Fleas are one of the most annoying insects, both for dogs and their guardians. They cause itching and irritation on the skin and can transmit infectious and parasitic diseases. In addition, they reproduce quickly, so they are very contagious. If we don't eliminate them in time, they can end up affecting the whole family.
If your dog has fleas, it is very important that you get rid of them as soon as possible. In this article on our site we tell you how to get rid of fleas in dogs: how to detect them, how to remove them and what are the best products to combat them.
Why remove fleas from my dog?
Fleas or siphonaptera are very small insects that move by jumping. It is one of the best known canine external parasites. They often colonize the outside of our best friends' bodies, hiding in their hair. There, feed on the blood of dogs, robbing it of its nutrients and causing intensely itchy welts.
Also, when they feed, fleas often leave a little saliva in the dog's blood. In it, can transmit pathogenic bacteria such as Rickettsia, Ehrlichia or Bartonella, causing infectious diseases.[1]They can also transmit parasites, such as the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum).[2]
As if all this were not enough, some dogs can suffer from allergic dermatitis to flea bites. This occurs when the dog has flea saliva allergy, that is, his immune system reacts against it. As a result, the skin becomes inflamed and irritated, appearing very intense itching that is usually accompanied by hair loss.[3]
So what do you do if your dog has fleas? As you may have imagined, if you have detected the presence of these insects, it is very important to eliminate your dog's fleas as soon as possible.
Symptoms of fleas in dogs
The first step to eliminate fleas on dogs is detect them as soon as possible These insects reproduce very quickly, so they can colonize the body whole of our dog in a short time. To avoid this, it is very important to learn to detect the first symptoms.
These are the main symptoms of fleas in dogs:
- They can be seen with the naked eye: Fleas are small black or brown insects that can be seen directly between the hairs of the dog.
- Feces: Flea feces are small black dots that appear next to hairs.
- Wheals: pinkish bumps can be seen on the animal's skin.
- Itch: the dog scratches, rubs its back and neck with the nails of its hind legs, bites and lick frequently. Also, you will notice that your dog rolls on the ground to scratch his back.
Now that you've figured out how to tell if your dog has fleas, if you notice any of these symptoms, you need to act fast to get rid of them all. Let's see how.
How to remove fleas on dogs?
To avoid fleas on dogs, it is best to prevent their appearance. However, sometimes, we have not planned or we have not been able to prevent them from appearing, so we must put all our efforts into eliminating them.
There are many antiparasitic products on the market to effectively eliminate fleas on dogs, such as pipettes. However, in the case of very serious infestations, it is best to go to the veterinary clinic so that a professional can evaluate the process to follow to eliminate these parasites.
On the other hand, it is very important to eliminate fleas from the house, since their eggs and larvae are easily dispersed to any corner. Likewise, their eggs are easily dispersed to any corner. To do this, it is necessary to do a general cleaning, wash the fabrics and vacuum every corner of the house.
Products to eliminate fleas in dogs
As we have already indicated, it is not easy to get rid of fleas. Therefore, it is often necessary to use a series of products to kill them and prevent their reappearanceIn addition, these methods are also usually effective against ticks and mosquitoes, other very harmful parasites.
These are the main products to eliminate fleas in dogs:
- Antiparasitic collars
- Antiparasitic pipettes
- Deworming pills
Flea collars for dogs
Deworming collars are one of the best known methods of preventing fleas on dogs. They contain repellent and/or insecticide products, depending on the brand. They are placed on the animal's neck, causing a repellent effect and preventing fleas from detecting its body odour. Some collars can also kill insects.
On its own, the collar is usually not 100% effectiveTherefore, to avoid fleas in dogs and other external parasites, it is advisable to combine it with other methods, such as antiparasitic pipettes. Thus, your dog will be protected from external parasites.
Flea tablets for dogs
Deworming tablets are a very effective product for eliminating fleas on dogs. However, we should consult a veterinarian before administering them.
This type of pill contains insecticide substances that travel to the dog's skin. In this way, when a flea bites our furry, it takes the insecticide and dies quickly. Thus, little by little, the fleas will disappear from the animal's body, recovering its well-being and tranquility.
Pipettes to eliminate fleas in dogs
Antiparasitic pipettes are very effective in preventing and avoiding fleas in dogs. It consists of a liquid that is applied to the back, directly on the animal's skin. This liquid contains repellent substances and/or insecticides that are gradually absorbed into the skin.
Therefore, pipettes not only prevent the appearance of fleas, but also kill them when they come into contact with the skinof your dog, without the need to itch. The same goes for ticks and mosquitoes. However, the effectiveness and duration of this type of product depends on the brand you choose.
If you want to eliminate all the fleas on your best friend, try the pipettes Vectra 3D for dogs This product repels and/or kills parasites that come into contact with the dog's skin for a month. It is not only effective against fleas, but also against their eggs and larvae, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies. Prevent these parasites from biting your dog and transmitting diseases. Choose Vectra and take care of your dog's he alth.
How to avoid fleas in dogs?
The same deworming products mentioned above are effective in preventing fleas on dogs. Therefore, it is best to carry out a appropriate deworming schedule with the advice of the veterinarian.
Depending on the product chosen to prevent and eliminate fleas in dogs, the frequency of application will vary. For example, Vectra 3D pipettes should be applied monthly, as they act against external parasites such as the aforementioned fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies for a full 4 weeks. In addition, it is important to highlight that they also prevent the development of eggs and larvae for a period of 2 months.
- Contact your vet whenever you have questions.
- Never apply an antiparasitic product to puppies.
- Check your dog's coat frequently and take care of it with regular combing and bathing.
- Apply and renew pipettes and collars whenever appropriate.
