How to remove fleas in a dog at home

To date, there are many means to scare off fleas, but not all of them are effective. Each manufacturer insists that his drug is the best, but is it? The variety is impressive: drops, shampoos, collars, powders, tablets, sprays, etc. What to choose for a person who has encountered a problem for the first time and wants to protect his pet? Consider the most effective tools in order, highlight the main aspects, give practical recommendations.

Signs of a flea infection

Before using this or that drug, it is necessary to determine with accuracy whether the dog has fleas.

1. The main symptom is the constant ongoing scratching. The animal does not find a place, scratches the withers, ears, head. In cases where the pet is only concerned about a specific part of the body, most likely the tick has clung to the skin. Inspect carefully the place of calculation, remove the parasite with sunflower oil.
2. The excrement in fleas is black, they are quite hard to the touch and visible to the naked eye. To detect the presence of parasites, spread the hair and carefully examine the skin. You can also notice white blotches - these are flea eggs.
3. To find out for sure whether a dog is infected with fleas or not, put it in a basin with warm water, rinse your body with a shower. Parasites will begin to massively move to the only dry place - the head. You will see them with the naked eye, especially if the animal's coat is light.
4. The simplest way to determine the presence of parasites is considered combing. Take a comb with frequent teeth, comb the hair from the basal zone to the tips. You will notice tangled fleas on the instrument.

Ways to remove fleas in a dog

Depending on the principle of action, the following anti-flea agents are distinguished: drops, spray, collar, tablets, powder, shampoo and alternative drugs. Consider each option in order, highlight the main aspects.

Method number 1. Flea collar
A flea collar is considered to be a highly effective way to eliminate parasites. It is used both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

The main advantages of anti-flea collars are considered to be that ammunition of this kind does not become less effective in contact with water. Moreover, the tool has a long period of action and is quite simple to use.

The disadvantages of collars include toxicity, the inability to use the drug on individuals up to six months and pregnant dogs. Do not wear a collar on old animals (10 years or more), lactating bitches and pets that have recently undergone surgery. In rare cases, dermatitis develops as a result of use, an allergy begins, accompanied by apathy, nausea or vomiting.

It is important to remember forever that the main calling of collars is not to kill, but only to scare away fleas. The pricing policy of the product varies between 150-600 rubles, it all depends on the particular manufacturer. One collar is enough for 2 months.

The most popular means are considered to be Harts, Kiltiks, Bolfo, Biofar. All listed products belong to the premium series.

Method number 2. Flea drops
An effective way to remove fleas in a dog is considered to be drops. They are quite easy to use and affordable in terms of pricing. Drops are applied according to the instructions to the withers of the animal in order to avoid licking of the composition. Next, you need to withstand a certain period during which the dog can not be bathed.

The disadvantage of the drug is the toxicity of the drug to human and animal skin.Also, not all manufacturers produce formulations suitable for puppies and pregnant dogs.

The advantage of removing parasites in this way is high efficiency. First, the product kills fleas, and then acts as a repeller.

1. "Leopard". Drops are produced in Russia, the cost ranges from 30-50 rubles per 1 piece. (dropper). As a rule, one ampoule is enough to process the hair of an animal with a dog up to 10 kg. Drops are applied pointwise, starting from the withers and ending with the line of the spine. Make sure that the animal does not lick the product.
2. Stronghold. The product belongs to the premium class, is manufactured in the USA. The advantage of the drug is that Strong Hold is non-toxic, even if the pet accidentally swallows the composition. In this case, the drug is often used to remove parasites in puppies up to six months, lactating and pregnant dogs. The tool is universal, it is suitable for removing ticks and fleas in individuals of any breed. As in the previous case, the drug must be applied to the withers and spine. After processing, you can’t iron the animal for about 2 hours. You can bathe your pet after 4 hours. The price policy of one pipette is quite high (about 150 rubles).
3. Front Line The most common and effective drug. When licking, it can cause nausea, vomiting, apathy. Before the procedure, it is recommended to test for an allergic reaction: apply a little composition to the skin of the animal, wait 1 hour. Rate the result. If there is no itching or redness, feel free to proceed with the treatment. Frontline fleas should not be excreted by pregnant and lactating dogs, lice up to 5 months. The price for 1 pipette is 80 rubles.

In addition to the above funds, the drugs Serko, Hards Ultragard Drops, and Adventigs have proven themselves well. All drops against fleas contain specific features, so they must be used strictly according to the instructions. You can handle your pet in cases where you have one dog (so that the other does not lick the drug).

Method number 3. Flea shampoo
It is important to note that anti-flea shampoo is ineffective. As a rule, the action of the composition lasts about a week, then the parasites begin to attack again. Shampoos usually bathe small puppies (up to 6 months), which for objective reasons cannot be treated with a spray or drops.

Before the first use, it is necessary to test for an allergic reaction. Wash a small area of ​​wool, evaluate the result. If there is no redness, itching and dandruff, bathe the pet as a whole. Rinse off thoroughly from skin and coat - this is the most important condition.

Leonardo, Biofar, Delix, Mr. Bruno, and Doctor Zu are considered to be well-proven means. Regardless of the chosen product, flea shampoo should be used in combination with other means. Otherwise, you will not be able to remove the parasites completely.

Method number 4. Flea spray
The principle of action of sprays is similar to drops, with only one condition. When spraying, the entire surface of the coat is sprayed, which is not very convenient. However, thanks to this method of application, the action covers the entire body of the dog, as a result of which fleas die.

Sprays belong to the type of drugs that are difficult to use. Before use, wear gloves and protect your airways and eyes. Put a rim on the dog’s neck, which will not allow it to lick itself. After that, spray the composition in the fresh air on the back, withers, neck, stomach and tail of the pet. Remove the rim after 3 hours, during this time do not stroke the pet.

If the dog licks the remedy, toxic poisoning is possible, which manifests itself in the form of vomiting, chills, nausea, shortness of breath. In extreme cases, the pet begins individual intolerance and dermatitis.

To use a flea spray, take the dog out for a long walk or training (2-3 hours).Sprinkle the hair according to the instructions, then run and jump intensively throughout the entire time, distracting the pet from licking.

Method number 5. Flea powder
The cheapest remedy for fleas, ticks and lice eaters. The composition is prepared in veterinary pharmacies, it must be used extremely carefully. The powder is toxic, they can not be treated by pregnant and lactating dogs, young animals up to six months, elderly pets (over 10 years old). To completely remove fleas, it will take about 10-15 daily procedures, which in itself is inconvenient.

Before application, it is mandatory (!) To conduct an allergic reaction test. If itching, dandruff or redness is absent, proceed with the procedure.

The technology for using the tool is quite simple. Rub the powder into the animal’s hair, wrap the pet with plastic wrap to avoid licking the drug. Withstand a certain interval (indicated in the instructions), comb out the hairline.

Method number 6. Flea pills
Flea pills are extremely rarely used, because in almost 100% of cases they cause indigestion and stomach. The doubtful preparation does not completely rid the animal of fleas; it only partially reduces their number.

Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the instructions so as not to cause intoxication. To date, the most popular formulations available for sale are considered to be Comfortis, Capstar, Sentinel.

How to get fleas folk remedies

You can rid the animal of blood-sucking insects by folk remedies. Of course, they are less effective than drops, spray and a collar, but still worth a try.

Pine sawdust
Fleas do not tolerate pine scent on the spirit, for this reason the product effectively removes parasites. Place sawdust inside the bed or soft bedding of the pet, chopping them first. If desired, you can make a pillow, inside which there will be sawdust. After 2-3 days, the fleas will not, they will also not lay their eggs.

Sagebrush
In most cases, wormwood infusion is used to combat parasites. To cook it properly, pour 75 gr. fresh leaves of the plant, let it brew for about 3 hours. After this, strain the broth, warm it to room temperature and moisten the animal’s hair. Rub the composition thoroughly into the skin, do not rinse off for half an hour. In the process of processing fleas will jump from the body of the dog, do not let them spread around the apartment. The product is suitable for puppies from 2 months old, pregnant and lactating bitches, elderly dogs.

It’s easy to get a flea out of a dog if you have knowledge of the means available. Use a collar, spray, drops, powder or tablets. Consider folk recipes such as wormwood and pine sawdust. Do not forget to conduct a preliminary test, which will help identify an allergic reaction and eliminate the consequences. Do not let the pet lick the drug from the coat.

Video: how to remove fleas in a dog