How Do Fleas Work on Dogs?
WouterIf you’re wondering how to get rid of fleas from your dog, there are several different options available to you. The first option is to apply a flea prevention treatment. This will kill any adult fleas on your dog’s skin, and it will prevent eggs from hatching. The next option is to treat your dog’s carpets and upholstery.
Fleas are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of a grain of rice. They live in your pet’s fur and move very quickly. Flea dirt (feces) looks like brownish dirt that turns red under water. To get rid of fleas, you should bathe your dog regularly and follow up with an effective treatment.
If you don’t have time to devote hours to bathing your dog, you can simply soak your dog’s coat in lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural repellent for fleas and is harmless to humans. Alternatively, you can dip a comb or brush into diluted lemon juice and use it to comb your dog’s coat. Another effective treatment is apple cider vinegar, which is slightly acidic and makes fleas’ life more difficult. Make sure to avoid eyes and wounds when applying any flea treatments.
While fleas are most often a summer problem, they can occur at any time of year. This is because the fleas like temperatures of 65-80 degrees and humidity levels between 75-85 percent. In southern regions of the U.S., they can survive all year round. Therefore, it’s important to treat your dog for fleas at the earliest sign of infestation.
