How to get rid of fleas on dogs
Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting pets, so your dog will almost certainly meet fleas at some point in their lives - and they can appear when you least expect them. Fleas can do a lot more than simply make your dog itch; they can cause significant discomfort, skin problems, and even transmit diseases to your pet. The good news is that with the right knowledge and effective treatments, you can keep your dog happy, healthy, and flea-free! Follow these steps to get rid of fleas and prevent them from moving back in.
1. Start with the right flea treatment for your dog
Using a treatment product is always the first step in beating a flea infestation on your dog - and if you use an effective preventative product regularly, you’re unlikely to have a problem in the first place.
There are lots of different flea treatments available. Read on to find out which ones may be best suited to your furry friend and remember, you can always ask your vet or local pet retail store for their recommendation
Flea collars can vary in how they work; Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar for dogs kills fleas (and repels and kills ticks) through contact without the need for them to bite your pet1. Just put it on your dog like a normal collar and with Seresto they’re protected for 7-8 months.
Spot-on treatments, such as Advantage Spot-on, contain a small amount of liquid that is applied to the skin between the dog's shoulder blades once a month. Many pet owners find them convenient as they are easy to apply. Advantage Spot-on kills fleas within 24 hours and and prevents further infestations for 4 weeks. Fleas are killed through contact with the treated pet and do not have to bite to die1
Tablets are another commonly used method to protect dogs from fleas and can be given either by putting the tablet in with your pet's food or treats, or by gently giving it directly into their mouth. An example of a tablet available for preventative flea control is Advantage Chewable. This a tasty, meat-flavoured chewable tablet that provides fast-acting, reliable protection, killing fleas in just 4 hours and ticks in 8 hours2. If your dog already has an infestation of fleas, one Capstar tablet starts killing adult fleas in just 15-30 minutes and lasts 24 hours; to prevent a re-infestation of fleas, you'll need to use a longer-acting preventative product afterwards too.
Remember, your dog will only be fully protected from fleas when regularly using a preventative flea product. It can help to make a note of the date that you first gave the product, so you know when to re-treat. When applying flea treatments, you will need to choose the right product for your dog’s age and weight; always make sure you read the label and consult your vet or local pet retail store if you’re unsure.
Responsible use of medicines in pets
When we use pet health treatments, be they for parasites or for other health issues, it's essential that they are used responsibly. Find out more about the principles of responsible use of medicines in pets.
Flea treatment options
Fleas can also cause serious skin disease in dogs, so if your dog has patchy fur, sore skin, or seems generally unwell then ask your vet to check them over.
Don’t forget about worms
Fleas can carry the tapeworm parasite, a nasty intestinal worm which can be transmitted to your dog if a flea is ingested, so it's important to worm alongside flea control for full coverage. Speak to your vet about treatment options and frequency.
2. Clean your pet’s bedding
Fleas lay eggs on the host animal which then fall off into the environment around them, dispersing into carpets and in other warm undisturbed areas such as pet bedding, soft toys, rugs and cushions. Once hatched and matured, the adult fleas can re-infest both your pets and your home. You can vacuum your pet’s bedding but it’s better to wash it at the hottest temperature the material can take to kill fleas, eggs, larvae or pupae hiding in there. Tumble drying on the highest temperature that the fabric can withstand will also help.
3. Wash other soft furnishings
All soft furnishings can harbour flea eggs, remember to also wash any that your pet may have been in contact with, such as cushions and curtains.
4. Vacuum, vacuum again and then vacuum a bit more
To get rid of fleas in the home you need to vacuum all floors, carpets, rugs and sofas regularly and thoroughly. Pay attention to cracks in skirting boards, corners of the room and behind beds – areas where the eggs and larvae tend to lurk. You may also find flea dirt (the black specks of flea faeces) here, which may be acting as a food source for juvenile fleas.
Remember to empty your machine after each use to stop eggs hatching inside.
5. Other household treatments
Use of an additional household flea treatment may also be recommended. Speak to your vet or local pet retail store for more information about the use of these products.
Treating fleas on puppies
It is particularly important to treat puppies for fleas. A heavy infestation of fleas in a small puppy can cause serious anaemia.
When you pick up a new puppy from the breeder ask if they have already been treated for fleas and if so, what with. It is not unusual for new puppies to arrive with fleas because they tend to be more common where more dogs live together.
Not all flea products are suitable for puppies, depending on the puppy's age and weight. Always seek advice from your vet or local pet retail store before choosing treatment for a puppy.
If your own bitch is having puppies, it is important to keep her flea-free during her pregnancy to keep her and her puppies healthy. You may need to continue to treat the bitch while she is feeding her puppies to keep the fleas under control - fleas love the warm, soft environment of a whelping box. Not all flea treatments are safe for pregnant and lactating bitches so always ask advice from your vet or local pet retail store before choosing a treatment for her and her precious puppies.
- Mehlhorn et al. Parasitol Res (2001) 87:198-207, information is regarding mode of action and is not intended to relate to speed of kill or to imply parasites can be completely stopped from biting.
- Advantage Chewable Summary of Product Characteristics.
