How to Care for Fleas on a Dog

The majority of dog owners have, at some point, had to deal with a pesky case of fleas. The wingless and tiny insects often feed on animal blood and can cause both disease and irritation in a pet. Dogs that are suffering from a case of fleas often are seen constantly scratching themselves. You can manage a flea infestation on your dog in several different ways, often in combination with each other.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Flea repellent
  • Flea bomb
  • Oral medication
  • Soap
  • Protective clothing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your dog's fur thoroughly to help pick out the fleas. To kill off the fleas, douse the comb in either an alcohol solution or in a soap-and-water blend. Promptly follow the brushing with a long and warm bath. Bathe your dog with standard bar soap, which functions as a moderate insecticide, or use a medicated or nonmedicated flea shampoo. Bathe the dog immediately after you discover the fleas. Otherwise, bathe your dog every one to three months, depending on the breed.

    • 2

      Try a flea repellent. For more serious cases of fleas that simple combing and bathing cannot resolve, use a repellent such as a flea spray or topical liquid treatment, both of which are available at any neighborhood supermarket or drugstore. Start out with a mild repellent. If that doesn't do the trick, look for a product that works more aggressively. One option to consider is an insect growth regulator, which is available both as a spot-on treatment and a spray. Well-known topical repellents include Advantage, Frontline and Revolution.

    • 3

      Give your dog flea control medication in pills, such as those available online or from a vet. Various anti-flea oral drugs can quickly kill dog fleas.

    • 4

      Purchase enough flea bombs to manage your entire home, particularly the areas that you already know or suspect are infested. Flea bombs are powerful insecticides that are commonly used for severe flea infestations. Have everyone vacate the house for a few hours while the flea bombs are working, as they contain chemicals that are potentially dangerous to both humans and animals.

    • 5

      Provide your dog with a healthy and well-balanced diet. Fleas tend to prey on dogs that do not have proper nourishment and therefore have weaker immune systems. Feeding your dog a proper diet is a good way to prevent a flea problem or keep it from returning.