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If you’re a dog owner, the question, how do dogs get fleas? has likely crossed your mind. This prevalent issue is not just a source of discomfort for dogs but a challenge for owners seeking effective prevention and treatment. Fleas are adept at infiltrating our pets’ lives, owing to their highly adaptable nature. This article will explore the paths through which dogs get fleas, offering insights on understanding, managing, and preventing these pesky invaders to ensure the well-being of your furry companion.
Dogs and Fleas: How Dogs Can Get Fleas
There are multiple answers how do dogs get fleas. In reality, there are too many ways dogs can get fleas, and a solution for each one is not as easy as it sounds.
Other Animals
This is the primary reason why dogs can get fleas. In the lack of a better word, if one dog has fleas, all dogs that come in contact with him will end up with fleas as well. This is a huge issue and one of the most important things to realize. You need to take countless precautions in order to decrease the risk or completely eliminate it.
When you take your pet for a walk, make sure to apply a proper flea repelling treatment once you start and when you come home. This is actually the only thing you can do. Just to add, all animals can have fleas so this includes cats, dogs, rabbits, squirrels, and all the rest.
From Your Backyard
All kinds of animals will come to your backyard. Fleas will drop on the ground and wait for your pet to come out. When your pet comes out, they will infect it. This can be another and very common problem. Here we can also see that yes, your dog can get fleas from grass. Don’t forget that one flea can lay 40 eggs per day so you will soon have a nightmare.
Your House
There are two ways your dog can get fleas in this way. First of all, there are the visitors. All other animals and friends who come to your home can leave a flea or two. You can bring fleas as well, and they will infect your dog. Fleas will stay on your clothing and even affect you.
When you come home, they will hide in the carpet and find another host. Fleas are parasites, and as such, they need a host to survive. Dogs are just one of the most common hosts fleas choose. Humans are another! The second way is for fleas to come inside through the backyard and grass if they are left there by other animals.
Areas With Warmer Climate
This is an interesting thing that you will have to understand. In areas where the climate is warm and the temperatures are very high, fleas can survive longer. There is no extremely low temperature to kill them, so they can hide much longer. If you live in an area like that or are travelling to visit one, keep in mind that your dog is in much higher danger.
Pet Facilities
We must add that pet facilities such as vet offices, groomers, and all the rest can be responsible for your dog getting fleas. This can happen at any given time, and there are countless options. Yes, these facilities will claim that they have serious and advanced protocols to prevent fleas from getting inside. Sadly, all of these facilities will end up with fleas at some point. These are the ideal conditions to get your dog infested with fleas.
If you are wondering how indoor dogs get fleas, now you know. Of course, not all of these possibilities can be responsible, but a few of them can. In most cases, indoor dogs will get fleas from visitors or you. You will bring a flea from outside, and the issue will start. Those who have backyards have one more risk factor.
Prevention Methods and Options You Can Consider
It is much better to try and prevent fleas from coming into your home and affecting your dog than trying to kill all of them. This is still something most of you will have to do, but prevention is still mandatory. Sadly, there are not a lot of things you can do. On the other hand, you can still do a few things that are effective and will help you.
The first thing you should do is clean and vacuum on a regular basis. This is done to remove any fleas, larvae, or anything similar from the carpets. One tip is to squeeze and punch the cushions on the couch. This will make all the fleas and larvae move, and you will be able to vacuum them easier.
Those of you who are moving into a new home need to clean it a few days before moving in. All carpets, all are moving into a new home need to clean it a few days before moving in. All carpets, all cushions, and all the rest where fleas can hide should be cleaned to the highest level possible. You can even use some of the tips to kill fleas trapped in that place. Fleas can survive for months in the house, and they can hide almost anywhere. Thinking that they will disappear after a few days without a host is a common mistake. As such, cleaning your new place is mandatory.
Regular cleaning is the most effective method to protect or prevent yourself and your dog from fleas.
Bathing your dog on a regular basis and using a special flea comb (a small comb that will trap all the fleas) is another thing you can do. You can make sure that the fleas will be captured and eliminated before they reach higher numbers. There is no need in telling you that you should check your dog for fleas on a regular basis. Some dog owners do this every single day. But, we believe that it is most effective to check for fleas if one of the ways your dog can get fleas (mentioned above) was present.
Getting Rid of Fleas In Your Home and From Your Dog
If it is too late you will have to deal with fleas, a lot of them. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do and each one has its appeal. Anyway, we will help you by revealing the best and the most effective methods that are 100% safe and can be used for all dog breeds. Too dangerous and unsafe methods will not be featured here.
1. Commercial, Topical Solutions
As you can see and you may know already, these are the best and the most effective. Keep in mind that there are a lot of products of this kind but not all of them work. Some people have discovered that cheap ones do not work at all, while expensive ones are very successful. Regardless of that, it is best to ask your vet and get a recommendation from him. Once applied, this solution will keep fleas, parasites, mosquitos, and all the rest from your pet for months.
2. Lemon Bath
Yes, you can use this option. The things you need are simple and cheap. You will have to add ½ of a cup of fresh lemon juice and mix it with 2 cups of fresh and clean water. Add dog shampoo and give your pet a nice bath. This method is simple but it does work well.
3. Using lather shampoo
All shampoos for dogs that can produce lather will be effective in this case scenario. Give an ordinary bath to your poet with this shampoo. But, leave the shampoo on the fur a bit longer than usual. It is done to kill all the bacteria and larvae. The method here is ideal for all dogs.
4. Neem Oil
Most of you have never heard of neem oil. It is native to certain parts of India, Burma, and also Sri Lanka. It is a common and popular insect repellent. But, it can also repel fleas as well. Although many people don’t know about this purpose, it is an effective and powerful method. Using it is simple. You can add it to a bath, shampoo, or apply it directly to the fur of a pet.
5. Rosemary
Use fresh rosemary leaves and place them in hot water. Strain the water that is left and add clean and warm water. When the temperature is perfect for your dog, you can give him a bath in this mixture. The method is ideal for dogs who love to take a bath or two all the time.
6. Organic Soaps
These soaps such as rose soap or peppermint soap are very effective. These will kill and make your pet safe from fleas. Yes, they are not as common as commercial soaps but they are still something you can find and they are effective which is mandatory here.
7. Collars
Yes, collars have been the extreme level of power against fleas. Some people can use collars soaked in vodka and this works as well. Most of you will opt for a proper new collar for this purpose. These are very affordable and work well in most cases. The best thing here is that you can use this method alongside others.
8. Flea Comb
A flea comb is a nice and simple remedy you can use. This is a special comb that will trap the fleas as you comb your pet. These are very affordable and they are very popular today so you can always find one. On the other hand, they are effective and can be used for all dogs. There are no chemicals present so dog owners who don’t like chemicals will like this option.
9. Flea Sashay
Flea sashay is something you can make. You will need a bag that is breathable to start with. Load it with dried lavender buds, lemon peels, and also with cedar chips. Hang up the bag nearby where the dog sleeps and you are done. This remedy is effective but not for long. After one month you will have to change the ‘’ingredients’’ inside. It is an almost free method that actually works in most cases. Some owners have been making these that are stylish and look great at the same time.
10. Lemon Comb
This is one of those methods that we all liked. It is extremely simple and free. You can dip your comb into lemon juice and comb your dog. Be careful and take your time. This method can kill fleas that are on your pet already. You can use any comb you like or you can even dip a special flea comb we have mentioned above. It will be an even more effective method.
Just using one of the methods one time won’t be extremely helpful. Instead, you need to use one or multiple methods on a regular basis. This is done to help you stay safe from fleas and make sure these do not affect your or your pet anymore. By using multiple options from here you can stay positive that the issue will not be present and that you can enjoy more with your pet.
The Final Word
Deciphering “how do dogs get fleas” is pivotal in implementing effective preventative measures. Fleas don’t just compromise the comfort and health of our beloved pets, but they also affect the household’s overall hygiene. Armed with the right knowledge and preventive tools, dog owners can significantly reduce the risk of flea infestations, ensuring that their canine companions lead happier, healthier lives, free from the irritating and potentially hazardous bites of these persistent parasites. Be vigilant, and remember that a flea-free dog is a happier, healthier dog.
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