Flea Treatment Dog
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Fleas can be seen with the naked eye on a dog. Check on the back, tail, stomach, thighs and neck either by spreading the hair apart or by combing the hair with a dog flea comb. One easy way to check for fleas is to place a wet paper towel under your dog and then to see if the fleas drop onto the towel when the hair is combed. The fleas will look like specks of pepper or dried blood.
Flea Treatment Dog
Flea Medication for Dogs
These approaches to canine flea treatment are thought to be most effective and have the fewest side effects. This includes topicals which are applied directly to the skin such as Frontline Plus and Advantage. They are applied to the back between the shoulders so that the dog cannot lick it off. It then spreads throughout the skin. The produts are made to only be absorbed into the skin and not your dog's body.
Other approaches to fleas include a pill given every 30 days (Progam flea control for dogs, Capstar). These are also available only with a prescription. Capstar only kills fleas for 24 hours and is used right after an infestation. Program flea control for dogs is available via an injection that prevents fleas for 6 months or in a pill form which lasts for 30 days.
Flea treatment dog products can work fast with topicals stopping the biting in up to 5 minutes after treatment.
Other Approaches to Flea Medication for Dogs
There are several types of flea control products for dogs available over the counter. These include dog flea collars, shampoos and dips.
Dog Flea Shampoo: There is a natural shampoo called PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo that contains natural ingredients designed to repel fleas (also helps deter flies and mosquitoes). If you dog is frequently exposed to areas that contain fleas, than this is a safe and natural approach to the problem. This approach can also be a helpful way to naturally keep dogs from that are itchy from a reaction to the flea bites from scratching themselves.
Dog Flea Dip: Flea dips such as Dermisil mix with your dog's shampoo to make them familiar with your dog. When your dog is bathed in the dip/shampoo combination it kills the fleas on contact. This approach is helpful for large infestations which should then be followed up with the use of a topical for continued prevention.
Dog Flea Collar: Collars can be helpful as part of a flea prevention program. The collar should fit properly which means you should only be able to get 2 fingers inside of the collar when it is placed around your dog's neck. Change the collar if it gets wet.
Flea Itch: There is
a homeopathic topical available to help with flea itch. The
product, FleaDerm
, helps soothes the ares that surround dog flea bites.
Flea Treatment Dog in the Home
Fleas can leap from a dog to people and can contaminate a house. Start by thoroughly vacuuming all areas where your dog has wandered. Dispose of the vacuum back out of the home immeidately after vacuuming them up.For added protection in the home consider a safe environmental spray designed for indoor use such as Benzarid. It uses benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient to kill any remaining fleas in the home.
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