Ways to Remove Ticks & Fleas From Dogs

Fleas and ticks are two insects that can become problems for dogs and people. Fleas can infest homes and pets. They can create skin irritations, anemia and spread diseases as they feed on the blood of your dog, you and your family. Ticks hitch a ride on dogs as they pass through vegetation. Once on a dog, ticks work their way through fur to the skin where they attach themselves, suck blood and spread diseases.

  1. Flea Removal

    • Watch your dog for fleas sign that include biting and repeated scratching. Check the fur and skin carefully for the appearance of fleas, which look like tiny black speckles. Look in the ears, between toes, lower back and tail. Thoroughly brush to remove eggs and adult fleas. Bathe dogs with a recommended flea shampoo from pet supplies or veterinarians. Use a dish washing soap such as Dawn to bathe dogs if you do not have access to a flea shampoo.

    Tick Removal

    • Check hair and skin of dogs daily for new ticks. Ticks are tiny reddish-brown- or black-colored bugs shaped like a disk the size of a pinhead. Those that have been feeding on your pet's blood may swell in size to almost a quarter of an inch in diameter. The most common places to find ticks are the skin in and around the ears, head and neck. When removing a tick, use tweezers to grasp the tick around the head, closest to the dogs skin, and pull it out. Put ticks in a cup of rubbing alcohol.

    Collars and Powders

    • Flea and tick collars can be used with some success at removing fleas and ticks from your pets. Be extremely careful when purchasing collars and powders for either flea or tick removal. Some products on the market that contain Dursban, Sevin or Vapona can cause serious complications, and other ingredients used in different products may be poisonous. Look for collars and powders derived from natural ingredients such as citrus oil or Neem products.

    Reinfection

    • After periodic bathing to remove fleas and removing ticks, you have made a dent in adult populations of these insects. Eggs, larva and adults are still alive and active in carpeting and small cracks throughout your home. Grassy areas and outdoor plants are still home to the continuing life cycles of both ticks and fleas. Sweep indoors at least twice a week. Consider setting off bug bombs inside that use safe ingredients or hire a professional exterminator. Nematodes can be used outdoors effectively to destroy all stages of fleas.