Fleas can be the most annoying pests to deal with, as these blood-sucking insects can cause irritation and discomfort for your furry friend. Often it is easy to miss the signs until the fleas have already moved in and set up camp on your dog’s coat. Taking the right measures is crucial to provide relief to your dog. Preventive measures are the best way to get rid of the fleas, but if your dog is already infected, there are multiple ways to eliminate those pesky fleas.

Signs That Your Dog Has Fleas

Following are some of the signs that your furry friend has fleas:

• Flea Dirt – since fleas are fast, dark, and small, you are probably not going to see them. You will, however, notice the ‘dirt’ they left behind. It looks like dark, fine dirt or black pepper.

• Biting, Scratching, and Redness – if there is scratching and biting himself too much than usual, then they might have fleas. If there are red lesions or patches on their body, then it indicates sensitivity to flea bites.

• Hair Loss – flea bites may result in alopecia in some dogs. They might also lose hair from all the licking and scratching due to itchy flea bites.

• Pale Gums – it is a significant sign of severe flea infestation and that the dog requires immediate relief. Pale gums are a symptom of anemia, which may mean that the number of fleas is so large that your dog’s body can’t maintain the demand of new blood cells.

If your dog is showing one of these signs, you need to take immediate steps to kill the dog’s fleas.

Ways to Get Rid of Dog Fleas

Here are some of the effective ways of getting rid of dog fleas:

Give Your Dog a Bath

With lukewarm water and a good quality flea shampoo, you may be able to get the fleas out of your dog’s fur. In case your dog is allergic to fleas, there may be raw spots or open wounds on the skin. Be sure to use a shampoo or soap that is non-irritating.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

Apple cider vinegar is a natural way of killing fleas on your dog. It balances the pH levels of the dog and creates an environment that is best for the health of your dog, yet it is unsustainable for fleas.

All you have to do is mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water. Add in a pinch of sea salt. Pour it in a spray bottle and mix it well. Directly spray the mixture on the dog’s coat, making sure to avoid the eyes.

Prepare a Lemon Bath

A lemon bath is another way to get rid of the dog fleas and keep your furry friend smelling fresh. Take two cups of water and add in half a cup juice of a lemon. Add in a bit of dog shampoo or soap and bath your dog.It is another natural way of treating dog fleas.

Apply Some Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is truly magical; it aids in so many things and is another natural way of getting rid of the dog fleas. There is lauric acid present in the oil that is a natural flea repellent. You can use coconut oil to eliminate fleas, soften the skin, and soothe flea bites.

Simply, take the coconut oil in your hands and work it until it liquefies and softens. Massage the oil on your dog’s fur, making sure you make your way down to the skin.

Once down, thoroughly comb the coat, and you will notice the fleas sticking to the comb. The remaining fleas are bound to jump off the fur. Therefore, make sure you do this outside your house. Use this technique once a week.

You can also make a mixture of water and coconut oil in a spray bottle and use it on your dog’s fur every time you head outside. Rub-down the coat to ensure the oil goes all the way to the skin.

Comb Dog’s Coat with Fine-Tooth Comb

Using a fine-tooth flea comb regularly is another way of getting rid of fleas. The teeth of these combs are spaced in a way that traps the fleas. These combs are also useful in removing flea dirt from the fur. Ensure you are careful around your dog's tail and neck area, as these are the areas fleas prefer to feed.

Keep Monitoring Your Dog

Monitoring the situation is the key to make sure you get rid of the fleas and that they stay gone for good. Even when you don’t see any signs of fleas, comb the fur weekly, and regularly use flea shampoo. Moreover, use apple cider spray or coconut oil spray whenever your furry friend is heading out for an adventure.

Get Rid of Fleas From Your Home

Another thing to keep in mind is to ensure the dog’s environment is also free from fleas. Once you start using these techniques, the fleas might try to take refuge in the rugs, sofas, cushions, or other things around the house. Killing the dog fleas completely requires patience and effort. Remember, it takes about three to four-month to get rid of the infestation as the fleas might have laid eggs that would slowly grow and start another infestation.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure the fleas are entirely gone:

• Use soapy, hot water to wash all your bedding

• Vacuum all the tiled floors, linoleum, and hardwood floors, and carpets. Make sure to throw the vacuum bag away.

• Call in a local exterminator if the infestation is too large

• Use a non-toxic flea treatment on your garden

• Use topical prevention treatment, like Provecta Advanced, Seresto Dog Collar, or RX Chewable Solution Bravecto

• Continue treating your dog and any other pets with flea treatments for a few months

Prevention is the best way to deal with fleas. Give your dog baths regularly, and use preventative flea sprays occasionally. Make sure to check a new dog or other pet for fleas before bringing it home. You can also use flea collars and other products to protect our furry friends from fleas.

If you have any confusion or in case the flea infestation isn’t reducing, make sure to get in touch with a vet to avoid increasing the discomfort for your pet.