How to get rid of fleas on my dog? 4 tips

Several recommendations on how to prevent or eliminate fleas that appear on dogs.

Man's best friend has now become the most pampered. Our furry friends are life companions and part of the family, and that is why in addition to taking care of their food and appearance, we are very concerned about their health.

In this sense, one of the most frequent problems with dogs is fleas. It is annoying for us, the owners, but undoubtedly they are the ones who suffer the most from it.

Visits to the veterinarian for this issue are not few, and it is well known that one of the main queries is.... how to eliminate fleas from my dog?

5 effective ways to get rid of fleas on a dog

Although prevention will always be the best tool, the appearance of these bugs is not something we can completely control.

Washing and brushing their fur frequently and vacuuming furniture or textures that tend to accumulate insects, are measures to keep the appearance of parasites under control, but if you still discover your dog scratching insistently one day, it is most likely that he already has them and you should apply some of these solutions to get rid of fleas on your pet.

1. Flea collar

This is the most popular product to get rid of fleas on dogs. Its mechanism of action is highly effective and there are brands that provide up to 8 months of protection.. However, for its action to be complete, some recommendations must be followed.

The first thing to do is to consult with your veterinarian about the type and brand of collar that best suits you, as this is determined according to the pest to be combated. Another important tip is to prefer recognized brands that comply with the required sanitary standards.

It is important to know that the substances contained in the flea collar are toxic to humans, so it should be placed using gloves, wash your hands after touching your dog and avoid prolonged and frequent contact with children to prevent any poisoning.

A tip to make your dog feel comfortable with the collar is to choose one according to its size or that is adjustable. When you put it on, leave a space of two fingers between his neck and the collar. If you use it for the first time, we have to be aware of possible allergic reactions..

So if you are wondering how to get rid of fleas from my dog, the flea collar is an excellent solution and it also works as a preventive method.

2. Pipettes

Flea pipettes are a fast, convenient and safe way to get rid of fleas on your dog.

They are ampoules with liquid inside ready for immediate use.. They are administered topically and with a single application they protect your dog for up to 4 weeks.

If you are leaning towards this option, you should know some important things to ensure its good performance. One important element is the brand you choose. There are some cheap alternatives on the market but they do not work as they should and in the end the expense is higher. and in the end the expense is higher, because in any case you will have to resort to another solution. It is better from the start to invest in a reputable brand of pipette, as this will ensure that we can get rid of fleas. Be careful to check the expiration date, as an expired pipette will not work.

And the most important thing: apply it correctly. It should be applied in three points along the back of our puppy's backneck, spine and near the tail. Be sure to put aside the coat and put the product on the scalp and not on the hair, otherwise it won't work. Oh, and something important: you should not bathe your dog for at least 48 hours.

3. Flea spray

If your puppy is already infested with fleas and it is not only a matter of preventing but also of eliminating fleas completelyflea spray is an excellent solution.

There are many brands and the vast majority are efficient and easy to apply. Just spray the product all over your pet's body, avoiding the eyes of both the animal and the person applying it, because it is very irritable.

The spray is of immediate action, unlike the pipette and the collar, because while you are applying it, you will be able to see how the fleas are dying.

Subject to the recommendations of the spray brand or your veterinarian, it is best to let the spray act for a few hours and then bathe and brush him to remove all the dead fleas that remain on his coat.

4. Flea shampoo

This alternative may work more as a preventive measure rather than as a solution to kill fleas on dogs, but it can be used if the problem has just started and few fleas have been detected, or also as a support to the flea collar or spray.

To use it, all you have to do is replace the shampoo you normally use to bathe your pet with an anti-flea shampoo of the brand of your choice. Some have a strong odor and others can irritate or dry your pet's skin. You can try two or three until you find the one that works best for your pet.

You can also try a homemade flea shampoo. Mix a couple of cups of hot water, a cup of alcohol and a few drops of dish soap. Then apply it in the same way as a conventional shampoo, leave it on for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. You can apply vinegar and let it act for a few minutes to finish brushing your dog very well and completely eliminate fleas.

Bibliographic references:

• Marcos Linardi, P. and Costa Santos, J.L. (2012). "Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): some issues in correctly identifying these species". Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária. 21 (4): 345.