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Inside, pick up and wash in hot water all the bedding that your dog has been using. Throw out old beds that may contain several life stages of fleas. You may need to wash your own bedding, too, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Carefully vacuum everywhere, taking special care in areas your dog uses most, as well as on and under furniture, against walls, and anywhere else that hair may collect and fleas may hide. You may put a piece of flea collar inside your vacuum bag to help kill fleas you pick up, and throw away the bag when you are done so they don’t get a chance to get back out. Vacuum at least every other day for the best results.
Pick a day every week to wash and dry your pet’s bedding, follow it with a thorough vacuuming, and then bathe your pet or have a professional help with a grooming while you clean at home. Apply shampoo near the head and tail of your dog first, as this will help prevent the fleas from running to those areas to escape drowning. Be sure to use a pet shampoo that won’t dry your dog’s skin, and rinse and dry your dog’s coat as thoroughly as possible. Then your dog can return to a cleaner environment with fresh bedding. It may also be a good time to wash those icky food and water bowls, which should also be done daily. Brush your dog daily (ideally, outside) to reduce shedding around the house and keep your dog’s coat in good condition.
There are a variety of chemical treatments you can use in your home, yard, and on your pet to kill and protect against fleas. The drawbacks include potential health risks to you and your pet. Remember that anything applied to your dog’s skin is absorbed and passed throughout the animal’s bloodstream internally. It also will be absorbed by your skin when you pet your dog, and passed through your bloodstream. If you decide to use any of these products, research them thoroughly first and follow directions carefully. Know what chemicals are in the product, how they operate, and what the risks involved with using them are. You may try using an herbal flea collar that is impregnated by insect-repellant oils. Take care when researching collars that say “organic” or “herbal”, as they may still contain chemicals which may be harmful to you and your dog. Know what is in the product before you use it! Ask your veterinarian about these products as well, and be sure to mention your dog’s age and health, including past history.
You may also research healthier alternatives, such as a lemon rinse. The chemical d-limonene, an agent used in some commercial topical flea-killers, can be obtained by simply slicing a whole lemon (include the rind), bringing it near to boil in a pint of water, and letting it steep overnight. Pull out the lemon slices and rub the rinse in your dog’s coat. Pouring the rinse in a spray bottle with a fine mist may be helpful in applying it to the coat. Rub it in right down to the skin and let it dry. It smells nice, though the smell goes away quickly. It should help to repel and kill fleas and ease irritated skin, and it won’t do any harm. You can use it as often as you like.
Some recommend using diatomaceous earth against walls and under furniture. It kills fleas which contact it by drying and slicing up their exoskeletons. Be careful where you place it, as it can be harmful if inhaled. Flea traps are another alternative that, when not accessible by your pets, can be helpful and safe for your family.
There has been some debate about the effectiveness and risks of garlic and other supplements, such as brewer’s yeast. Be aware that garlic is something that may be harmful if given in excess. Again, do some research on your own and ask your veterinarian about any supplements before you feed them. Do research your dog’s diet and feed him the best you can afford. If he is healthy internally, he’ll be able to battle fleas on his own even better.
Of course, any treatment should include daily flea combing. You may need to experiment with flea combs that help you catch and see and kill fleas most effectively. Use a brightly-lit room where you can quickly dispose of fleas and dander from the combing process. Bathrooms generally work best, as you can flush away anything you find.
Fleas can be a source of great frustration for dogs and their owners. Do what you can to prevent the problem from becoming overwhelming, and you’ll all rest a bit easier.
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