Dog Furiendly
Discovering fleas on your dog is a bit like finding an uninvited guest at your party—annoying and needs handling right away. But don’t worry, with a little help from our friends at Bob Martin, we’ve got a plan to kick those pesky fleas to the curb.
Immediate Treatment Steps
Identify the Infestation:
The first step is to confirm that your dog has fleas. Look for common signs like excessive scratching, red or irritated skin, and flea dirt (tiny black specks resembling ground pepper). Using a flea comb to inspect your dog’s fur, especially around the neck, back, and base of the tail, can help you spot these pests.
Use Fast-Acting Treatments:
When it comes to fleas, speed is of the essence. You have several treatment options depending on your dog’s needs:
- Oral Flea Treatment Tablets: These fast-acting tablets can start working within 15 minutes and kill 100% of fleas on your dog within 24 hours, making them ideal for immediate relief. They offer rapid relief but should be complemented with other treatments for long-term effectiveness.
- Spot-On Treatments: Products like Bob Martin Clear Plus Spot On are popular for ongoing protection. These are easy to apply by parting the fur and applying directly to the skin at the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades. They begin working immediately and continue to provide protection for weeks.
- Flea Baths: If your dog has a severe infestation, a flea bath using a flea-control shampoo can be beneficial. Choose a shampoo that not only kills fleas but also soothes irritated skin. However, be cautious about overbathing, as it can reduce the effectiveness of spot-on treatments.
Can I Use Both Tablets and Spot-On Treatments?
The short answer is that combining both treatments is generally not recommended without veterinary guidance. Flea treatments contain pesticides, and using more than one at the same time can be toxic. If you feel that your dog’s infestation requires more treatment, it’s best to consult with your vet to find the safest and most effective approach. A prescription flea treatment might be necessary.
Treat All Pets in the Household
Fleas don’t just stick to one pet—they can easily jump from one to another. It’s crucial to treat all pets in your household at the same time to prevent cross-infestation. Always use species-specific treatments to avoid adverse reactions.
Treat Your Home
The fleas you see on your dog are only about 5% of the problem. The other 95% are in your home, hiding in carpets, bedding, and furniture. So if you’re concerned that the flea treatment isn’t working it could also be that there are fleas hopping back on in various places in your home. To tackle fleas within the home:
Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture daily. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Pay special attention to areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Dispose of the vacuum bag or canister contents immediately in a sealed plastic bag to prevent fleas from escaping.
Wash All Bedding: Wash all pet and human bedding, blankets, throws and cushions in hot water, 60°C or hotter. This will kill any fleas, eggs, and larvae.
Steam Clean: Steam clean any soft furnishings that can’t be put in the washing machine, particularly carpets and sofas. The steam kills fleas at all stages of their life cycle and can penetrate deep into fabrics where fleas might hide.
Use Flea Sprays: Use a home flea spray that contains both an insecticide (like Permethrin) to kill adult fleas and an insect growth regulator (like S-Methoprene) to stop the eggs from hatching. Focus on your carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding.
Treatment Duration: Continue treating your home and pet for several weeks to ensure that the entire flea life cycle is disrupted. Fleas can remain dormant in their pupal stage for weeks, so ongoing treatment is necessary to catch any that hatch later.
Don’t Forget Overlooked Areas: Door mats, curtains, collars, leashes, dog toys, under furniture, and pet clothing. These spots are often overlooked but can harbour fleas and their eggs. Adding this note ensures that pet owners do a thorough clean of all potential flea hiding spots.
Treatment Is Key
Taking these steps will help you manage and prevent flea infestations, ensuring your dog remains healthy and comfortable. Regular treatments, alongside a clean environment, are key to keeping fleas at bay. Plus, your support through Bob Martin products makes a significant impact on pets in need. For more tips on flea prevention, visit Bob Martin.
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