The dog fleas they are a (sadly) widespread problem among all the four-legged friends of the house.
However, it is a disorder which, in addition to being extremely annoying for the beloved furbaby, can lead to important complications too when fleas attack an allergic pet (such as flea allergy dermatitis) or simply when the parasites are not eradicated quickly.
Here, then, are some useful remedies for fighting fleas and some advice to implement the correct preventionthus limiting the danger that these annoying insects may appear again in the future on Fido’s fur.
Dog fleas: how to recognize them?
Intercepting and recognizing fleas is quite simple. In general – in fact – when the dog is constantly scratching and has a strong itch, it is sufficient to push the hair away with a comb to check for the possible presence of these parasites in the dog’s body.
Once the unwelcome guests have been discovered, it will therefore be time to understand which is the most suitable of the remedies for dog fleas.
Your vet will be the only one capable of providing a definitive answer that takes into account the state of health of the dog, its habits and the degree of presence of parasites. In exclusively theoretical terms, however, nothing prevents you from arriving at the meeting with the specialist a little more prepared, that is, knowing in advance the main remedies against fleas in dogs.
Dog with fleas: what to do?
In the face of dog fleas there are various useful remedies. These are generally products which, available in different formats (ranging from vials to pipettes, from sprays to collars – choose carefully! – until to protective lotions), act as pesticides by eradicating these annoying insects. Furthermore, these protect, and consequently “reclaim”, the environment that the dog frequents every day.
The peculiarities of each of these veterinary drugs must be analyzed with the help of the veterinarian who will be able to easily indicate the most suitable product for the individual dog according to its clinical history, but also its age, breed and size. In general, however, you can choose a different format for the pesticides depending on the age and habits of your furry friend.
In fact, it must be borne in mind that each pesticide has its own composition and the medicine inside changes and must be measured on the basis of the weight of the pets because only the pesticide suitable for the weight of our furry friend ensures its complete protection from dog parasites.
When to use the pesticide?
After what has been seen so far, however, it is good to remember that there is an age from which these products can be used.
For newborn puppies, and by the way within the first 7/8 weeks of lifethe use of chemical pesticides is in fact strongly discouraged.
How to get fleas out of a puppy dog?
Obviously, in this case, it is essential to intervene as soon as possible because these parasites can be dangerous for the delicate health of our baby.
Since specific products are banned, however, you will have to arm yourself with a lot of patience and proceed manually to flea removal. The little ones, therefore, must be washed in warm water and then dried with a damp cloth.
How to get rid of fleas on dogs?
At this point, with a flea comb, you will have to look for the parasites one by one and then remove them by killing them by immersing them in a pot of boiling water.
Now it will be essential to proceed with the elimination of fleas also from the mother and then eliminate the fleas in the house. In fact, the baby will only have been temporarily freed from the annoying parasites since, not having specific protection, he can be infested again as soon as he comes into contact with fleas again.
In light of what has been said so far, it is clear that eliminating dog fleas is a process that requires work and patience and that must be addressed in the best way to ensure that our furry friend enjoys good health and is fit.
Flea prevention in dogs
To prevent the possible appearance (or reappearance) of other parasites, however, there are also a series of good practices useful for the prevention against dog fleas.
1. Respect the doses of anti-flea
Some natural remedies, which are real pesticides 100% greenfor example, can be used in complete tranquility for bathing Fido at any time of the year.
It’s also useful respect the administration schedule pesticide annuals.
2. Check the dog’s coat
Careful inspection of the dog’s coat after every walk outdoorsFurthermore, it is another method of prevention indicated against dog fleas because it allows you to recognize them in time and eliminate them from the first appearance.
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Article reviewed by:
Francesco Reina
Veterinary assistant