Fleas in dogs are a widespread problem. Even the cleanest and most tidy pet can pick up parasites during a street walk, short-term contact with fellow pets, or sleeping on a rug located near the door.
If parasites are detected in a dog, measures should be taken immediately to destroy them. The modern pet supply market offers a lot of different flea medications for dogs.
It is important to make the right choice, otherwise the product will not only not bring the expected result, but will also cause harm to the pet.
What are the features of the best flea treatments for dogs, how to use the selected drugs, is parasite prevention necessary and how often should it be carried out? Let's consider these and many other questions in more detail.
Drops
One of the most effective, efficient and easy-to-use flea remedies for dogs are a variety of drops. To obtain the desired result, it is enough to apply the selected drug once to the animal’s withers area. Preventive treatment should be carried out once every month or two - this aspect depends on the pharmacological characteristics of the product.
Hartz drops
The given medicine is represented by a wide range of anti-flea products for dogs, where phenothrin is used as the main ingredient. The drugs have effective properties and can be used to remove parasites from animals of different body weights and heights. This is one of the safest flea remedies for puppies of different ages, as well as small breed animals.
The main advantages of the drops are the following: resistance to water, minimal risk of side effects and allergic manifestations. It should be noted that the appearance of negative reactions on the part of the animal’s body is still possible, for example, if the required dosage is incorrectly calculated.
drops stronghold
Stronghold drops are a highly effective complex remedy against fleas in dogs. The drug completely removes larvae and adults. It is acceptable to use the medicine to remove fleas from lactating bitches and puppies more than one and a half months old.
To effectively remove fleas from dogs, a single application of drops to the animal’s skin at the base of the head and shoulder blades is sufficient. The action of the active components continues throughout the day, during which it is important to exclude the dog from contact with water. Stronghold drops will provide reliable protection for your pet for two months.
To obtain maximum effect, it is recommended to further treat the dog four weeks after the first application of the product.
Celandine drops for puppies
Celandine drops are a fairly effective, relatively cheap flea remedy for puppies, containing the active ingredient fipronil. The products of this manufacturer combine a wide range of insecticidal preparations containing various variations in the concentration of active components. A distinctive feature of celandine is the ability to destroy both adult fleas and larvae.
The active substances practically do not penetrate into the systemic bloodstream, being concentrated as much as possible in the ducts of the sebaceous glands. Accordingly, this remedy is completely safe and can be used to treat fleas in puppies 1 month of age. If the animal is a street animal, that is, regular walks are practiced, it is recommended to re-treat the pet after four weeks. This measure will help prevent re-infection.
Features of treatment for puppies
When choosing a drug that will relieve the problem, you need to take into account the age of the baby. The younger he is, the less aggressive the components in the shampoo or drops should be, so as not to further damage or dry out the baby’s skin. In the first 6-8 weeks of his life, it is better to use simple methods of control; they will not be so effective, but safe for health.
To remove fleas from a puppy, it is important not only to use a special product, but also to clean the room at the same time. If there are other pets in the house, they should also be checked for insects.
Fleas on a 1 month old puppy
For a one-month-old puppy, even the most famous companies do not produce products to combat uninvited guests. You should not buy shampoo for older newborns; it is better to opt for traditional and mechanical methods:
- The first way is to bathe the puppy in a strong decoction of wormwood, tansy, wild rosemary or mint. Be sure to ensure that the drops do not get into the ears, nose and eyes. You need to keep your dog in this bath for at least 15 minutes. If all the offspring are infected, then bathe each puppy separately. After bathing and drying, the coat must be thoroughly combed over white paper or cloth to remove any fallen fleas;
- the second method is similar to the first, only using tar soap, which also has a pungent and repellent odor. First, wet the puppy with water and soap it generously, then freeze in a towel and a warm blanket so that he does not freeze, and hold this “mask” for at least 20 minutes. After this time, thoroughly rinse off the foam along with the dead fleas and do not forget about control combing , as in the previous paragraph;
Active ingredients such as herbs and tar will not harm the baby's skin and will not cause irritation or an allergic reaction, even if the puppy is only 2 weeks old. Therefore, they can be used for two-week-old babies and even newborns. But we must not forget about their mother - the main source of trouble.
Fleas on a 2 month old puppy
At this age, the feeding period has already ended and the offspring already have a more developed immune system, milk teeth and a strong physique. Therefore, it will be easier to exterminate fleas from such a puppy, since long-term preventive measures can be used.
- For this age, companies produce a large number of shampoos, but up to six months it is better to choose drugs with a minimum content of poisons, or better without them at all;
- Now you can buy collars designed for puppies and soaked in essential oils. But such a remedy will be ineffective if there are several puppies in the house due to the fact that they will chew each other’s collars and render them unusable;
- drops on the withers should be used based on the instructions and the age of the baby. Again, this method is suitable for a puppy living separately, since others may get poisoned;
- It is possible to use a spray that allows you to quickly and completely remove parasites, which are again allowed for this age. But, as with other products containing insecticides, they are contraindicated in litter.
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That is, if the baby is one of the animals in the house, then all these means are suitable. But if there are two or more of them, then you should be more careful when choosing a flea treatment method.
Fleas on a 3 month old puppy
For dogs of this age, most insecticidal preparations against parasites, which can be easily found in pet stores, are suitable. You can use shampoos and sprays without fear, but again you need to take into account your age. Collars will not be very effective because the puppy has already increased in size and, perhaps, the coat has become longer and thicker.
Flea sprays
Aerosols and sprays against fleas for dogs are recognized as the most effective antiparasitic agents. They are convenient to use; to obtain the desired effect, it is enough to apply a small amount of the chosen medicine to the fur of the withers.
Adult fleas die immediately after application, while the effect of the active components lasts for several weeks, which helps prevent the re-production of fleas in the dog.
Leopard
Spray Bars is the most effective flea remedy for dogs, which contains fipronil. Due to its high toxicity, it is not recommended to use the drug for the treatment of small breed dogs, as well as puppies less than two months old. The barrier effect after applying the medicine lasts for a month.
Spray frontline
Frontline spray is also recognized as one of the highest quality but affordable remedies for fleas on dogs. Due to the high toxicity of the components, a one-time use of the spray allows you to completely destroy larvae and adult fleas. However, precisely for this reason, it is permissible to use the drug exclusively for the treatment of adult dogs of large breeds.
Beaphar
A high-quality imported remedy for fleas in Beafar dogs belongs to the category of insecticidal preparations with the highest level of safety.
However, despite the fact that the medicine contains a small amount of toxins, it copes well with various blood-sucking skin parasites, including dog fleas. An important advantage is the ability to treat puppies older than two months, as well as small breed dogs.
Нartz
Hartz aerosols are a drug whose effect begins within a few minutes after application to the animal’s fur. The medicine allows you to completely destroy fleas and larvae. The only, but very significant, drawback of the spray is its short-term effect.
The drug retains its barrier effect for seven days, after which it is necessary to re-treat the dog against fleas.
Prevention
After a long fight against pests, you don’t want them to come back. Therefore, you should follow basic measures that will protect not only a small puppy, but also an adult dog from infection:
- avoid allowing the animal to come into contact with stray animals;
- regularly inspect your pet and periodically treat it with flea repellents;
- after getting rid of parasites, it is necessary to thoroughly vacuum the area and treat the surrounding area;
Fleas are not the worst thing that can happen to a pet; this phenomenon is quite common. The main thing is to notice this in time and begin effective treatment. It is necessary to carefully select the product; as you can see, they are quite varied and are not suitable for everyone. It is worth being patient and willing to help your pet, because no one except the owner will save him from endless itching and bites. Because we are responsible for those we have tamed.
Shampoos
Mostly, dog flea shampoos are used in combination with other types of antiparasitic agents. Before treating wool with insecticides, it is recommended to first comb and wash the animal.
In addition, shampoos are excellent and effective against parasites in small breed animals. When using shampoo, it is important to avoid getting the product on the animal’s mucous membranes or ears. The advantages also include the almost complete absence of risks of side effects, relatively low cost, and complete safety.
Phytoelite shampoo
Phytoelite shampoo is a fairly effective inexpensive product. Its composition includes permethrin, as well as a complex of substances of plant origin. This shampoo can be used for regular care to prevent the appearance of parasites. The product has a detrimental effect not only on fleas, but also on blood-sucking insects of other species.
Shampoo doctor zoo
This is a very popular mild shampoo, which makes it possible to use it for treating puppies. The composition of the product contains a complex of components made on a plant basis, for example, eucalyptus oil . The only drawback of this shampoo is the short-term effect.
Beaphar
Beafar shampoo is also made from herbal ingredients, but its composition includes toxic substances. Accordingly, it is not recommended to use it to treat small dogs, as well as puppies.
What to do if your dog has fleas
Having discovered parasites in a dog, you need to act immediately to avoid their massive spread.
- Choose a suitable anti-flea product, following the advice of a veterinarian.
- You need to fight fleas strictly according to the instructions for the drug. And if repeated treatment is prescribed there, you should not neglect it - this can lead to a massive proliferation of parasites.
- Treat the apartment followed by wet cleaning.
- As a preventative measure, you should limit your pet’s contact with stray animals.
Accurate and timely implementation of these tips will help cure your pet of annoying parasites and prevent their occurrence. If there is a strong accumulation of fleas in a house or apartment, it is recommended to use the service of a company that will carry out pest control at a professional level.
Pills
It is quite rare to see flea tablets for dogs on the pet products market.
The relatively low popularity of this group of products is due to the following disadvantages::
- the drugs do not contribute to the complete elimination of parasites, but only reduce the number of parasite colonies. That is, to completely kill a dog’s fleas, repeated use of the medicine may be required.
- In order for the dog to swallow the medicine, you must first crush the tablet and then mix it with water or food.
- To obtain a positive result, it is important to be able to correctly calculate the required dosage, which can cause certain difficulties.
Folk recipes
If it is not possible to treat an animal with antiparasitic agents for some reason, it is quite possible to use folk remedies for fleas on dogs, which can be used at home. As a rule, such methods are not highly effective and can only be used to prevent infection of a pet.
For example, you can apply a few drops of any essential oil to your fingers, then rub the liquid in thoroughly. The strong smell will help repel parasites. Essential oils of eucalyptus and coniferous trees are most effective.
If your pet is kept on a leash or in an enclosure, it is recommended to treat the area. This measure will help prevent the animal from becoming infected with various types of skin parasites . It is best to place branches of coniferous trees, sawdust, stems, and leaves of wormwood directly on the floor of the booth, as well as near it.
To effectively eliminate parasites, you can use ancient means - instead of shampoo, when washing an animal, it is recommended to use tar soap or soap based on dust. This method is completely safe and can be used to treat puppies or small breed dogs. Its only drawback is the need to repeatedly treat the animal to completely destroy skin parasites.
How to handle an animal
To obtain the treatment effect, it is important to be able to properly treat the dog. If, for example, drops, aerosol or spray were chosen, it should be applied to the withers area. In this case, the drops should be applied directly to the skin, and the spray should be sprayed onto the fur. When treating dogs for fleas, it is important to ensure that toxic drugs do not get on the mucous tissues or in the animal’s mouth; carelessness can lead to the death of the pet.
For the purpose of prevention, it is recommended to periodically, at least once every eight weeks, re-treat your pet.
This measure will help prevent the dog from becoming infected with fleas, even if the animal is constantly walked outdoors.
Symptoms and external signs
The first and main sign that your pet has fleas is its constant scratching. He can also chew his fur. And it is possible to find out whether the puppy was really attacked by parasites only through a detailed examination. You can comb against the grain to check for the presence or absence of bloodsuckers. They usually like to be located behind the ears, as this area has thinner skin and is easier to bite.
Fleas can also be detected during water procedures. Insects will jump off the pet or try to move to drier parts of the body.
Flea saliva causes very strong allergic reactions in babies, so redness will be another symptom. Sometimes it happens that due to the negative effects of parasites, hair loss may occur. Therefore, it is worth closely monitoring changes in the dog’s behavior and appearance.
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