Things You'll Need
- Flea comb
- Vacuum
- Wash tub
- Gentle shampoo
- Washer and dryer
Instructions
Bathe the puppy. Paul Herrera, DVM and public health veterinarian for the U.S. Department of Agriculture says frequent baths and combing are important for removing fleas and their eggs from puppies. ̶0;The water drowns the adult fleas and the soap disrupts the flea̵7;s cuticle causing them to dry out,̶1; said Herrera. ̶0;There are some organic shampoos with citrus and herbal oils that act to repel adults.̶1;
Place the puppy in a tub filled with shallow, tepid water. Using a gentle shampoo recommended for puppies and lather the puppy. Make sure to pay special attention to the base of the tail when fleas tend to congregate. During the bathing process many of the fleas and flea eggs will be removed from the puppy.
Using lukewarm to tepid water, rinse all suds off of the puppy. Then towel dry puppy. Most of the remaining flea eggs will be dislodged from the puppy and will fall into the towel.
Comb through puppy̵7;s fur using a flea comb. Herrera says to pay special attention to the face, belly and tail area. ̶0;Puppies and kittens tend to curl their tails around themselves like a blankey,̶1; he said. With each pass, remove any fleas or eggs from comb and dump into a soapy container.
Thoroughly clean the puppy̵7;s environment. Wash all towels and pet bedding in warm water. Vacuum all furniture, flooring, cracks and crevices near pet areas. Herrera says treating the environment of the puppy is most important for controlling flea eggs and adult fleas. ̶0;Vacuuming the floors and washing animal and human bedding will help,̶1; said Dr. Herrera. ̶0;You can treat carpeting with boric acid or diatomaceous earth to control the adult fleas. And use diatomaceous earth and/or nematodes to control the adult and larval stages of fleas in the lawn.̶1;