Warding Off Fleas

Fleas can be a nuisance for everyone in the house, but the dog is most likely going to be the main target for the fleas. Fleas are attracted to a dog's fur because they are able to climb in and hang on. Fleas live off of mammal blood, and when they bite, they leave a nasty, itchy bump. Fleas also are able to reproduce very rapidly. So, warding off fleas once they have arrived can be a very difficult task. Here are a few methods for warding off fleas.

Preventing Fleas

The very best method for warding off fleas is to keep them away in the first place. This is a very difficult task and requires constant vigilance. Owners will have to watch for flea problems with other neighborhood dogs, keep their yard organized and rodent free, bathe their dog on a weekly basis or more frequently if other dogs in the neighborhood have fleas, keep their grass and weeds cut short, keep the dog out of any tall grass, shrubs or plants, and spray or dust for fleas periodically. By implementing all of these methods, owners will stand a chance against fleas.

Light Trap

If owners are unsuccessful at preventing fleas, and they are planning a vacation in the near future, then they may consider using a light trap to minimize the flea population in their home. Owners should first remove all of the warm blooded mammals from the house. Then they should set up a light bulb about six to twelve inches above a piece of duct tape or a pan of soapy water. When the fleas have no mammals to feed off of, they will be attracted to the warmth of the light bulb. When they get close to the bulb, they will get trapped on the tape or in the soapy water.

"Spot-Ons"

Spot-ons are chemical treatments used on dogs to get rid of fleas. These are sold by well-known companies such as Advantage or Frontline. These treatments are applied between the shoulder blades of the dog and can work up to three month. Owners should be sure to do their research when choosing a chemical treatment to ensure that they do not harm their dogs. The dog's size will play an important part in choosing what dosage to purchase and use.

Flea Collars

Flea collars can be a great way to ward off flea eggs that may have been left by a flea on the dog's body. These collars will keep the eggs from hatching. Flea collars can be very effective, but owners should consult with their veterinarian to be sure a flea collar is the right choice for them, especially if the owner has small children at home how may be handling the dog and its flea collar.

Fumigation or Exterminating

Warding off fleas can be a very tricky business. If the flea population has gotten too out of control, then it is possible that the methods mentioned above will not be effective. If this is the case, owners may need to resort to fumigating their house or calling an exterminator. Fleas can carry diseases that will make the dog and the dog's family sick. If owners are not able to ward of fleas on their own, turning to professionals can be a smart move. Owners will just want to make sure to leave the windows open and cover the dishes.

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