Make Your Dog’s Fleas Flee
Did you know that fleas could probably well be the best creatures in the field of reproduction? With more than 2,400 species, female fleas have the ability to give birth to 25,000 more in just a month. Even when a flea is not fed, it would survive for a couple of months. And when chemicals are used to get rid of fleas in dogs, the eggs are unaffected. Fleas seem to be very good in altering the make-up of their bodies to resist pesticides.
This is very unfortunate for our pet dogs. Fleas are the biggest menace to dogs of all kinds. Fleas that infest dogs are very much unlike those of cats and humans. Once a flea takes a bite on a dog, it is able to inject their saliva to stop the clotting while they suck up blood. The saliva they inject often results to allergic reactions to the infested dog.
Flea infestation on a dog can cause anemia, tapeworms and allergic dermatitis. The eggs of fleas are not laid on the dog but mostly in the bedding of your dog or on other furniture. Although it is almost quite impossible to totally eliminate all fleas, you can instead aim to control them and keep your dog comfortable especially in the flea season.
The signs of flea infestation in a dog are manifested with bites that appear like red and small pimples. There might be some black and grainy material visible on the coat, as well as some reddened and irritated areas on its back. Your dog could also be scratching more frequently than it normally does.
The most effective method of controlling your dog’s fleas is by eradicating the fleas on your dog and in your house. Try to bring your dog to a dog grooming specialist so that he can be bathed with flea shampoo that has been approved by a veterinarian. This has proven to be more effective compared to just spraying him using a residual pesticide, which has only a small or zero lasting effect.
While your dog is outside the house, have a company spray some chemical treatments to your furniture and carpets. There are companies that can usually promise your home to be flea-free for a year.
There are those dogs that are more bothered by pesticides than fleas. Dog products like shampoos, sprays, dog collars and powders all have a high content of pesticide in them.
Also observe your dog. If he is scratching more often than he normally does, medication prescribed by his veterinarian could be necessary for the itching. It also essential to consult with his veterinarian regarding the dog products that you can use on your dog to get rid of his fleas. This is because there are numerous products available on the market today that claim they can rid your dog of fleas but turn out to be ineffective and even pose more harm to your dog.
It is also important to routinely vacuum your upholstered furniture, carpets and even the bedding of your dog. Put a moth crystal or a cut-off piece of a dog flea collar inside the bag of your vacuum cleaner to kill the adult fleas you vacuum. You can even try to vacuum your dog if he allows you. You could also use a flea comb to groom him everyday. However, do not be surprised if you find an occasional flea on your dog, which he could have brought in from outside or from another dog. Remember that you can only try to manage them and not totally eliminate them.
