We all love dogs, don’t we? And especially if we have our own pet, more than a dog they are a family member. That just justifies why it is our duty to ensure their best health.
Talking about health, how can we not talk about the flea bites on dogs? Fleas are small insects, and what they do is, feed on the blood of mammals. They can’t fly, but jump or hop from one mammal to another, laying numerous eggs in the process. They are not just a big threat to your dog’s well being, but can also be a threat to its life span, because it can cause diseases like plague and myxomatosis.
There is a list of chemical products available in the market to help you control fleas in an instant. But we all know home-made natural remedies are always better than these chemical bound products. So here’s a list of some remedies that can help you dodge the harmful flea bites on your pets:
Flea Combs is a big-time saviour
This is one of the most effective tips on the list to get rid of fleas. A flea comb brushes down all the fleas, eggs and larvae trapped in your pet’s fur. Apart from this, it also keeps your pet well-groomed and happy (after all, we all know how our furry little toys love attention!)
Before you use the flea comb, untangle your dog’s fur or the narrow teeth on the comb can cause pain. It is a very easy process, much like the usual combing. If you still want details, you can read it here.
Reconsider your dogs’ shampoo
You will find an innumerable number of flea shampoos in the market. If you don’t want to pick one of those, you can also turn your dog’s regular shampoo flea-effective at home. Take half a cup of your dog’s shampoo, and add half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon into it. Then, add two cups of water to it, and pour this mixture into a bottle. Use this shampoo to bathe your pet once a week.
Measurements would slightly vary for larger breeds. Remember, don’t allow your dog to run and play in the open, basically in the flea prone areas, play (immediately after bathing) comb him, and bag all the fleas out.
Apple Cider vinegar is a flea resistant
Apple Cider vinegar is made up of constituents that repel fleas, and the presence of this acid on your dog’s skin will help you fight the fleas immensely. Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to one liter of water, and let your dog drink it throughout the day.
As I said, while it is helpful for your dog’s skin to be slightly acidic, do not apply Apple cider vinegar directly as it can cause irritation Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is a strong substance, and it’s a wise decision to consult the vet about its dosage.
Wash your pet’s bedding
Bedding is extremely prone to fleas and its eggs. Thus, washing all the bedding and fabrics designated for your pet can help you get rid of it. Use a strong detergent to pull out all the fleas from the roots. Once you have washed, put the fabric in a dryer at maximum heat for the best results. Heat doesn’t go down well with the fleas, eggs, and larvae and can prove to be an effective measure to get rid of them.
Clean and vacuum the floor frequently
One of the primary causes of flea infestation is unhygienic surroundings. According to Dr. Morris, a professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia – Treating your pet isn’t enough for a flea infestation, you need to treat the environment too.
Fleas like warm locations. So, if you are one of those uncleanly types, you definitely need to get rid of it. Your pets wander at every nook and corner of your house that makes them susceptible to the fleas hiding in the cracks of your walls, beneath the carpets and likely places. Vacuuming it every once in a week or in 3 days will ensure that fleas do not thrive at your home and make it theirs instead. :P
Your furry little friend deserves the best. And as it’s said, prevention is better than cure – the above tips will help you get rid of the fleas before it creeps in both of your lives. However, if you still feel he needs expert guidance and treatment there’s no harm to visit your vet and seek some more tips.