At some point or another every dog owner will unfortunately experience an invasion of fleas, burrowing down into their pet’s coat and possibly taking up residence in this new host. It can be a very difficult task to rid your home of these very unwelcome jumping, biting insects which can pose some serious health risks for your dog.
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Information on Fleas
Fleas are tiny reddish-brown, wingless insects or parasites that feed on blood and thrive in a moist, warm environment. They target animals (called hosts) where they can receive continuous sustenance via blood.
Fleas maintain a lively existence through their incredible ability to jump distances of up to 200 times their own size or roughly 13 inches.
The life span of an adult flea can actually be several months sometimes up to a year, depending upon the environment and availability of a host. Adult fleas can even go for months without feeding which is how they can easily survive in your home, living in carpets and furniture.
How a Flea Infestation Happens
What makes fleas so difficult to get rid of is their perpetual life cycle. Within as little as 24 hours after a female flea feeds on her host she can lay as many as 20 eggs, usually on the host. The eggs are tiny, translucent and smooth and can easily slide from the dog onto carpeting, furniture or into floor cracks.
As long as warm temperatures exist (70% humidity and approximately 80 degrees) an egg can hatch in just 2 to 12 days and will become a fully grown flea in no time. In less than 3 weeks just one flea can go through it’s entire life cycle laying hundreds of eggs which is why a flea infestation can so easily happen.
Why Dogs Get Fleas
Dogs are primary targets for blood-thirsty fleas. Their coat and body heat provides a warm, dark hiding place for fleas where they can feed and lay their eggs.
Dogs will typically get fleas from being outdoors or from other animals. Fleas, being the great jumpers they are, can easily jump from animal to animal.
If a dog is without any type of flea protection to repel these nasty, hearty parasites, the animal will be virtually defenseless against a flea.
Health Problems Caused by Fleas
Fleas can make a pet feel downright miserable. The most common problems for a dog with fleas is constant itching, scratching, biting or chewing at the area where they are being bitten.
Many dogs suffer from an allergic reaction to flea bites known as flea allergy dermatitis. Extreme sensitivity to flea saliva can cause dog hot spots where the dog will continuously gnaw at the area causing redness and sores.
Tape worms are another health problem caused by fleas. When a dog swallows a flea, a tape worm can develop in the dog’s stomach. The tape worm’s life cycle produces microscopic tape worm eggs which are passed in a dog’s feces and a flea will then eat that egg.
The flea finds a dog to feed off, the dog bites at and swallows the flea, and the cycle continues.
A flea infestation can also result in anemia, particularly in younger animals like puppies. When a young animal is infested with blood-sucking fleas that multiply like crazy, parasitic anemia can occur which could even result in significantly impaired health if not treated immediately.
Common Types of Flea Control and Treatment
Once you’ve begun to experience a problem with fleas it is very important to act immediately and get the situation under control. It is very difficult to get rid of fleas, so persistence and patience is needed. You must treat both your pet and your home for fleas. Doing one without the other is useless. To rid your home of fleas you must eliminate the live fleas, eggs and larvae.
Disclaimer: Always check with your Vet when trying new treatments.
Commercial Products
For a difficult flea problem you will most likely need to use a commercial product like a flea bomb with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) which will have longer lasting effects (typically up to 200 days). You will need to ensure that a flea is killed in every stage of its life cycle. Killing only live fleas will have little impact on the problem because when the eggs hatch the fleas are back.
You will need to vacuum carpets and clean furniture frequently, mop floors and give your house a thorough cleaning to help rid your home of flea dirt, eggs, and larvae.
Bathing your pet is also necessary to rid your dog of fleas. Flea control for dogs can consist of using a good flea shampoo, sprays, powders and flea collars that contain the right protective ingredients.
Natural Flea Control
You may also choose to use a natural flea treatment without the use of chemically treated products.
There are many different types of natural flea remedies that you can try if you prefer a more natural way to eliminate fleas and keep fleas at bay (affiliate links):
- Bath your pet with a herbal shampoo or for organic flea control try an organic pet shampoo. This article can help you decide which is an appropriate shampoo for your dog.
- Use a flea comb on your dog’s coat to find fleas and eggs.
- Try adding garlic or brewers yeast in small amounts to your dog diet since fleas apparently hate the taste.
- Apply oil of lavender to the base of your pet’s tail and around their neck to help with itching.
- Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar with water to spray on your pet and rub into their skin to make it acidic to help repel fleas.
- Frequently wash all dog bedding in extremely hot water.
- Herbal flea collars and pet beds with cedar wood shavings may also be helpful.
Flea control for puppies must be handled much more carefully. Commercial flea products are too harsh for pups and should never be used if they are under 8 weeks of age.
Natural flea treatment is the way to go with a puppy or a chemical-free flea control product.
Checking with your veterinarian is the best advice in order to determine the right course of action for a puppy flea treatment and flea control for puppies in general.
How to Prevent Fleas on Dogs
Preventing fleas in dogs involves a combination of regular grooming, maintaining a clean environment, and using preventive medications. Here are some effective ways that can help prevent dogs from getting fleas:
- Regular grooming: Brushing your dog regularly helps to remove any fleas or flea dirt (flea feces) from the coat before they have a chance to lay eggs. This also helps you to notice any signs of fleas early on.
- Bathing: Regular baths with a flea shampoo (affiliate link) can help kill and remove fleas from your dog’s coat. However, be cautious not to over-bathe your dog, as it can strip the skin of natural oils.
- Environmental control: Fleas can live in your home and yard, so it’s important to treat these areas as well. Keep your home and yard clean by vacuuming regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Wash your dog’s bedding frequently and consider using flea sprays or foggers in your home if infestations occur.
- Use flea preventatives: There are various flea preventatives available, including spot-on treatments, oral medications, collars, and shampoos. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which option is best for your dog based on his age, health status, and lifestyle.
- Regular vet check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and discuss flea prevention strategies. Your vet can also help you identify any signs of fleas or flea-related issues early on.
- Prevent contact with infested animals: Avoid contact between your dog and animals known to have fleas, as this can increase the risk of flea infestation.
- Keep grass and shrubs trimmed: Fleas thrive in tall grass and shrubs, so keeping your lawn well-maintained can help reduce the risk of flea infestations in your yard. Definitely dissuade your dog from chewing on the grass, as many dogs are inclined to do, especially if feeling a little unwell.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog getting fleas and keep him healthy and comfortable.