If Your Dog Has Fleas, This Is How to Remove Them for Good

Fleas are a common pest that affects dogs and many other animals alike. These tiny insects are known for feeding on the blood of their hosts. Even though fleas don’t have wings, they can jump as high as 13 inches off the ground, which is over 200 times the length of their bodies! Not only are fleas small, but they’re also very quick and easy to miss—therefore most people don’t realize that there’s a flea problem until it’s too late.

Some pets are more sensitive than others to flea bites. The insect’s saliva causes an allergic reaction in those who are bitten, which leads to itchiness and irritation. One key indicator that your dog has fleas is that you notice it’s scratching more often than normal. If you take a closer look at your dog you may see scabs, flea dirt, or what looks like pepper in their bed.

Not only are fleas a nuisance for your dog but they can be a headache for you as well. Fleas can bite humans and leave itchy, red welts on your skin. Some fleas can even transmit diseases like typhus and plague, or transmit tapeworms to animals and people.

Because of all the havoc fleas can cause, it’s important to make sure that if you suspect your dog has fleas, you get it taken care of promptly. Fleas can multiply very fast and a handful of fleas can turn into an infestation very quickly.

Once you’ve confirmed that your dog has fleas, medication is a must. You will also want to make sure that you get the bugs off of your dog as quickly as possible so that they do not cause any further harm. This will help cut down on the number of itchy, irritating bites that your dog gets and help keep the fleas out of your home.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Thankfully, there are a lot of different approaches you can try when it comes to getting rid of fleas. Let’s take a look at some of the most efficient ways to remove fleas from your dog and prevent them from coming back into your home.

Give Your Dog a Bath

The first thing you can do is give your dog a nice warm bath. All you will need to do is fill your tub with lukewarm to warm water and add a bit of mild soap. Adding soap to the water is what helps remove the fleas from your dog and keep them off as they drown once they enter the soapy water.

You can also use a dog flea shampoo that is made specifically to treat fleas. Just make sure that you speak to your dog’s veterinarian first, as some flea shampoos can strip the oils from your dog’s fur and dry out their skin. If your dog happens to be allergic to flea bites, its skin may be even more sensitive than normal, on top of the sensitivity that has been caused by flea bites.

Best Flea Shampoo

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

• Kills adult fleas and their eggs on contact
• Also kills lice
• Formulated with soothing aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, and coconut extract to protect sensitive skin
• Leaves your dog's coat shiny, soft, and manageable
• Lightly fragranced

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You should also check to see if your dog has any open wounds or bite marks from chewing and biting at its skin due to itchiness. Some chemicals that are found in flea products can make irritation and infections worse.

While baths can definitely help you cut back on the number of fleas our dog has, they are not an absolute must. For some dogs, excessive bathing may make the situation worse, especially if they are suffering from very sensitive skin.

Talk to your vet to see what bathing frequency is right for your dog. Some dogs may need daily baths to help control more severe infestations, while others may be okay with only having a bath once a week. It may also depend on the type of shampoo that you use for your dog.

Comb Your Dog’s Fur Using a Flea Comb

As we mentioned before, fleas are very tiny, fast-moving pests. One of the best ways to remove them is to use a flea comb to comb through your dog’s fur. Flea combs are specifically designed with the teeth very close together so that as it combs through your dog’s fur, they can remove fleas as well.

If you dip the comb into a mixture of water and a bit of dish soap prior to combing your dog, it will help catch the insects more easily and prevent them from jumping away. Flea combs are also made to help remove flea poop, which is sometimes called “flea dirt”. These are dark brown or black specks that look like pepper flakes in your dog’s fur.

Flea combs are also good for removing any eggs that the fleas may have laid in your dog’s fur. When using a flea comb on your dog, be sure to pay special attention to the neck and tail areas as these are the spots that fleas tend to congregate and feed in the most. This method is best if you want to quickly remove as many fleas as possible from your dog and help relieve some of its itchiness. The longer the fleas stay on your dog, the more they’ll bite and continue to multiply.

Flea combs work in great combination with baths, since while you’re bathing your dog, (which kills the fleas because of the soapy water) you’re also combing out any potential stragglers and removing their eggs. Comb your dog behind the ears and neck area, as well as its tail, and then dunk the comb into the warm soapy bathwater. You will usually be able to see just how many fleas were in that area and will feel better knowing they’re no longer on your dog.

Spray Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Dog

If you’re looking for a natural way to keep the fleas off your dog after you’ve given it its flea bath and used a flea comb on it, you might want to try using apple cider vinegar. ACV doesn’t kill fleas but it can definitely help to keep them away. Fleas don’t like the smell or taste of apple cider vinegar, so they’ll likely avoid your dog if you spray it on its fur.

First, make sure you dilute the apple cider vinegar with water by combining the two in a spray bottle. If your dog doesn’t like getting sprayed, simply dip a brush into the mixture and use it while brushing your dog or spray some onto your hand and then rub it into its fur.

The smell of the apple cider vinegar should be enough to keep the fleas away until your dog’s next bath. You will still want to be sure that you do regular checks in your dog’s fur with a flea comb to make sure that it’s working and then remove any additional fleas or eggs you may have missed when giving your dog a bath.

Use a Flea Collar on Your Dog

There are different types of flea collars out there. Some collars are designed to help keep fleas away, while others are designed to kill fleas that are already present. There are even different types among those that are made to kill fleas as some will only kill adult fleas, while others target the eggs and larvae. There are all kinds of dog flea collars out there and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your dog.

We’ve previously reviewed some of the various types of flea collars for dogs to help make the decision-making process easier. These collars can be a great way to help prevent fleas from latching onto your dog and killing the ones that are already there.

Best Flea Collar

Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs

• This collar provides 8 months of flea and tick protection
• Works through contact, so insects don't have to bite your dog to die
• Veterinarian-recommended
• Convenient, odorless collar
• Starts to repel and kill fleas within 24 hours of applying the collar

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Use a Topical Flea Treatment

Aside from just giving your dog a bath or using a flea comb, you may want to use a topical flea treatment as well. These treatments are made to not only kill the fleas that have made their way onto your dog but also prevent them from coming back. These treatments can be very effective and usually work rather quickly in reducing the number of fleas your dog has. We’ve gone over some of the best topical flea treatments for dogs to help narrow down your choices—as there are many great products available on the market.

When to See a Veterinarian

In most cases, a dog having fleas is not a medical emergency. Most of the time you should be able to easily treat fleas at home without the need for taking your dog to the vet. The best way to handle fleas is to be proactive. As soon as you notice a flea problem, begin treatments for it immediately. A flea problem left untreated can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin and can turn into an infestation very quickly. The best way to get rid of fleas is to begin using a topical flea treatment or flea collar. You can also consider using an oral treatment as well. Here are a few things to look out for to know if you should schedule an appointment to see your vet:

• Your dog is lethargic
• Your dog is losing weight unexpectedly
• Your dog is scooting across the floor
• You notice tapeworm segments in your dog’s stool (these resemble grains of rice or cucumber seeds and are about a half-inch long
• Your dog’s gums are pale

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, they may be pointing to a tapeworm issue. If this is the case, you’ll want to get an appointment scheduled with your vet as soon as possible. The sooner you can do this, the sooner your dog can return to full health and an improved quality of life.

Do I Need to Clean My House if My Dog Has Fleas?

If your dog has fleas, they have most likely brought them into your home and they won’t simply just go away, even after you have rid your dog of them. Fleas are tiny creatures that are able to thrive in almost any environment, even the tiniest of spaces. If you have treated your dog, you must also treat your entire home. Regular cleaning, as well as disinfecting, can not only eliminate these pests but can prevent them from returning.

Flea eggs are unable to survive in areas that are prone to frequent trauma, such as frequent vacuuming. You should always vacuum the areas where your pet frequents which should remove the eggs. For best results, you should continually vacuum every few days. You will also need to clean the items in your home that were exposed to fleas, such as bedding, clothing, and furniture.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/adogslifephoto