20 Ways To Get Rid of Fleas On Your Dog

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Fleas are persistent critters; a source of pain for our furry friend and a nuisance for us humans. They cause health problems in dogs if left untreated. Here are 20 ways to get rid of fleas on your dog.

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Diatomaceous Earth

The diatomaceous earth has multiple uses in various industries and it also helps to get rid of fleas. Get some food-grade diatomaceous earth and sprinkle them in areas with flea infestation. They kill the fleas immediately upon contact.

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Diet Supplements

You can opt for special diet supplements that work as a flea repellent. Regularly include them in your dog’s diet to prevent flea infestation. These diet supplements should typically contain omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, and brewer’s yeast as ingredients to work.

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Flea Shampoo

You can buy custom formulated flea shampoos from the vet or from the supermarket. Use the flea shampoo to regularly bathe your dog. These formulations not only kill the fleas but also remove their eggs to prevent another flea outbreak. Do not forget to read the instruction manual and apply the shampoo accordingly.

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Flea Traps

Make use of flea traps to keep your home safe from flea infestation. You have to set up the flea traps in your home. These traps are sticky in nature, and they attract the adult fleas to them, and traps them on the pads. It is a quick way to get rid of the flea population in your home.

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Flea Medication

Often vets prescribe flea medications in extreme cases. Fleas are a source of constant pain for your dog. They bite your dog and suck their blood. The flea medications are orally administered, and they work from the inside out to get rid of the fleas from your dog.

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Flea Collars

If you do not want to always use medication, you can opt for the alternative: flea collars. Like the usual dog collars, these collars gradually release chemicals to kill the fleas. Ensure to buy a well-fitted collar. Replace the collar periodically, or as mentioned by the manufacturer.

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Flea Bandanas

If you do not want to use a flea collar (they can be costly), you can make a dog bandana to repel the fleas. Infuse the bandana with natural essential oils like lemongrass and rosemary; these oils act as flea repellents.

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Flea Drops

You can use medical flea drops and other vet recommended topical treatment options to get rid of fleas on your dog. These drops are applied directly on your dog’s skin. They create a long-term protective cover on the skin, and kill the fleas instantly on contact.

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Flea Combs

Dogs love their coat brushing time. Buy a fine-toothed comb and use it to get rid of not just the fleas but also their eggs too. Sit with a solution of soapy water. Dip the flea comb in the soapy water after each stroke to disinfect it and kill the critters.

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Grass and Yard Debris

Fleas thrive in dirt and dense areas. Maintaining your yard should be high on the list of priorities. Mow the lawn regularly, cut tall grasses, and remove any accumulated dirt from the yard.

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Get More Plants

If you love gardening, this is another reason to go ahead with a plant garden. Plants like marigold, rosemary, and lavender act as natural repellents for fleas. How? They emit scents that fleas and other insects find repelling, and thus cannot survive for long.

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Natural Solutions

You can also make use of natural flea remedies to get rid of fleas. These are easily available and some can be prepared at home. Squeeze a few lemon drops or use a few drops of apple cider vinegar, and mix with water to create a spray solution. Similarly, dilute some drops of essential oils like eucalyptus to create a solution. Spray them on your dog’s fur.

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Outdoor Cleanliness

Buy flea control products off the shelf and sprinkle them generously on outdoor spaces where your dog spends most of the time. This could be the outdoor furniture, the year, and the patio. This is often your first step to prevent fleas from being carried inside by the dog.

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Regular Grooming

This cannot be emphasized enough! Grooming your dog is part of their maintenance and best for building a bond with them. Brushing their coats helps to remove dust and debris. Brushing helps to distribute natural skin oil evenly on the fur, making it inhospitable for the fleas to thrive.

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Steam Cleaning

Dogs love to spend time relaxing on rugs and carpets. Fleas and their eggs can find a comfortable place to snuggle in these home decor items. Steam clean them and other upholstery items to remove flea eggs hiding deep within textile fibers.

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Sunbathing

Fleas thrive in damp, dense, and dirty areas. This makes sunbathing a natural flea killer. Dogs love to spend time in the sun and now you have another reason to let them bask in the sunlight for longer hours. It has been seen that fleas do not like sunlight and are unlikely to survive for long.

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Treat Other Pets

Fleas do not trouble dogs only. Any pet in your home can become a host for flea infestation. Your dog can get fleas from your other pets. Therefore, it is not enough to treat your pet dog only. You have to treat other pets and get rid of fleas from them.

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Vacuuming

Fleas do not exist only on dogs. They can spread and infest in your home. Use a vacuum to clean areas where your dog spends time regularly, specifically after coming from the outside. Dispose of the vacuum dirt bag immediately to prevent infestation.

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Wash Dog Bedding

It has been often seen that the fabric fibers in dog bedding hide flea eggs and larvae. They are particularly difficult to remove, even with vacuuming. Make a conscious effort to wash all dog bedding and upholstery to break the cycle of flea infestation.

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Professional Pest Control

If nothing works, you have no other option than to call for professional pest control services. Homes with severe flea infestations should consult a professional service provider because now it is not about getting rid of fleas just from your dog. The home needs to be saved. Service providers will create and implement a detailed treatment plan.