As parasites who feed on the blood of man’s best friend, fleas often terrorize our dogs and us in many ways. Because of their way of living, fleas could cause discomfort, irritation, and sometimes downright pain to our home pets. Not only that, but these parasites also could potentially carry diseases that may cause harm to both dogs and the pet owners themselves. Fret not, however, for there are ways to fight dog fleas. For example, below is a detailed article that can flesh out everything you need to know to keep your pets healthy and parasite-free on their skins. 

Just how bad can fleas get?

Aside from carrying diseases, causing discomfort and irritation to your dogs, and an overall nuisance, there are more things fleas could cause. Firstly, they get everywhere. Different types of dog fleas could jump around and spread around in your home. Although the adult ones typically live on your dogs, their eggs and larvae could quickly be scattered everywhere. For example, flea eggs and larvae could be found in your rug, carpets, sofas, and even beds. Anywhere where there’s a piece of fluffy furniture or an area where your flea-infested dog may roam around is a potential place for flea eggs and larvae to breed and hatch. 

How do you know your dog has them?

Of course, identifying whether your dog/s has fleas or not is the first step in addressing the potential problem. If you see your dog scratching and biting around its body, that might be a good time to check for fleas. Try to search within the same spot where your dog scratches and bites, and look for two things; adult fleas and flea dirt. Adult fleas may look like small, regular bugs that jump around the fur and skin of your pet. Flea dirt, on the other hand, is smaller and could be mistaken for normal dirt. To know the difference, pour a little bit of water into the area. If the dirt turns reddish and looks like dried specks of blood, then it’s probably flea dirt.

What NOT to do in treating fleas

Between the internet and its vast sources of both incorrect and useful information, people are bound to trust a method that may cause harm to pets instead of helping them. Here are some things you need to avoid incorrectly doing for the safety of your dogs and the people around you. 

• Using ‘home alternative’ treatments – Homeopathic treatments, also commonly called home alternative methods, could cause more harm than good. Because of their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, many people turn to homeopathy when it comes to addressing their dogs’ flea problems. Usually, apple cider vinegar and essential oils are the biggest culprits for ‘natural’ treatment. However, natural isn’t always good – especially for your dogs.
• Addressing the environment instead of pets – it is not enough to simply clean the environment wherever you see fleas. As was previously discussed, flea eggs and larvae are miniature and could easily be hidden where the eyes couldn’t see. 

What to actually do in order to remove fleas

Ways to fight dog fleas are readily available. Booking an appointment with a veterinarian and turning to professional help is your best chance for the total removal of fleas from your dogs. The standard is a year-round flea treatment, but sometimes it doesn’t take that long. Your dogs could have a full cycle of flea treatments done within three months, as long as you keep it consistent and be earnest in applying the given medication. Of course, this includes cleaning up the place and whatever your local veterinarian may suggest. You could also book an appointment online for an easier and hassle-free method of getting treatment. You could get the medications delivered right to your doorstep and have medications for your dog as soon as possible.