3 ways to kill dog fleas

Flea season can be a nightmare for you and your dog if you don't know how to kill them. Some areas will stay warm all year round, which can lead to a larger population of fleas. Prevention is the best thing to do, but there are also ways to kill fleas once they have taken hold on your favorite pet.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Administer drug treatments

Step 1. Wash your dog with anti-tick and flea shampoo

While your dog's regular shampoo and dish soap may be enough to kill fleas, if you need something stronger, you can try a special flea and tick control shampoo.

Read the shampoo label carefully to know the correct way to use it on your dog.
Rinse your dog with hot water and rub the shampoo on his fur.
Leave the shampoo on the dog for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with hot water.
Flea shampoos usually contain pyrethrins, a type of chemical used to kill fleas.
They help kill fleas and ticks that are already on the dog.

Step 2. Buy flea spray

Flea and tick sprays are available as an aerosol or in a bottle with a pump.

For best results, choose a spray that contains a product that kills adult fleas and limits flea growth. This kind of product assures you that both adult fleas and their eggs are destroyed.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions and the directions on the product label.
Spray the dog in a well ventilated area and avoid spraying the product in the dog's eyes.
Wear gloves when spraying the dog to protect yourself.
When spraying sensitive areas, such as the dog's face, spray the product on your glove and rub the dog instead of running the risk of spraying the product in the dog's eyes, mouth or ears.

Step 3. Use flea powder

You can usually buy flea powder on prescription from the vet and it works the same as the spray.

Read the instructions on the label to determine the correct use. If you are unsure of anything, ask your vet before applying the powder to the dog.
Typically, you apply the powder by sprinkling a thin layer on the dog's fur and leaving it to work without touching it. Be aware, however, that the powder tends to leave a grainy feel to the fur and that you will need to reapply it regularly.
Start with the dog's head and continue working your way backwards making sure the powder penetrates all the way to the dog's skin.
Sprinkle some powder on the dog's diaper as well.
Repeat once a week if necessary.

Step 4. Prepare a flea bath

Flea baths should be given to the dog after the flea infestation begins.

Mix the product as directed on the label. Seek advice from your veterinarian if necessary.
A flea bath requires soaking the dog in a diluted drug solution. There are also solutions that you can apply to the dog's fur after soaking it. Apply these two kinds of drugs and do not try to use them topically.
Use these medicines in well ventilated areas.
Most products that you apply when the dog is wet should be left on the fur and should not be rinsed off.
These products usually contain chemicals like pyrethrins, permethrins, and organophosphates.

Step 5. Put on a flea collar on your dog

Flea collars can vary in quality, many of them have a limited area of effectiveness and only kill fleas that are near the collar (i.e. around the dog's ears and shoulders). However, good quality collars can help you repel or kill fleas when used correctly. Make sure you choose an appropriate collar for your dog's age and weight.

Slide two fingers under the collar to see if it is loose enough without being too tight.
Cut off the length of the collar that protrudes after you install the collar on the dog. Do not let the dog bite the end of the collar.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions for use so you know how long the collar will last and what you should avoid doing. Some collars may be more effective when wet.
Watch the dog's neck under the collar and remove it if you notice any irritation on the skin.

Method 2 of 3: Use flea prevention methods

Step 1. Apply flea control product every month

Monthly treatments are among the most effective and popular methods of preventing flea infestation.

You will need a prescription from your veterinarian for most topical medications.
Apply a few drops or the contents of a vial of the product where indicated. Some medications tell you to apply them between the dog's shoulder blades while others are to be applied to other places. Put the medicine directly on your dog's skin, not on his fur.
These drugs kill the adult fleas that are found on the dog and bite it. They are usually effective for a month.
Some products also kill eggs, but not all products.
The drug should be applied monthly throughout the year. If you live in an area where it freezes regularly during the winter, you might use these products less often during the winter, as the fleas will not be active.

Step 2. Give your dog a flea pill every month

Ask your vet for advice on which flea pills you can give your dog each month.

Give him the pill once a month while he eats.
Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the correct dosage for you depending on your companion's weight.
After treatment, when a female flea bites your dog, she ingests a chemical called lufenurone. This substance reaches the eggs and prevents them from hatching. However, this substance does not kill adult fleas which is why it takes a little while before you see results.
During any treatment, it is important to observe how your pet reacts. Observe the treated area to see if there is no reaction and if your friend's skin is degrading or turning red, stop using it.

Method 3 of 3: Try natural flea treatments

Step 1. Wash your dog

Often times, just washing your dog with warm water and mild dish soap or a simple dog shampoo will kill any fleas they have in their fur.

It is best to use this treatment in cases of light to medium infestation, but it may be less effective in cases of heavier infestation.
Use only dishwashing liquids without coloring or fragrance for sensitive skin. Stop treatment if your dog has a bad reaction to the dish soap. After using the dish soap, use a dog conditioner to prevent the dish soap from drying out your dog's skin.
Soap and rinse your dog once a week. You could damage the dog's skin and cause it to dry out by washing it more often (especially if you wash it with dish soap).
The soap traps the fleas and makes them fall from the dog. In addition, it disrupts the cell membrane of the fleas and deprives them of their protective waxes. The flea can no longer retain water and dies of dehydration.

Step 2. Comb your dog with a special flea comb

You can use a special comb, but you can also use any fine tooth comb that has a very fine space between each tooth.

Flea combs are used to physically remove fleas from the dog's coat.
Paint your dog from top to bottom. As you comb it, make sure that the comb reaches down to its skin. If you only comb the fur without reaching the skin, some fleas may remain there after your passage.
You should immediately immerse the comb in a bucket of hot, soapy water once you have caught a flea. This soap-based mixture should be enough to kill the fleas.

Step 3. Repel fleas with lemon juice

By applying lemon juice to the dog's fur, you may be able to kill fleas. Use it with caution, however, as you could dry out the dog's skin with the lemon juice.

Combine equal parts lemon juice and hot water in a shallow bowl.
Alternatively, you can also cut a lemon into quarters and immerse it in boiling water. Let the lemon steep for eight hours or overnight before collecting the liquid.
Dip the dog's brush or comb into the lemon mixture and brush the dog to coat its lemon fur on contact with the brush. Make sure to brush the dog well and dip the brush in the water and lemon mixture after each pass.
Use this method once a day for three days.

Step 4. Treat your dog with apple cider vinegar

You can apply apple cider vinegar to a specific area on your dog.

Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle. Cover the dog's fur with this repellent by spraying it all over the dog's body, but focusing on areas where fleas prefer to congregate, such as behind the ears, at the base of the tail and under the paws.
If your dog's skin becomes strangely dry, or if you suspect your dog is having a bad reaction to the vinegar, stop all treatment immediately.

Step 5. Try brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast is a natural preventative treatment and is an attractive alternative to more harmful chemicals. The evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, but it seems that brewer's yeast has an effect on the total number of fleas.

Add brewer's yeast to your dog's diet every day or every other day. Ask your vet what the best dosage is for your dog's weight and age. Do not try to determine the dosage yourself without the prior approval of your veterinarian.
Brewer's yeast can eventually get to your dog's skin and will be excreted through the pores. The skin and the fur then become less pleasant for the fleas which makes them leave.

Step 6. Prepare a rosemary bath

This approach has not been scientifically confirmed, but there is anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness in repelling fleas. Give your dog a rosemary flavored bath and let it dry naturally.

Infuse 500 ml of fresh rosemary sprigs in boiling water for 30 minutes. Use enough water to completely cover the rosemary.
Strain the liquid and discard the leaves.
Add about 4 liters of hot water to the rosemary water. Use less water for a smaller dog.
Let cool slightly. The water should be hot, but not so hot that you will scald your dog.
Pour the mixture over the dog so that it is completely wet. Leave to dry.

Step 7. Apply lavender essential oil

This approach has not been scientifically confirmed, but there is anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness in repelling fleas. You only need a few drops of lavender essential oil to put in key places for this method to be effective.

Wash your dog normally with warm water and soap. Dry it with a towel.
Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the base of the tail and a few to the neck. Use your fingers to gently massage the oil and work it into the fur and skin.

Advice

Clean up anything that has been in contact with your pet to prevent fleas from getting fleas again after treatment is complete

Warnings

Do not expose a cat to dog medication. Many chemicals used in treating fleas in dogs are toxic to cats and could even cause them to die.
Be careful when combining different flea control methods, it may be best to consult a vet before combining different treatments.
Many flea treatments are powerful and can be harmful to humans in prolonged contact with them. Use gloves when possible and always wash your hands thoroughly after giving your dog the treatment.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children should avoid contact with most flea treatments. Consult the dosage to learn more about the precautions to take.