Flea powder is certainly a luring choice given its ease of application over other methods. Though, unfortunately, it is not the most effective. Applying flea powder on your dog will only get rid of fleas for a couple of days. Not to mention how it only targets adult fleas and not the larvae or eggs, making it an ineffective solution in the long run.
Flea Shampoos –
The market contains several flea and tick shampoos for pets, which, when used properly, can be quite effective in providing temporary relief to your furry friend.
However, to ensure that your dog can withstand being lathered up for at least 10 minutes is a must, as any shampoo takes a minimum of 10 minutes to sink and show effect. You can follow up the bath by combing your dog’s fur using a flea comb to brush out the dead fleas. Choose a non-toxic shampoo for pups and know that this is only a temporary solution, and you will need to perform a more strict action for permanent results.
Flea Collars –
Flea collars contain substances such as pesticides that continually kill fleas for up to 12 months. Depending on your dog’s needs, habits, and other medical conditions, it is best to take expert consultation on which kind of flea collar will suit them best.
Home Remedies
There is always some or the other sort of home remedy to fight or alleviate a particular health issue, and it is the same with flea infestation.
Pure Coconut Oil –
A compound called lauric acid in pure coconut oil converts to a monolaurin when you apply it to your pup. Apart from its properties to kill off fleas, monolaurin is also known for being antiseptic and soothing.
When you apply pure coconut oil to your dog’s skin, it will, in a matter of hours, fight common to severe infestations while soothing irritation and inflammation caused by flea bites. You can apply the coconut oil to your dog’s skin directly 10 minutes before a shower or mix it in with shower gel in a ratio of 1:1, followed by thorough cleaning of 10 minutes at the very least before rinse.
Baking Soda –
Baking soda can penetrate the exoskeletons of the fleas, making them dry up from the inside and die. The method, though, takes a little longer to show effect.
Epsom Salt –
Much like baking soda, Epsom salt dehydrates the fleas, including eggs and the larvae, causing them to die and wither eventually. Furthermore, Epsom salt’s antibiotics and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe your dog’s skin from any irritation or inflammation. The application is as simple as soaking the dog in an Epsom salt bath for 10 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.
Treating The Surroundings And Prevention
Treating Indoors
Wash all the bedcovers and blankets using hot and soapy water to get rid of adult fleas. Vacuum the carpets thoroughly, emptying the waste somewhere far and safe. Follow it up by steam clean for better results and to kill larvae.
Chemical treatments, including foggers, especially boric-acid-based products, are safer for households with small children and are effective. However, if you want something much more specific and all-around effective, go for an insect growth regulator, which kills all other life cycle stages of a flea, preventing future infestations. Consulting an exterminating company is your best bet at ensuring that not a single flea trace is left behind in the house, as the same can again form into a full-grown infestation if overlooked.
Treating outdoors
If you happen to have a dog house or kennels outside, make sure you thoroughly clean those up, followed by flea repellents, insecticides, or insect growth regulators in the form of sprays. Choose a more sunlight stable product such as Pyriproxifen or Methoprene, though both are equally effective. In the case of small children in the house or a vegetable garden, opt for a non-toxic option such as diatomaceous earth. Again, there are still many other ways to prevent and treat fleas outdoors. Consulting a professional is a good way to ensure that you only choose what’s best as per your needs aside from other environmental factors, etc.
CONCLUSION
While to prevent fleas from entering your home might not be entirely in your hands, the least you could do is avert a severe infestation by regularly keeping an eye out for your dog’s proper health and his changing habits. Frequent vet visits and cleanliness both outdoors and indoors further are a few steps every pet owner must strictly pay attention to.
