoes when entering the apartment, clean more often;
- After a walk, wash the dog’s paws and comb it.
There are many flea treatments on the market today, but the tips above will help you avoid infecting your dog. If this does happen, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
