3 Easy Ways to treat your Dog’s Fleas

Ok, we all know what arrives in the spring, fleas. But……..you do not have to lock your fur baby inside to avoid a flea infestation. The best approach is prevention and it is not as difficult as you may think. There are three basic choices in prevention but regardless of which you decide upon, the key is to treat your dog before the fleas begin to bite.

1. Flea and Tick Collars

When it comes to an old staple, the flea and tick collar is one that has been around for many years. This type of control works in one of two ways. One way is the collar emits an insecticide that kills fleas that are near the collar. The second way a flea and tick collar can kill is the insecticide on the collar is absorbed thru the dog’s skin and when the flea or tick bites the insect is killed.

In the past, this collar was not waterproof but now many on the market can get wet. Also, in the past the collar had to be replaced every month. Today some brands claim to be good for a year.

Keep in mind though that this treatment only addresses adult fleas. Also, some dog’s skin will be irritated by the chemical on the collar. Having said that though this form of treatment is a fine one prior to any sign of fleas but if you decide to use a flea collar make sure that you can get two fingers in behind the collar. Using this gauge will make sure the flea and tick collar is fitting properly.

2. Skin Treatments

The next common treatment is one that is directly applied to the back of the neck of your dog where he/she cannot lick. The process by which this type of treatment works is simple. When the insect bites it takes up the pesticide. Depending on the brand and the insecticides involved, it may die very quickly or more slowly. Many of these skin treatments kill both the adults and larvae. When it comes to application though, most of these skin treatments have to be reapplied on a monthly schedule.

While the skin treatments work, some individuals with young children at home prefer not to use this type of treatment due to the slim chance of accidental poisoning. This can occur if the treated area is touched before it is absorbed.

3. Daily or Monthly Oral Treatments

As the name implies, this treatment is eaten by your dog. Depending on the ingredients, some oral treatments only address adult fleas while others ignore adult fleas but go after the eggs and larvae. The kind you choose will depend on the type of infestation you are dealing with and the age of your dog.

Now that you know the basic treatments, you may have noticed that the flea dip is not listed. While this is a treatment it is only temporary. To find the best solution for your flea and tick problem, make sure to consult your veterinarian.