Does Dawn Dishwashing Detergent Kill Fleas on Dogs?

Some products sold to get rid of fleas can be unpleasant for you and your dog, as well as being expensive. Regular bathing with simple household detergents, like Dawn, does actually help keep fleas at bay.

  1. Benefits

    • Detergents generally make life hard for fleas. Dawn dishwashing detergent contains oils and other ingredients that suffocate fleas and make it much harder for their eggs to stick in your dog's fur.

    Function

    • As you lather up your dog's fur, you drive the fleas to higher ground: the dog's neck and face. It's a good idea therefore to start the bath by very quickly soaping up your dog's neck and then working the warm water and Dawn detergent into the rest of its fur. Try to keep as much of your dog's body wet and lathered as you can for at least five minutes to kill the fleas.

    Warning

    • Avoid making bath-time distressing for your pet. Make sure your dog can breathe easily while being washed. Keep Dawn and other detergents out of the dog's eyes and nose.