Are those irritating little bloodsuckers driving your dog and you insane? Don't despair! Help is just in the next paragraph.
Fleas on the Command Center:
Puppies under twelve weeks should only be combed with a proper flea comb, designed to remove critters and eggs, from the skin out, every inch of the puppy's body. Keep two bowls of water beside you, one with mild dish detergent (soap), one with plain water. Once you comb a flea out, dip the comb in the soapy water to get the flea off, and rinse in the clean water bowl.
Puppies under twelve weeks should only be combed with a proper flea comb, designed to remove critters and eggs, from the skin out, every inch of the puppy's body. Keep two bowls of water beside you, one with mild dish detergent (soap), one with plain water. Once you comb a flea out, dip the comb in the soapy water to get the flea off, and rinse in the clean water bowl.
This procedure should be repeated daily. You can also use the combing method on older dogs if you wish, but for dogs over twelve weeks, the available treatments are more varied.
Natural Weapons:
Garlic has long been heralded with repelling bloodsuckers. Vampires and fleas beware! By keeping garlic in your dog's diet, he'll stay free of evil bloodsuckers that are out to make a meal out of him. A word of caution however, although garlic, in small amounts, is beneficial to a dog, too much has a toxic effect. If you're concerned about the amount your dog may be recieving, please do not hesitate to contact a homeopathic veterinarian for the correct amount for your dog's weight.
Garlic has long been heralded with repelling bloodsuckers. Vampires and fleas beware! By keeping garlic in your dog's diet, he'll stay free of evil bloodsuckers that are out to make a meal out of him. A word of caution however, although garlic, in small amounts, is beneficial to a dog, too much has a toxic effect. If you're concerned about the amount your dog may be recieving, please do not hesitate to contact a homeopathic veterinarian for the correct amount for your dog's weight.
Brewer's yeast is another food additive that naturally repels fleas. It should be noted, however, that neither of these natural additives will get rid of already-established fleas, but they do help prevent them from infesting.
More Holistic Warfare:
Combat Fleas and Ticks with Herbs and Essential Oils
Chemical Campaigns:
There's a number of flea-killers that are to be used "on the dog", some are preventative and work well to kill the bugs when infested, and some are for immediate extermination only. Some of these chemicals are available through prescription only.
Combat Fleas and Ticks with Herbs and Essential Oils
Chemical Campaigns:
There's a number of flea-killers that are to be used "on the dog", some are preventative and work well to kill the bugs when infested, and some are for immediate extermination only. Some of these chemicals are available through prescription only.
Advantage - A topical liquid that is dripped onto the back of the dog's neck, it will spread along the skin of the dog to kill fleas on contact. This product can be used year round, to be re-applied monthly if necessary, unless your dog has frequent contact with water, in which case it should be re-applied every second week.
Frontline (Plus, TopSpot, Spray) - Applied between the shoulder blades, Frontline claims to kill eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. Frontline contains Fipronil, an available by prescription only drug, and may have irritating side effects.
Biospot - contains Permethrin. Biospot claims to kill 92% of adult fleas on dogs within twenty-four hours, with a growth inhibitor effective up to three months after application to prevent fleas from reproducing. Please read this Fact Sheet on Permethrin before using any insecticides containing this carcinogen.
K9 Advantix - claims to repel fleas and other bloodsucking villians of the insect world. A once-a-month treatment, it claims to be safe for puppies seven weeks and older, however strongly cautions against use on cats. This is my own personal oppinion, but I would hesitate to use this product on young puppies or even adult dogs.
Routing the Enemy
Your dog, or yourself for that matter, will never be flea free until you've rid your home of eggs and larvae that are in your carpets, your furniture and your dog's bedding. The cheapest, and easiest trick I've ever heard of is using good old Mule Team Borax. Sprinkle your carpets, under your furniture cushions, and on top of anything upholstered, let sit for a couple of hours, and vacuum it up. Immediately empty your vacuum, or place your used vacuum bag into a garbage bag and dispose of it immediately. The Borax dries up the adults and larvae on contact, and unhatched eggs will sucked up along with the carcasses. Wash all sheets, bedding and removable covers in hot water with as much bleach as you can get away with (without ruining the items).
Routing the Enemy
Your dog, or yourself for that matter, will never be flea free until you've rid your home of eggs and larvae that are in your carpets, your furniture and your dog's bedding. The cheapest, and easiest trick I've ever heard of is using good old Mule Team Borax. Sprinkle your carpets, under your furniture cushions, and on top of anything upholstered, let sit for a couple of hours, and vacuum it up. Immediately empty your vacuum, or place your used vacuum bag into a garbage bag and dispose of it immediately. The Borax dries up the adults and larvae on contact, and unhatched eggs will sucked up along with the carcasses. Wash all sheets, bedding and removable covers in hot water with as much bleach as you can get away with (without ruining the items).
