Fleas live on the blood of animals and lay their eggs on an animal's skin. When the animal shakes, the eggs fall on the carpet, sofa, bedding, and your favorite chair. The eggs hatch in a couple days, and the resulting larvae live in your chair for a week or two before they become fleas thirsty for blood. Signs of fleas are more noticeable than actually spotting fleas. A dog scratching more than he usually does or snapping at his rear end and hind legs are signs that fleas may be present. Fleas biting dogs can cause tapeworms, severe itching, and allergies.
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Brewer's Yeast
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Fleas dislike the taste of yeast. Adding a teaspoon of brewer's yeast to your dogs food will help to keep fleas at bay. The yeast is excreted through the skin. Without a tasty host for fleas to subsist, they will go elsewhere or die.
Growth Inhibitors
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Genetically engineered growth inhibitors come in a once-a-month pill that kills fleas and larvae by preventing fleas from forming their external body covering. Growth inhibitors also are available in ointment or cream form. These topical forms are not toxic to dogs or humans.
Hydrocortisone Cream
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A one-percent hydrocortisone cream applied to the affected area will reduce swelling and temporarily stop itching.
Antibiotic Cream
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If excessive scratching has caused sores, apply an antibiotic cream to the sores to help prevent infection.
Aloe
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Aloe soothes red and irritated skin as well as promotes healing.
Rosemary Oil
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Rosemary reduces inflammation naturally and stimulates hair growth in bald patches caused by scratching and biting.
Herbal Flea Collar
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Several natural oils will repel fleas. Soak a piece of rope with tea tree oil or neem oil . Wrap the rope in cloth and tie it around the dog's neck. Resoak the rope every other day. This will only repel the fleas around the neck and head area, but it does help in between other treatments.
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