How to Keep Fleas Off of White Dogs

Fleas will inhabit just about any canine, but their presence often is easy to detect on white dogs. Fleas are dark brown in color and their feces, or "dirt" is black, which is easily seen against the contrast of a dog's white fur. Not only are fleas unsightly on a white dog, but they are uncomfortable and can cause severe issues, including tapeworm infections and skin problems. Therefore, it is essential to prevent these blood-sucking pests from infesting your pet using over-the-counter preventatives, or items you can likely find in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Topical flea preventative containing fipronil, selemectin, imidacloprid or metafluimzole
  • Oral flea preventative
  • Flea-prevention injection
  • Flea collar or spray containing methoprene or pyriproxifen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a flea preventative from your veterinarian or a pet store. According to petplace.com, it is best to consult with your veterinarian as to which preventative is best suited for your dog. Many choices are available, including topical products that both treat and prevent fleas, as well as oral medications that prevent fleas and heartworms.

    • 2

      Apply topical flea products, such as those with fipronil, selemectin, imidacloprid and metafluimzole, directly to your dog's skin. Most recommend applying the product to the skin between the dog's shoulder blades. Follow the directions on the label and adhere to any suggestions concerning how long to wait to apply the medication after your dog receives a bath.

    • 3

      Open your dog's mouth by applying upward pressure with your less-dominant hand to your dog's upper jaw, and downward pressure with your dominant hand to your dog's lower jaw, to administer an oral flea preventative, such as Sentinel. Hold the pill in between your thumb and forefinger in your dominant hand, and place the medication as far back in the dog's throat as possible. Close the mouth and rub the throat to encourage swallowing.

    • 4

      Hide the medication in a treat, if administration is too difficult. Place the pill in peanut butter, soft cheese or meat, such as liverwurst. Dogs usually do not detect the pill's presence when hidden in a soft, sticky substance.

    • 5

      Ask your veterinarian to inject your white dog with lufenuron to prevent fleas. In addition, sprays or collars that contain methoprene or pyriproxifen are also helpful in preventing fleas, as noted by petplace.com.

    • 6

      Add garlic to your white dog's diet to prevent fleas, as suggested by earthclinic.com. In addition, giving your canine sulfur once a week or black walnut hulls can also prevent the pests. Consult a holistic veterinarian for dosage information, as it will depend on your dog's weight.