How to remove fleas in a dog: parasite remedies

Everyone who has a dog in the house knows what fleas are. There are several types of such parasites: canine, feline, human and sucking. Fleas in dogs look like small insects with a smooth flattened body and long bristly legs, which are directed back. Their size can reach 4 millimeters. The body of the parasite protects a kind of carapace, so it’s quite difficult for a person to crush it. Flea breeding occurs by laying off larvae. Vital activity of parasites can last up to three years. Insects, due to their structure, can easily move around the hair of an animal. They can easily travel long distances and quickly move to another dog.

Signs of the presence of parasites

Biting the skin of an animal, a flea injects its saliva into the wound, as a result of which the following reactions are observed:

• itching, redness and swelling appear at the site of the bite;
• visually you can notice the white larvae of the parasites and their black excrement;
• the dog combes the affected area, as a result of which dermatitis and other skin diseases can develop;
• the animal is infected with a viral disease and worms;
• wool begins to fall out;
• when harmful bacteria enter the body, allergic reactions in the acute form can be observed;
• the dog refuses to eat and does not sleep well;
• young puppies often develop anemia, which can result in the death of the animal.

It is quite easy to determine the presence of insects on the animal’s hair. As a rule, an infected dog will constantly itch and try to catch the parasite with its teeth. You can quickly diagnose the disease by examining the armpit, ears and croup in the dog. Fleas can also jump out of the wool while bathing the animal, trying to move to a drier place. Each owner needs to know how to remove fleas from a dog. Otherwise, the problem may be complicated by fever and gastrointestinal upset.

How to get a flea out of a dog

Modern veterinary medicine offers various ways to combat such parasites. The main thing is to remember that treatment should be carried out comprehensively and immediately. If fleas were still found in the dog, the following manipulations should be urgently performed:

• first buy your pet, and then carefully comb out the dead parasites;
• You can apply various folk remedies, which we will talk about a little later;
• if the above procedures did not help, use one of the anti-flea medications;
• wash and boil the bedding on which your animal sleeps;
• Be sure to sanitize the premises.

Please note that swimming is an ideal method of reducing fleas in a dog, as well as accurately determining the degree of infection. During bathing, the pet should be thoroughly soaped for 10 minutes with tar or laundry soap. Then it is necessary to rinse the treated wool well with running water. As a result, most of the parasites will be washed away. When the coat dries, you need to comb out the dead insects. It is recommended to rub the body of the animal with tea tree oil or eucalyptus extract, because fleas do not tolerate such pungent odors. If your dog lives on the street, then you can put spruce sawdust, as well as wormwood leaves, in his booth instead of litter.

Types of anti-flea funds

Modern drugs act in a complex way, protecting the animal from fleas and other parasites that suck blood. The most effective include the following:

• Flea shampoo for dogs. Such drugs are used to rid the animal of parasites, eliminate the rash and normalize the condition of the coat. In addition, the shampoo relieves itching and has an anti-allergic effect. These products may contain insecticides, as well as natural oils and herbs. Insecticidal shampoos efficiently and quickly destroy fleas, but are toxic and can cause reactions such as redness, excessive salivation, vomiting, and even allergies. Natural products heal wounds, give silky coat and are used as a prophylaxis. The product must be treated with animal hair and left for 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. The procedure is supplemented by combing the parasites with a special comb. However, shampoos do not always completely remove fleas, so they are recommended to be combined with antiparasitic collars, sprays and drops.

• Drops from fleas for dogs. Such drugs are the most effective in controlling parasites. In their composition, you can find such components: fipronil, selamectin, permethrin. Drops act comprehensively. A liquid substance should be applied to the withers of the animal, so the dog will not be able to lick it. The active substance quickly penetrates through the skin into the bloodstream, as a result of which insects disappear after a couple of such procedures. The drug is valid for 4 weeks, but remember that it is forbidden to use it for puppies, as well as for pregnant and lactating animals.
• Special sprays will help to remove fleas in a dog at home. Such drugs are sprayed on the pet's hair, as a result of which the parasites die. However, it is worthwhile to ensure that the product does not get into the dog’s eyes, or the animal does not lick it. Spraying should only be carried out with rubber gloves and in a ventilated area. After such treatment, the pet may experience malaise, dermatitis, nervousness, baldness, vomiting, and even breathing difficulties, so it is best to consult a veterinarian first.
• Collar for dogs from fleas. This is the most common parasite control and prevention tool. The product is valid for 4 months, then it will need to be replaced with a new one. The active substance with which the collar is impregnated is absorbed into the surface of the skin and begins to fulfill its function. Such a device is very convenient to use: it is easily adjusted to the diameter of the dog’s neck and is quickly put on. However, you can not use antiparasitic collars for puppies, lactating and pregnant animals, as well as pets with nervous and kidney diseases. Wearing such a product in some cases can cause a dog to develop dermatitis, allergies, poisoning, vomiting, and even shock.
• Another flea remedy for dogs is antiparasitic chewable tablets. Such drugs are not very popular. They need to be added to the feed, but not every animal will be delighted with this. In no case should you exceed the dosage, otherwise the substance can adversely affect the digestive tract and nervous system, as well as cause allergies.

Rules for the use of anti-flea funds

Veterinary pharmacies offer a wide selection of different drugs, each of which has its own characteristics of use. It is also worth considering that any drug has not only indications, but also contraindications. All this is written in the instructions for use, which is recommended to carefully study. Since such drugs can provoke adverse reactions, veterinarians are strongly advised to monitor your pet's well-being after treatment. If for three days the dog did not have drowsiness, diarrhea or vomiting, then the drug was absorbed by the body. Otherwise, your dog will need specialist help.

The question of how to get fleas from a domestic dog worries many owners of four-legged dogs. Please note that your dog may have congenital intolerance to one or another drug, so it is better to conduct a small test before using it. It is carried out simply: we put a drop of substance on the withers of the animal and wait a day. If the dog combs the place of application or there is redness, then you can not use such a drug in any case. Next, we will consider the most common antiparasitic drugs.

Medicinal Shampoos

If a pet dog has fleas, special bathing preparations will help to get rid of them painlessly. Such funds are affordable, effective, do not cause allergies and poisoning. In addition, they contain beneficial ingredients that help care for the skin and coat of the animal. However, the big minus is that the effect of anti-flea shampoos is short-term, and re-infection can occur after a couple of days. Please note that for puppies who are not even a month old, such drugs will not work.

The most popular shampoos are:

• "Phytoelitis" is a non-toxic and non-allergenic substance. Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating dogs.
• "Doctor ZOO" - does not contain synthetic components in the composition, therefore, is less effective. However, the product boasts a set of essential oils, as well as a calming and antiseptic effect.
• Beaphar Bea Flea - shampoo, which is used strictly according to the instructions. Dogs up to 5 kg are shown 30 ml of the drug per 300 ml of warm water, and for animals from 5 to 15 kg you need to take 50 ml of shampoo.
• Mr. Bruno - a tool that eliminates parasites, normalizes skin pH and provides hair care. Not recommended for puppies that feed on breast milk.
• Shampoo "Meadow" is of two types: for long-haired and short-haired dogs. Also available for cats. Recommended for animals over one year old.

Drops for dogs from fleas

• "Lawyer". This drug quickly copes with the problem and is well tolerated by animals. Drops are produced in small pipettes, so it is easy to use. Apply the substance to the withers, having previously spread the hair. For faster absorption, you can distribute the composition along the spine.
• Another effective flea remedy for dogs is Bars. The drug is available in the form of drops and spray, and begins to act immediately after contact with the skin. The effect persists for two months after application. To consolidate the result, it is recommended to repeat the procedure after two weeks.
• Advantix is ​​a German drug. Available in a pipette, used from two months of age.
• Stronghold - odorless colorless drops. Dry quickly, as they do not contain oils. You can apply from a month and a half.
• "Dana" - a non-toxic solution, is produced in a polymer pipette, applied pointwise along the spine from the head to the shoulder blades. For every 10 kilograms of animal weight, one such pipette is needed.

Collars

The flea collar for dogs looks like a flexible plastic tape with a small buckle. In contact with the skin, such a product begins to secrete components that repel and destroy parasites. The collar should be worn constantly, periodically changing to a new one. Such products are ultrasonic, biological and chemical.

Here are the most famous manufacturers:

• Kiltix - gives the result after a day, valid for 7 months.
• Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar is a moisture-resistant collar with a fresh aroma, not recommended for puppies younger than six months.
• Scalibor - valid for 6 months, can be worn by pregnant dogs. The collar is contraindicated in puppies up to 7 months of age.
• Beaphar Ungezieferband - acts from 2 to 5 months, is contraindicated in puppies and pregnant dogs.
• Rolf Club - odorless collar, protects against parasites for 4 months. It is not recommended to wear puppies and combine with other methods.

Bravecto tablets

The product is represented by brown chewing tablets. They have a pleasant aroma, but not every animal will eat them. The drug not only kills fleas, but also helps prevent their reappearance. The tablets begin to act 4 hours after administration. One pill is given to the animal once every 12 weeks. The dosage is indicated in the instructions and is determined depending on the weight of the dog.

Folk remedies

If fleas are found in a dog, traditional medicine will come to the rescue. Since such treatment involves the use of exclusively natural products, the development of side effects in the animal is minimized. It is important to clearly follow the prescription and apply folk remedies as an addition to the main therapy. So how can you help your pet?

• Lemon water. Boil for about 10 minutes finely chopped lemon in a liter of water and let it brew overnight. Then strain and pour into a spray bottle. Treat your pet's coat several times a day, as the citrus smell repels parasites.
• Celandine. Tear the grass into small pieces and mix with vodka in a ratio of 1: 1. Let it brew for a couple of days, then apply 3 drops to the withers of the dog. In no case do not exceed the dosage, since celandine is very toxic.
• Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 3 and rinse the animal after bathing. You can spray the composition evenly through the body 2-3 times a day.

All these remedies help dogs against fleas. Feedback from veterinarians about this is also positive. However, note that in parallel with treatment, it is necessary to treat the room, because fleas can live outside the body of the animal for up to 8 months. Parasites can hide in crevices, behind furniture and baseboards, so sanitary treatment of the dwelling cannot be avoided. The litter, as already mentioned, needs to be boiled and thoroughly treated with an insecticide.

Flea repellers

• Fleas do not tolerate the smell of garlic, so the blood soaked in such an aroma becomes uninteresting for them. However, before giving garlic to a dog, you should consult your veterinarian. If he approves, you can add crushed clove in animal feed. If your dog still turns up his nose from such a “treat”, you can replace the garlic with a special drug that contains its extract.
• You can add some apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water, but don’t overdo it.

How often is the treatment done?

Not everyone knows how often to use flea medications. Everything, of course, depends on the choice of the method of controlling parasites. Dog breeders still note the best way to prevent drops, since they are quickly absorbed and have a long shelf life. Use such drugs once a month. As for the spray, it is applied topically. The frequency of use is indicated on each package.

In any case, you must regularly inspect your pet in order to promptly detect the presence of parasites and quickly take appropriate measures to eliminate them. In addition, do not forget to keep your home clean, and then your four-legged friend will be healthy and cheerful.