One of the most common and annoying problems that dog and cat owners face is the flea problem. They can infest your pet, causing itching, pain and even causing diseases like anemia since the insects feed on the blood of the animal, and in some cases, they will even attack humans. What are the symptoms of dog fleas in humans? If you get bitten by fleas, you will notice small itchy bumps on your skin with a single puncture point in the middle. The symptoms on your dog are similar although not as visible because of their coats. They will scratch, lose hair, or develop allergic reactions. These are all indications of flea infestation.
The next question is how do you get rid of dog fleas? There are 2 ways to go about solving this flea problem and we are going to compare the two.
The Chemical Way:
These include over the counter products often recommended by veterinarians and pet shops. There are products for treatment as well as prevention.
• You can use an over the counter product such as Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix to kill the fleas.
• Shampoo such as Perfect Coat Flea and Tick Shampoo
• Use a flea collar such as Zema Flea Collar as a preventive.
These products are effective and readily available, the only trouble is that they have chemicals that can cause harm to humans and animals. Most labels state that these products are poisonous and caution to keep them away from children and pets, because if ingested they can cause harm. Now we all know that animals lick themselves. What’s stopping them from licking after a flea product has been applied on their skin? What about if they chew the flea collar? Won’t that product rub on you or your children after it’s been applied to the animal?
The Natural Approach:
A natural approach will also include treatment and prevention but with less risk of harmful chemicals to your animals and your family.
If your dog has fleas, you can start by bathing your dog with warm water and a natural soap such as castile soap or a natural flea treatment shampoo such as Ark Naturals Neem Protect Shampoo. Water will drown the fleas and the shampoo will help get them all.
When bathing your dog, make sure to start wetting the neck first, then follow down the back to the tail and legs; this will prevent fleas from going to your dog’s head.
After the bath, you can rinse with rosemary tea. This herb smells good, and it is a natural flea repellent. To make rosemary tea, place 1 tsp of rosemary in two cups of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes and allow to cool before using.
Another over the counter natural product to prevent fleas from coming back is Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray. The main ingredient is the natural oil from a tree that has been used in Asia for years to repel lice, mites, flies, mosquit
oes, fleas, gnats, and ticks.
Now that your dog is clean and freed of fleas, you need to work on his surroundings. Vacuum all rugs carpets and furniture thoroughly. If possible, have your carpets steam cleaned. Wash your dog’s bedding in hot water at least once a week. Pet sleeping areas will have the highest concentration of flea eggs and larvae so these areas need special and regular attention.
For further prevention, use a natural flea collar such as
Natural Research People Herbal Flea Collar
Add brewer’s yeast to your dog’s diet. A small sprinkling of brewer’s yeast from the health food store on their food will enhance the flavor (dogs love it) and help them maintain a healthy coat as well as prevent fleas from coming back. As an alternative you can use a natural product like Only Natural Pet Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic Tablets. According to Dog Fancy magazine, garlic has been proven to be effective as an immune-system booster that helps dogs fight disease and common health problems in addition to combat the flea problem.
Get more information on natural treatments.
Note: The information provided in this article is for reference only and should not be considered medical advice. Please read our Disclaimer.
