5 ways to protect your pet dog from fleas

As a pet owner, one of the most frustrating things to deal with is fleas on your dog. Not only are they itchy and uncomfortable for your pet, but they can also spread to other animals and even humans. 

There are more than 2500 species of fleas worldwide, and more than 300 of them are found in the United States, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s estimates. 

Fleas are a part of our surrounding ecosystem, and your pet dog can easily catch them if you do not take sufficient measures. There are a few simple ways to protect your dog from fleas and keep them happy and healthy.

1. Keep Your Yard Clean

Keeping your yard clean is an important step in preventing flea infestations for your dog. Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments, and a cluttered, unkempt yard can provide the perfect breeding ground for these parasites. 

Remember to be consistent with these practices of keeping your card clean.

• Long grass provides a perfect hiding spot for fleas and their eggs, so keep your lawn mowed to a short length.
• Fleas can also hide in piles of leaves, branches, and other debris, so make sure to remove debris from your yard regularly.
• Fleas can also hide in overgrown gardens and flower beds, so keep these areas trimmed and tidy.
• Monitor your dog’s coats for fleas after they spend time in the yard.
• You can use flea-repellent sprays in your yard and around the perimeter of your home to prevent fleas from entering.

1. Use Preventative Medications

There are a variety of preventative medications available, such as topical treatments and oral pills, that can help keep fleas at bay. 

Topical medications, such as spot-on treatments, are applied directly to the dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. These medications typically contain an adulticide, which kills adult fleas, and an insect growth regulator, which prevents the development of immature fleas. 

Topical medications provide long-lasting protection, often for a month or more. They are also easy to use and are less likely to cause stomach upset or other side effects compared to oral medications. You can gain extensive knowledge about topical treatments like Frontline Plus ingredients from reliable online resources as you look for the right course of medication. 

Oral medications like pills or chewable tablets are swallowed by pets. Oral medications like Frontline Plus provide systemic protection, meaning they can kill fleas throughout the entire body, not just on the surface of the skin. However, they can have side effects, such as stomach upset or decreased appetite, and they may not be as effective as topical treatments.

1. Groom Your Dog Regularly

Grooming is an important part of preventing flea infestations in your dog. Regular grooming can help remove any fleas or flea eggs that may be hiding on your dog’s coat and can also help to keep their coat healthy and shiny. 

There was a recent lawsuit over flea collars of a certain company being allegedly connected to 2500 pet deaths and nearly 100,000 incidents, according to news reports on CBS and other media channels. 

Instead of experimenting, ensure you are doing due diligence before opting for any anti-flea medication or grooming regimen for your dog.

Here are a few things you can do to groom your dog and prevent flea infestations:

• Brush your dog’s coat using a flea comb or a fine-toothed comb. This will help to remove any fleas or flea eggs that may be hiding in their coat.
• Regularly bathing your dog, using a dog-specific shampoo, can help to remove any fleas or flea eggs that may be on their skin. 
• Keep an eye out for any signs of fleas or flea dirt (small black specks) on your dog’s coat. If you notice any, take immediate action to address the problem.
• If your dog has a long coat, trimming it can help to reduce the number of places that fleas can hide.
• Make sure your dog is dehydrated after grooming or bathing, as fleas and flea eggs can survive in damp environments.

By following these grooming tips, you can help to prevent flea infestations in your dog and keep them healthy and comfortable. Remember that regular grooming is essential to preventing and controlling flea infestations and keeping your dog safe and healthy.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Fleas can also thrive in indoor environments. Vacuum regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time, to remove fleas and their eggs. Wash your dog’s bedding and toys often, and consider using flea sprays or powders in your home to keep fleas under control.

1. Consult your veterinarian

 If you suspect that your dog has fleas, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. They can examine your dog, determine the severity of the infestation, and recommend the best course of treatment. In some cases, they may also recommend additional preventative measures to keep fleas from returning.

The United States has over 73,900 veterinarians engaged in clinical practice, and 78.2% of them specialize in companion animals like dogs and cats, according to 2021 stats by the AVMA or the American Veterinary Medical Association. You should be able to locate a veterinary practitioner nearby, even if you are traveling across the country with your pet.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect your dog from fleas and keep them happy and healthy. Remember, regular grooming, cleaning, and preventative medication are essential to preventing and controlling flea infestations. 

Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns or suspect your dog may have fleas. They are the best resource for ensuring your dog’s well-being by preventing flea infestations.