Pets make great companions and taking a walk with your dog after a hard day can be very relaxing. However, they attract some parasitic insects like fleas, which can irritate both you and your pet. They make dogs itch and they can also be transferred to your couch, carpet, car and bed. These fleas can easily turn your carpet into a breeding ground which can make your house unhealthy to your family. If your dog has fleas there are various ways to eliminate them. Some of the options are natural while others require the use of chemicals or medications.
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How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs?
Here are the top 10 best ways to get rid of fleas on your dogs fast and naturally:
1. Essential Oils
Fleas find essential oils unpleasant and massaging them on your dog can be a great way to remove the insects. They are safe enough to be used directly on your dog’s coat. You can also add a few drops into bathing water or soap. Some of the essential oils that you can use include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, thyme and spearmint. After the massage, your pet will have a pleasant scent and the fleas with be gone.
2. Homemade Flea Trap
If your pet likes to spend time in the backyard, you can make a flea trap to catch the insects. To make the trap, place a dish of soapy water on a particular spot in your backyard. The dish should be near a lamp or night light. Light and warmth attract fleas, while the soapy water traps them. The trap can be moved to different parts of the backyard every night. This is one of the top 10 best ways to get rid of fleas on your dogs. Your pet will be able to play in the backyard without getting fleas.
3. Flea Collar
A collar can help you to eliminate fleas on your pet, if it soaked in ingredients, which the insects find unpleasant. The collar can be any material that can be tied around the dog’s neck. Rub some lavender oil or cedar oil on the collar. This will help to keep away fleas.
4. Flea Sprays and Powders
Using sprays and powders to remove fleas is both effective and affordable. However, it is important to take caution when you use them. They can irritate your pet therefore you need to keep their eyes and mouth protected when using them. If you have a child, they should not come close to the dog once the powder or spray has been used. These products are designed to eliminate fleas but they require frequent application. You can also use a homemade spray on your pet. To make the spray, mix some lavender oil, apple cider vinegar, and water. The spray should be used on the dogs coat without getting it into the nose, ears, and eyes. You may have to use a cloth to rub the mixture behind the ears and around the dog’s neck.
5. Flea Dip
Topical application of chemicals designed to kill parasite insects is another one of the top 10 best ways to get rid of fleas on your dogs. The chemical products are sold in pet stores. They can be toxic therefore it is important to follow instructions. The amount of chemicals you use will depend on your pet’s age, size, and weight. They are not suitable for young pets.
6. Flea Shampoo
Medicated shampoos can offer an effective solution if for pets that have fleas. These products are not long-lasting therefore it is advisable to use them after every two weeks.
7. Oral Treatments
If your pet has a serious flea infestation, oral treatments are more effective. They control the parasitic insects by disrupting their life cycle. However, it is important to note that they do not help to get rid of adult insects. You can use them once every month especially if you have children in your home. Children are sensitive to topical chemical treatments therefore they cannot be used to remove fleas on your dog. It is possible to use a natural oral treatment made from ingredients in your home. Add some distilled or apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water. This scent will penetrate the dog’s coat and get rid of fleas.
8. Spot Treatments
Using spot treatments is one of the most effective top 10 best ways to get rid of fleas on your dogs. These treatments include the use of drops, which create a shield on your pet’s entire coat. They are water repellent therefore they will not be washed off when the dog swims or plays in water. They help to disrupt the insect’s life cycle and this makes it easy to eliminate the fleas in the long term. It is important to select a treatment that is suitable for your pet’s weight, size, and age. You need to use the right amount to get desired results. If it is too little, it will not have an effect. On the other hand, if you use too much, it can be toxic.
9. Brewer’s Yeast
Add some brewer’s yeast to your dog’s meals. The scent will keep away fleas. It is advisable to consult a vet before you use the brewer’s yeast. The vet will guide you on the right dosage to use on your pet.
10. Lemon
Lemon helps to remove fleas from your pet. To prepare a lemon mixture to eliminate the parasitic insects, cut some lemon slices into a pot of water. Boil the water and leave it to cool. Dip a brush or comb into the mixture. Use the brush or comb on your pet. If your pet has a short coat, you can dip a sponge into the mixture. The brushing or combing action will remove the fleas while the lemon will help to kill and keep them away. It is a natural solution, which is suitable for young pets that may be affected by chemicals. The lemon is also a great option for homes that have children. This is because the lemon has no harmful side effects that can affect your family. Spraying the mixture on the pet’s coat also works well when you are trying to eradicate fleas.