More about parasites called a fleahow to treat and prevent your dog
Ticks are external parasites that feed them themselves with blood.
No one likes to talk about them but most dog owners eventually have to deal with them: Parasites like fleas are preventable and treatable.
On this part of our website we provide you with more information about the parasites and in particular the flea, how to recognize them, how to treat them and, above all, how to prevent them.
How to recon fleas
Fleas are tiny critters about 1.5mm to 4mm in size and survive by feeding on animal or human blood. Their bites can cause discomfort, itchiness, and irritation. Sometimes, fleas can infect people or pets with the germs that cause flea-borne typhus, plague, or cat scratch disease.
They can be recognized if your dog scratches excessively and you encounter small black dots while brushing.
These are flea eggs, and are often a good indication of a flea infestation. Due to the size of the fleas, it's no surprise that some flea infestations go unnoticed as the invaders are smaller than a sesame seed.
If your dog is indeed scratching more than usual, it is important that you examine the fur.
Check your dog's coat for fleas and flea dirt to avoid serious health complications.
When fleas live in your pet's fur, they excrete a substance called flea dirt.
Flea dirt consists of undigested blood that remains in your dog's coat. Flea dirt looks like small reddish/black crumbs in your pet's coat and can be found close to the skin.
It can be difficult to see the fleas with the naked eye, so flea feces are a good way to diagnose a flea infestation. You can often find flea dirt by combing through your dog's coat with a fine-tooth comb.
You can also push your dog's fur to the side, to be able to look closely at your dog's skin. When you find flea dirt in your pet's fur, it is important to take immediate action. As a dog owner, there are a number of things you can do to prevent the infestation from escalating. The most important thing is to treat the infestation as soon as possible.
These are flea eggs, and are often a good indication of a flea infestation. Due to the size of the fleas, it's no surprise that some flea infestations go unnoticed as the invaders are smaller than a sesame seed.
If your dog is indeed scratching more than usual, it is important that you examine the fur.
Check your dog's coat for fleas and flea dirt to avoid serious health complications.
When fleas live in your pet's fur, they excrete a substance called flea dirt.
Flea dirt consists of undigested blood that remains in your dog's coat. Flea dirt looks like small reddish/black crumbs in your pet's coat and can be found close to the skin.
It can be difficult to see the fleas with the naked eye, so flea feces are a good way to diagnose a flea infestation. You can often find flea dirt by combing through your dog's coat with a fine-tooth comb.
You can also push your dog's fur to the side, to be able to look closely at your dog's skin. When you find flea dirt in your pet's fur, it is important to take immediate action. As a dog owner, there are a number of things you can do to prevent the infestation from escalating. The most important thing is to treat the infestation as soon as possible.
There are a few ways to prevent your fuzzy friend from getting attact by fleas.
- A flea collar:
is one way to protect your dog from fleas, but a flea collar will not eliminate existing fleas in your home. When used preventatively, flea collars can provide long-term prevention; some collars can last up to 6 to 8 months. Flea collars contain certain insecticides that kill fleas on contact. A flea collar is not intended to replace a collar.
You should also see how your dog handles a double collar; if this is a problem, use another method to protect your dog from fleas. - A flea spray:
is applied directly to your dog’s skin and coat. You can apply a spray to your pup before you head out somewhere where there might be fleas, such as the park, an area with multiple dogs, or if your dog is participating in any activities that might expose him to fleas. Check the directions on the spray you end up using, as some can be used more often than others. Also, some sprays only protect against fleas, while others will prevent a number of different pests from bothering your fuzzy friend. - Essential oils:
If you want a more natural form of flea prevention, several essential oils can be used to repel fleas. You can dilute oils like rosemary, cedarwood, peppermint, and rose geranium and make them into a spray to help prevent fleas on your pup. However, it is recommended that you check with your vet to ensure none of the oils will interfere with your particular fuzzy friend, especially if he/she has any health conditions or is on any medications. - Apple cider vinegar:
Looking for another natural alternative to ward off pesky fleas? Apple cider vinegar has been used for a long time as a remedy for several different ailments and issues. To help combat fleas, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one liter of water in your dog’s bowl. Have your pup drink it till there are no more fleas. The acidic nature of the vinegar gives your dog’s coat an acidic touch that repels fleas. Do NOT apply apple cider vinegar directly to your dog’s skin. - Ask your Vet:
One of the most effective ways to prevent fleas on your dog is by using a flea prevention medication. There are several options available, and your vet can recommend the ones that are a good fit for your dog. Some of these medications kill fleas on contact, while others are designed to break the flea life cycle. The great thing about many flea prevention products is that many of them also help protect your fuzzy friend from other pests like ticks, keeping your pup safe from Lyme Disease, and other problems.
Fighting fleas can quickly become a never-ending battle if you don’t take the proper precautions. Getting your dog on the right form of flea prevention can make all the difference in your fuzzy friends quality of life, and yours too!
Getting rid of fleas is a difficult process due to the long lifecycle of a flea. Moderate to severe infestations will take months to control and require a four-step process for complete elimination:
- Sanitation. Thoroughly clean areas where fleas frequently breed. This includes washing bedding, rugs, and pet bedding, and thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping floors and carpeted areas and along the edges of walls.
- Pet treatment. Every pet in the home must be treated. Thoroughly bathe pets with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay careful attention to face and neck regions, and the area in front of the tail. Soap will act as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing the right flea control product for your pet.
- Home treatment. Begin home treatment at the same time as pet treatment. This keeps all treatment on the same timeline and helps disrupt the flea life cycle. A licensed commercial pest control applicator can help you determine which products are best for inside your home and in the yard. In general, focus outdoor treatment on shady areas and places where pets spend the most amount of time.
- Follow-up. Fleas have a complex life cycle. At some stages of their life cycle they are resistant to insecticides and other flea control products. In order to get rid of fleas in all stages of the life cycle, two or more follow-up treatments within 5-10 days after the first application are needed. Additionally, vacuuming and sanitation practices should be ongoing throughout this period to pick up all remaining eggs and juvenile fleas.
Of course, there are many products on the market that you can buy ready-made in most stores.
We would like to highlight the natural resources that are simply in most people's closet and are probably used daily.
If you are sure that your dog has a flea infestation, it is important to take immediate action. Start by giving your dog a lukewarm bath and using a mild HP neutral shampoo. Fleas are not big fans of water and a bath can help get the fleas out of your pet's coat and skin. You can use any mild, HP neutral, shampoo of dog shampoo you already have. Baby shampoo is an example of PH Neutral shampoo.
If you plan on using an anti-flea shampoo, make sure to check with your vet before using this shampoo. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to these shampoos. It is therefore wise to check with your vet whether you can really use the anti-flea shampoo that you plan to use. If your dog does not respond well to bathing, you can safely skip this step or ask Happy Dog Country Club to help you bathing your dog.
While a bath can help get rid of fleas, it's not an essential step. When your pet is completely dry, comb its fur with a special flea comb. Be careful with this step, as your dog's skin can be sensitive if it has a flea infestation. Pay extra attention to the neck and tail, as these are where fleas feed most.
If you are sure that your dog has a flea infestation, it is important to take immediate action. Start by giving your dog a lukewarm bath and using a mild HP neutral shampoo. Fleas are not big fans of water and a bath can help get the fleas out of your pet's coat and skin. You can use any mild, HP neutral, shampoo of dog shampoo you already have. Baby shampoo is an example of PH Neutral shampoo.
If you plan on using an anti-flea shampoo, make sure to check with your vet before using this shampoo. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to these shampoos. It is therefore wise to check with your vet whether you can really use the anti-flea shampoo that you plan to use. If your dog does not respond well to bathing, you can safely skip this step or ask Happy Dog Country Club to help you bathing your dog.
While a bath can help get rid of fleas, it's not an essential step. When your pet is completely dry, comb its fur with a special flea comb. Be careful with this step, as your dog's skin can be sensitive if it has a flea infestation. Pay extra attention to the neck and tail, as these are where fleas feed most.
In grandma knows best we would like to give you the most common resourses to kill those tine fleas
- Give your dog a bowl of buttermilk or yogurt each morning. It is delicious for your pet. The fleas won't visite your pet because they no longer find the fur attractive.
Ingredients in yogurt are probiotics and calcium and have the added benefit of supporting your dog's digestion and bones. Start with a small amount every few days, as your dog may be lactose intolerant. It depends on the weight of your dog how much yogurt you can give per day. This is between 1 to 3 tablespoons per day. Please note that it is a natural yogurt without sugars or additives. - Often it is the plants that have a strong smell. Think of lavender, mint, rosemary, catnip or lemongrass. For example, you can plant this in the garden or put it in the kitchen.