How to Protect Your Dog and Home From Fleas

Got a potential flea infestation in your home?  Here’s how to determine if fleas are the culprit and address the issue safely and effectively.

Dogs are flea magnets! Fleas are extremely persistent and, despite their miniature sizes, they are extremely agile. They easily jump from one host to another and stay on even when their host is gone.  Invariably, dogs get fleas and ticks by entering and/or spending time with dirt that has been contaminated by the presence and presence of fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks transfer the flea allergy onto the host that is feeding them and results in the further irritation of the skin.

The flea epidemic during last summer, which left many dogs home alone scared and stressed out, was such a huge problem that this wrenching experience left many families completely shattered.  Fleas are by nature parasites feeding on the blood of their host. The parasites lay eggs that harden and hatch in about ten days to become small floaters that move about in search of a blood host to suck blood from.

In addition to using insecticides that contain IGRs in your home, there are other measures you can take to get the flea outbreak under control.  Frequent vacuuming of both furniture, flooring, and carpets is one way:

You want to kill off fleas and ticks by pulling up the dry mass of fleas, ticks, and eggs. Place the vacuum over the entire area of the house. The noise of the cleaner should deter the fleas and ticks.  After thoroughly vacuuming the entire house, be sure to empty the vacuum immediately after finishing a session. A good idea is to seals the vacuum bags in a plastic container that can be placed in the fridge. You want to be sure to toss out the empty bags immediately after you are finished.

It’s important to vacuum every possible space, including under furniture and in crevices, and thoroughly wash pet bedding, especially washable nylon and washable cotton bedding that can be placed directly on the vacuum cleaner.

Flea Treatment for your Dog

One of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks is to treat your dog with a topical insecticide every month. This is usually monthly for dogs during the spring, summer and fall. For this reason, you should consult your vet to see which insecticides are safe for your dog. You should begin to see results after just a few treatments.

Be sure to treat your dog throughout the year, especially during the summer months. The warm weather creates the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. If your dog does show signs of fleas, be sure to act immediately. Your dog’s continued discomfort will draw attention to the flea and tick problem. The incessant scratching and biting is uncomfortable for your dog and can cause more serious skin problems in the long run. If you see any fleas or ticks, take action right away. Your dog’s skin can be irritated if your reaction is not immediate. Chances are you will not find a flea or tick by yourself. The flea and tick spray that is used commercially may also help to rid your home and yard of these annoying insects.

Fleas, as noted previously, prefer hosts with weakened immune systems; this makes them Highly susceptible to flea-mediated diseases. For these reasons, natural flea treatments include an IGR, as well as natural ingredients. Natural flea collars or powders followed by IGRs are a great way to prevent further flea infestation or to treat an existing flea infestation, and they are just as easy to apply as an IGR is.  When you apply the powders, rub them in around the dog’s head and neck so that you spread the natural flea dirt to cover the dog’s entire body.

What happens if my dog does have fleas?

Your dog may experience itching, chewing, red skin, and even a sore belly when he is bitten by fleas.  These irritations are the result of your dog’s body being invaded by biting fleas.  To avoid this situation, you can work to make sure your dog is free of fleas.  

Flea Control Solutions:  Get Rid of Fleas

 As there are many different types of flea prevention products available from your veterinarian, you may want to discuss which products work best for your dog.  Here is a list of some of the top frequently asked questions about flea control products.

What do I need to be aware of when using any of these flea control products?

1.  The Flea Collar

Flea collars are needed for flea control because this form of flea control can be the most affective in maintaining a healthy coat and skin.  Flea collars are available in chemical free formulations that provide immediate relief from fleas and their bites.  However, some people prefer to use natural products.

2.  Advantage

Advantage is formulated with imidacloprid.  Advantage reinforces the effectiveness of imidacloprid with a rapid onset of effectiveness.  It kills fleas within twelve hours and starts to kill eggs and larvae within 48 hours.  It is water resistant and forms a protective barrier against fleas and ticks.

3.  Frontline Plus

Frontline Plus offers both imidacloprid and moxidectin in a topical once-a-month application that is easy to apply.  It kills fleas within 12 hours and prevents fleas from laying eggs for up to two weeks.  It is water resistant and forms a protective barrier against fleas and ticks.

When should I use a flea prevention product like Advantage flea tablets or Frontline Plus?

Veterinarians recommend using Advantage flea medicine for canines to prevent flea bites and infections.  These products prevent fleas from biting a dog for up to one month so that the dog does not become re-infested.  Biting and infection are the two most common challenges of caring for a flea-infested dog.  Of course, your dog won’t be free of fleas entirely.  A flea infestation is no fun, even for a dog with an “allergy to fleas.”

Although Advantage flea medicine is long-lasting and can be applied to dogs’ necks and heads, the product is best used for preventing fleas in the first place.  Simply giving your dog a treatment such as Advantage flea tablet between baths or using a liquid designed to kill fleas leaves your dog with no fleas at all.  By regularly using Advantage flea medicine, your dog will no longer suffer from fleas.

My dog has been using Advantage flea medicine for about a month, and the fleas are still a problem.  Is it safe?

Yes.  For topical treatments, Advantage flea medicine is very safe.  This product does not protect dogs from ticks or other bugs.  It is known to break down even the toughest of flea infestations.  Unlike other products in the market, Advantage does not cause your dog to have stomach problems. 

In the final analysis, the choice in your hands is yours: you get the type of flea treatment you want, you just choose the brand you like to avoid the risk of flea infestation or any of the risks that follow.  Just remember one thing.  Treat your dog regularly, and then continue to follow the procedures to prevent flea outbreaks from ever occurring.

If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.