Getting Rid of Fleas

Getting rid of fleas can be a major hassle. At some point or another every pet owner will likely have to deal with dog fleas. Flea infestations can pose as a major health issue for your pet. The constant biting and scratching will be annoying to you but also painful and irritating for your beloved pet.  Dog fleas can also leave nasty bites on humans.

Some flea infestations, if caught quickly enough, can be dealt with quite easily. It is important to recognize that your pet has fleas as soon as possible. Once you suspect your pet of having fleas, it is critical to take immediate steps to eliminate the fleas. Any unnecessary delay will allow the infestation to expand.  If delayed getting rid of fleas can be difficult.

There are a number of different ways to get rid of fleas. The easiest, fastest and most effective method is a commercial method. You can obtain an ointment from your veterinarian. The ointment is applied to the lower back portion of your dog's neck. As your dog licks himself the ointment will be spread around his entire body. The ointment is fatal to the fleas but totally non-toxic to your pet. You apply the ointment on 3 or 4 consecutive days but you should notice a remarkable improvement in symptoms, such as incessant scratching within 1-2 days.

You can also get rid of dog fleas naturally. There are a number of different natural or homeopathic methods to get rid of fleas. Some people use baby powder or talcum powder to get rid of fleas. Other people use baking soda. Pet owners douse their pet in the powdery substance and the fleas literally suffocate in the powder. This method if good to use on very young animals that are too young to be exposed to commercial flea treatments.

Another natural way of getting rid of dog fleas is to use olive oil. Pet owners massage the oil into their pets coats starting with the head and ending with the tail. The fleas are thought to drown in the oil. Much like using baby powder, this method if best done outside as it tends to get messy. A good bath will be required about 15 minutes following the application of the olive oil. The fleas should wash right out with the olive oil.

If your dog contracted fleas that means that your house has also been infested with fleas. If you do not take steps to get the fleas out of your home, your pet will likely quickly get re-infested.

The first thing you should do is wash all the sheets, bedding, and or towels your pet may have come into contact with. Also wash any throws or cushion covers on your furniture or bed. Wash this laundry in the hottest possible water.

Next vacuum every where. Taking your area carpets outside until later. You must thoroughly vacuum every floor in your home. You must also vacuum all of your furniture. If you own a steam cleaner or have access to a steam cleaner you should consider steam cleaning every rug and upholstered piece of furniture your animal had contact with.

Be disciplined and diligent in cleaning your home. Remember, fleas multiply rapidly. If you do not get rid of all of the fleas in your home, your pet will get infested with fleas again and you will have to repeat this cycle a second time.

Getting rid of fleas is a hassle but if done properly it does not have to be a never ending hassle.