While freezing and cold weather kills adult fleas, the larvae can survive winters indoors so it may not be a good idea to stop treatment of your dog in winter. If you want to stop using prescription flea medications and insecticides, there are some non-chemical and minimally toxic ways to treat dogs for fleas, according to the University of Florida Extension service.
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Flea Facts
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The cat flea is the most common type of flea in the United States and, despite the name, cat fleas are what likely are infesting your dog. Fleas live on your dog, laying up to 30 eggs a day. These eggs fall and hatch within days, wherever they land. The flea larvae build cocoons, and remain in that state until conditions are favorable enough for them to hatch into adult fleas, keeping the cycle going. Both eggs and larvae are visible to the naked eye, but because they are so small you may not be aware of them.
Your dog can pick up fleas every time he goes outside, as most wild animals carry fleas. Fleas willingly jump from host to host, and will rest in soil waiting for your dog to pass by. If you live in a clean, urban environment and your dog spends little time in contact with grass, soil or other animals, you may be able to stop treating him for fleas. You should, however, stay vigilant. "Flea dirt" looks like fine black pepper flakes on your dog's skin--these actually are flakes of dried blood. Swab them up with a damp paper towel; if they turn reddish-brown, your dog has fleas.
A single flea bite can cause intense itching, sores and hair loss in an allergic dog. If your dog is allergic to fleas, you should not stop treating him. Dogs that ingest eggs by grooming or ingesting them from bedding or the ground can get tapeworms. Once your home is infested with fleas, it requires a multi-pronged approach to eradicate them. Not only do you have to treat your dog, you also need to treat your home and yard.
Stopping Treatment in Winter
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Although flea larvae can survive freezing temperatures for months in the pupa stage, you may be able to stop treating for fleas if you're facing a long winter, you know your home is flea-free and your dog is not allergic. Since this can be dependent on the temperatures and what part of the country you live in, your veterinarian will be the best person to advise you. Some people do not treat for fleas regularly unless they have a problem, and can go for many years without seeing evidence of a single flea on their dog.
Less Toxic Alternatives
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Fleas can become resistant to insecticides, and some people are unwilling to use chemicals on their dogs. Since fleas primarily breed where a dog sleeps, washing her bedding weekly--and vacuuming your home frequently--removes the eggs and larvae. Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive mineral powder that kills flea larvae by dehydrating them. According to the University of Florida, both diatomaceous earth and boric acid can be effective when sprinkled on bedding and carpets. Combing your dog is a time-intensive but effective way to remove fleas. Coat the comb in Vaseline first to catch the fleas. There are several non-toxic shampoos on the market that may be effective. Be very cautious, however, of using shampoos or sprays containing essential oils. They may be "natural" but they can be harmful to dogs.
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