Protect Your Dog From Fleas: A Guide
Ask anyone with a dog, and they will tell you that they are an incredible joy. They’re so excited when they see us and when they get to play. They also do funny things that we can’t wait to share with the rest of the world.
For these reasons, you’ll do anything you can to keep your dog safe, and of course you want to protect your dog from fleas.
Investing in flea prevention is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s safety. Fleas and other pests can make your dog miserable and even make them sick.
Below are some tips to help protect your dog from fleas. Please note that while these tips will reduce the likelihood of fleas, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate all risks.
Flea Prevention Begins with Bathing Often
The best way to protect your dog from fleas and other pests is by bathing often. Lukewarm water and mild soap are all you need to help aid in flea removal. Something as simple as dish soap is effective at drowning adult fleas.
You should do extra scrubbing if your dog has loose skin and/or wrinkles.
When you bathe your pet, check the pads of their feet. An inspection can alert you to debris stuck in their pads and potential injuries. Pests like fleas and ticks have an attraction to blood.
If you see open wounds, address them immediately to help stave off pests.
If you want to use flea shampoo to protect your dog from fleas, consult your dog’s vet first. Some shampoos can dry out your pet’s skin and leach oils from their skin. If your pet has a flea allergy, it may be especially sensitive to flea shampoo.
Irritation and raw spots on your pet’s body can suffer exacerbation from flea shampoo as well. The chemicals in these products can make the condition even worse.
Your pet doesn’t need a bath every day – once a week should be enough to help keep them healthy. If they have a flea infestation or other pest condition, they may need baths more often to help protect your dog from fleas. If they have fleas, you should talk to the vet for guidance.
Flea Collars
Flea collars are a tried-and-true method of preventing fleas. Flea collars do not address fleas in the home or help with an existing flea infestation. Flea collars are excellent at providing long-term protection against infestations, however.
Some collars can work up to as long as six to eight months to protect your dog from fleas. The collars contain insecticides that kill pests on contact.
Collars vary, so you may always need to leave them on your dog. Other kinds of collars may only need to be worn when your dog goes outdoors.
Flea collars are not a replacement for your dog’s regular collar. You should not use them with a leash. If your dog doesn’t like wearing two collars, you must use another method to protect your dog from fleas.
Keep Your Lawn Trimmed
Pests like fleas and ticks live in tall grass. Dogs like to explore, and if you don’t keep an eye on them, they will wander into areas with tall grass. Do your best to protect your dog from fleas by keeping your pet from exploring areas with grass that grows past their paws.
You can also keep your pet safe by making sure your grass is kept short. Maintain a low length on the edge of sidewalks, the fence line, sheds, trees, grills, furniture, or anything else in your yard.
These efforts are important, especially in regard to ticks. Ticks are notorious for living in tall grass and can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
Use Flea Spray
Flea spray is an excellent method to protect your dog from fleas. The sprays go on your pet’s skin and coat. You can apply the spray before your dog does something that may put it into potential contact with fleas.
Some of these scenarios can include going to the park, interacting with other dogs, or hiking in the woods. Be sure to check the directions on the spray bottle before you use it. You cannot use some sprays as often as others.
Not all sprays protect against multiple pests. Some sprays only protect your dog from fleas, so if you want comprehensive coverage, you may need to shop around for the right spray.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a DIY home solution. It doesn’t kill fleas, but it is effective at preventing them. Fleas don’t like the smell or taste of apple cider vinegar.
If you spray it on your pet’s fur, they are likely to avoid your pet. Dilute the vinegar with water and add it to a spray bottle. If your pet doesn’t like getting sprayed, dip a brush in the mixture and apply it the next time you decide to brush your pet’s fur.
Helping You Rid Your Home of Troublesome Pests
Using flea prevention methods on your pet can keep it happy and healthy. Preventing fleas can be as simple as bathing, using a flea collar, flea spray, and apple cider vinegar. You can also keep your grass cut short to prevent tall grass that pests will want to make their home.
At Pest Management Systems, we specialize in ridding your home of annoying creatures you hate seeing. We offer bed bug removal, termite extermination, rodent control, and other services.
If you suspect you have a pest problem, call us so we can help you keep your home just for you.
