Fleas are tiny bugs that cause big problems when they infest your home. They feed on blood and make both you and your dog itchy and uncomfortable.
Thinking about fleas on your dog can make you feel gross. But fleas are more than annoying—they can spread diseases to animals and humans, and they’re especially dangerous for dogs.
So, how do you get rid of fleas? It involves giving your dog medicine, bathing it, and vacuuming it often.
How To Spot Fleas on Dogs
If your dog is scratching a lot, especially around their backside and hind legs, they might have fleas. To start treating the issue, you need to check if there are fleas and make sure there are no other reasons for your dog’s scratching.
Seeing live fleas on your dog is hard because they move quickly. But you can look for signs of fleas, like “flea dirt,” which is flea poop. It looks like tiny black specks on your dog’s skin, where the fleas have been biting.
Dr. Stephanie Howe, a vet, explains that flea dirt is a sign that your dog has fleas. If you find it, it’s important to take action. Use a flea comb to search for these black specks on your dog’s skin, especially around the back end. If you find flea dirt, call your vet and start treating your dog for fleas right away.
How To Get Rid of Fleas Fast
Getting rid of fleas can take a long time, but there are products that can help. It’s best to prevent fleas in the first place by using flea prevention products every month. But if you already have fleas, you can still get rid of them quickly.
You’ll need a few products to treat your pet and home effectively.
Flea Comb
Even though medicine can start killing adult fleas quickly, you still need to check your pet for fleas every day. Use a special comb with fine teeth to remove fleas at every stage of their life. This combing is different from regular brushing because its goal is to knock off the fleas.
Dr. Sarah Wooten suggests using the flea comb in the bathtub. This way, any flea eggs or dirt can be washed away and won’t hatch in your carpet later. After combing, dip the comb in soapy water to drown any fleas or eggs you’ve removed.
If your pet has a lot of fleas, you’ll need to keep combing regularly to make sure you get rid of all the eggs. Set a reminder on your phone for your daily flea check. If you’re not sure how to use the flea comb or how often to check for fleas, ask your vet for help.
Medications
There are different kinds of flea medicines made to kill fleas on your pet. They come in various forms, and some also protect against other parasites like ticks, heartworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Your vet can choose the right medicine for your dog based on their health, size, and how bad the flea problem is.
Dog Flea Shampoo and Sprays
In addition to prescribed medicine, flea shampoos, and sprays can help control an active flea problem and give your dog quick relief. While bathing your dog, use a flea comb to remove any flea dirt or eggs from their fur.
The ingredients in medicated flea shampoos are meant to kill the fleas on your dog right away, but they may not prevent fleas from coming back later. Using a strong prescription flea medicine along with a medicated shampoo or spray can give your dog immediate relief and protect them from fleas in the long run. However, Dr. Howe mentions that a gentle oatmeal shampoo might work just as well and be less harsh on your dog’s skin compared to a flea shampoo.
Treating the Home for Fleas
Just like you take care to get rid of fleas from your pet, you also have to clean your home regularly. Vacuuming every other day is important. You can also use room sprays, powders, and other products along with medication to get rid of fleas and their eggs in areas where your dog spends time.
