Dog Flea Treatments
How fleas can affect dogs Dog fleas, just like the ticks, are more than just bloodsucking parasites.
They are also known to cause illnesses or transmit diseases in dogs.
One very common illness that is associated with flea bites is the flea allergy dermatitis.
Most of the time, flea bites only cause minor irritation to the skin.
However, there are dogs that develop an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, causing the flea allergy dermatitis.
This condition is characterized by significant irritation, aggravation, and itchiness.
This can lead to frequent scratching which can result to hair loss.
Fleas are known to be carriers of tapeworms.
Some fleas carry with them tapeworm larva.
When these tapeworm larva-carrying fleas are ingested by the dogs, tapeworm infestation then begins in the dog's gastrointestinal tract.
Another condition that is associated with flea bites is the flea bite anemia, which usually occurs in tiny puppies or in severe flea infestations in adult dogs.
Fleas feed on their host's blood, so if the flea infestation is severe, there would be significant blood loss, which can result to anemia.
In severe cases of anemia, iron supplementation, blood transfusion, or hospitalization may become necessary.
If left untreated, flea bite anemia can cause death to the dog.
Ways to control fleas in dogs One of the very commonly used remedy for dog fleas is the flea collar.
These flea collars work by emitting a toxic gas to the fleas, which are then absorbed into the dog's subcutaneous skin layer.
This toxic gas however, is said to be only effective in the areas of the neck and head.
Most collars are effective only in getting rid of adult fleas, but there are also collars that have Insect Growth Regulator or IGR, which are known to kill flea eggs and larva.
Another method of controlling fleas in dog is through monthly medications.
Commonly used medications include Capstar, Program, Advantage, Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot, and K9Advantix, among others.
When choosing the medication, choose one that is easy to administer, effective, safe and at a reasonable price.
Make sure that you consult your vet if you are not sure which one to buy.
Also, make sure that you know the right dosage before administering the medication to your dog.
Another way to control dog fleas is by using natural methods.
These kinds of methods are safer choices than the chemical insecticides.
Examples of natural methods to control dog fleas include natural flea shampoos that contain d-limonene and neem oil; herbal flea powder that contains yellow dock, rosemary, eucalyptus, rue, and wormwood; and Brewer's yeast and raw garlic, which can be added to your dog's diet.
Dog fleas can cause harm to your dog.
If your dog has fleas, make sure you make necessary measures to get rid of them.
They are also known to cause illnesses or transmit diseases in dogs.
One very common illness that is associated with flea bites is the flea allergy dermatitis.
Most of the time, flea bites only cause minor irritation to the skin.
However, there are dogs that develop an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, causing the flea allergy dermatitis.
This condition is characterized by significant irritation, aggravation, and itchiness.
This can lead to frequent scratching which can result to hair loss.
Fleas are known to be carriers of tapeworms.
Some fleas carry with them tapeworm larva.
When these tapeworm larva-carrying fleas are ingested by the dogs, tapeworm infestation then begins in the dog's gastrointestinal tract.
Another condition that is associated with flea bites is the flea bite anemia, which usually occurs in tiny puppies or in severe flea infestations in adult dogs.
Fleas feed on their host's blood, so if the flea infestation is severe, there would be significant blood loss, which can result to anemia.
In severe cases of anemia, iron supplementation, blood transfusion, or hospitalization may become necessary.
If left untreated, flea bite anemia can cause death to the dog.
Ways to control fleas in dogs One of the very commonly used remedy for dog fleas is the flea collar.
These flea collars work by emitting a toxic gas to the fleas, which are then absorbed into the dog's subcutaneous skin layer.
This toxic gas however, is said to be only effective in the areas of the neck and head.
Most collars are effective only in getting rid of adult fleas, but there are also collars that have Insect Growth Regulator or IGR, which are known to kill flea eggs and larva.
Another method of controlling fleas in dog is through monthly medications.
Commonly used medications include Capstar, Program, Advantage, Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot, and K9Advantix, among others.
When choosing the medication, choose one that is easy to administer, effective, safe and at a reasonable price.
Make sure that you consult your vet if you are not sure which one to buy.
Also, make sure that you know the right dosage before administering the medication to your dog.
Another way to control dog fleas is by using natural methods.
These kinds of methods are safer choices than the chemical insecticides.
Examples of natural methods to control dog fleas include natural flea shampoos that contain d-limonene and neem oil; herbal flea powder that contains yellow dock, rosemary, eucalyptus, rue, and wormwood; and Brewer's yeast and raw garlic, which can be added to your dog's diet.
Dog fleas can cause harm to your dog.
If your dog has fleas, make sure you make necessary measures to get rid of them.