![]() ![]() 2011.Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergy to flea bites - and it’s actually super common in dogs. "Controlling and Preventing Fleas in Dogs." WebMD. "Ridding Your Home of Fleas." Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. "Flea Control and Prevention." Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education. ![]() "Non-Toxic Flea (and Tick!) Control." Alternatives 4 Animal Health. "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." John Wiley and Sons. "How to Control and Prevent Fleas on Your Dog." PetPlace. These little worms won't harm anything but fleas and garden parasites like grubs.Īs long as you treat your pet, home and yard, your dog's flea infestation will soon be nothing but a bad memory. There's a natural, safe option here, too: spraying your yard with nematodes. Professional pest-control companies can also handle fleas, but you'll want to make sure that the chemicals they use are safe for your dog. Treating your whole yard is ideal, but concentrate on areas your dog frequents, such as along the fence line and around his doghouse. Moist, shady areas are favorite flea playgrounds and breeding grounds, so clear out fallen leaves, pine needles, wood and debris from under trees and bushes. ![]() Outdoor flea-control products kill adult fleas and contain insect-growth regulators to catch immature fleas before they can mature. You'll notice the fleas as small, dark, flat-bodied insects, roughly the size of a comma. The heat from the light source attracts any nearby fleas, many of which will then get caught. Hang a light source over a sticky, disposable surface (flypaper works well) or a bowl of soapy water. Flea traps alone won't rid your house of fleas, but they can help determine how many adult fleas are still hanging around. Keep pets and children away from the house while you're treating it, and wait until the product has dried or dispersed to bring them back in. If you choose to avail yourself of these products, make sure to follow the directions carefully. While these products can be effective, they're also highly toxic. There are lots of insecticides available to kill fleas in your home, such as sprays, liquids and flea bombs, or foggers. Read on to find out why treating your dog is only the first step to getting rid of fleas. If you have other pets in the household, all of them must be treated for fleas at the same time using the appropriate medication. Also, you should never use flea-control products designed for dogs on cats, or vice versa. If your dog begins to drool heavily or shake after applying a flea control product, get him to the vet immediately. All flea-control products are poison and can harm your dog if not used properly. No matter what you decide to use, be sure to follow the directions exactly. Talk to your vet about which product is right for your dog. You could also try natural flea repellents, such as those made with cedar oil. Some also repel and kill other parasites like ticks and even prevent heartworm infestations. These products generally work to repel and kill adult fleas as well as flea eggs. Prescription medications are more expensive at first, but they're safer and work faster some claim to rid your dog of fleas in less than a day. ![]() There are over-the-counter products available to treat your dog, but they're not as effective as the products prescribed by your veterinarian. If you do suspect that your dog has fleas, it's important to get rid of the infestation as soon as possible. Fleas are also carriers for intestinal parasites like tapeworms. Puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems can become anemic or even die. The raw skin is also more vulnerable to bacterial infections, and your dog may get hot spots - areas of moist infection that spread and can be difficult to control. One bite may be enough to bring on the unbearable itching of flea-allergy dermatitis ( FAD). Besides the usual itching and scratching, some dogs are extra-sensitive to flea saliva. Scientists have identified nearly 2,000 species of fleas, but ironically, it's Ctenocephalides felis - the cat flea - that gives dogs the most grief.įleas can be more than just irritating. These tiny creatures with six legs and no wings can leap tall dogs in a single bound. It just takes a few fleas to begin a vicious cycle of infestation. A nasty little parasite lies in wait for your dog just outside your door: the flea. ![]()
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