quick-tips-to-control-fleas header photo

Quick Tips to Control Fleas in Your Dog

Posted on July 13, 2016

One of a dog owner’s worst nightmare is having to contend with fleas. There are many common misunderstandings about fleas and an equally wide number of possible solutions fronted on getting rid of them.

Some of these cures have been proven to be effective while others don’t move them even a nudge. Your dog could have accidentally picked up one flea from an unknown place or you could have a host hiding somewhere in your home, the end result is usually very predictable, an infestation is inevitable.

Getting rid of fleas takes considerable effort and is not for the faint-hearted. Don’t lose heart, though, below are some quick tips to control fleas in your dog.

Maintain Good Hygiene in the house and everywhere where the dog comes into contact. Have a regular dog bathing schedule (at least twice a week) and watch out for any signs of attack. The baths are a good measure against adult fleas however to baby fleas they are not very effective. The below tips will help you control these menacing insects.

Quick Tips to Control Fleas in Your Dog image

Image Source

Flea Bath

To deter fleas, you can wash your canine friend with at least 2 cups of fresh water mixed with half a cup of squeezed lemon juice and some pet-friendly shampoo or soap. The volume will differ depending on the size of your dog.

Quick Tips to Control Fleas in Your Dog image

Image Source

Natural Flea Repellant Spray and Collar

Mix a concoction of distilled vinegar with fresh water and a few drops of cedar oil into a decent sized spray bottle and spray it on your pup. Be careful not to spray into the eyes, ears or nose. In other words, avoid spraying on the face but get a good spray around the neck where fleas like to hide. The same mixture can be used to dampen a piece of cloth and tied around your dog’s neck like the collar. It repels the fleas.

In the event you notice an infestation, take the following steps:

Find the Cradle of the Infestation

Before you do anything you must know where the infestation is springing from and address it from the source. If your dog is the source, it is advisable to visit the vet to get a flea bath. Inspect your home, common hiding places include the carpets, sofas, and blankets. If indeed the infestation is from the house, then you can address it at that level. If on the other hand, you notice that the items carrying the fleas were from the home of a family friend or relative. It is important to advise them of the flea infestation since fleas can infest and travel on humans also.  

Now that you have identified the source, do not let the dog roam anywhere near the source until the exercise is safely completed.

Thoroughly Wash Your Home and Dog

Before you apply any treatment, you should do a thorough cleaning. Not just of the dog’s items but also your beddings, towels, vacuum clean the carpets and couch thoroughly to ensure that none of those tiny pests remain as residents in your home. Clean all hard surfaces after a thorough wash.

Quick Tips to Control Fleas in Your Dog image

Image Source

After washing you may proceed to treat your home and dog using either natural agents or chemicals.

Remember, nothing beats good hygiene and frequent baths to control fleas in your dogs. In the event you discover an infestation, clean your house and other suspect areas thoroughly and clean the dog before treating them to repel the fleas.