How to remove fleas from a dog at home using various means. Saving a dog from fleas: effective tips How to save a dog from fleas

Flea remedies for dogs and puppies amaze with their diversity, but are they all effective enough?

flea drops, considered the most universal remedy
collars, very convenient as a means of prevention
sprays, radical but very effective drugs
flea shampoos. It is among them that you can find the optimal flea remedy for puppies - shampoos act very carefully (gently) and have virtually no side effects
tablets and intramuscular injections, which are practically not common in our country.

Each of these types of funds has its own advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account when choosing. And having already chosen the type of product itself, you can safely study the products of the most famous manufacturers.

Flea drops for dogs

Insecticidal drops on the withers are perhaps the most common flea treatment for dogs today. Their popularity among dog breeders is due to several advantages:

However, the drops also have some disadvantages. For example, some toxicity and side effects from their use, due to which flea drops cannot be used for puppies under two months, pregnant and lactating dogs, sick and convalescent animals.

Flea drops are easy to use, reliable and affordable

Hartz flea and tick products for dogs are well-deservedly popular all over the world. The American company strictly monitors the quality, effectiveness and safety of its products, and therefore, by purchasing and using these products, you can be sure that your dog’s fleas will definitely disappear.

Hartz flea drops can be intended for different categories of dogs and puppies

The Hartz drop product line includes several products, including Hartz Ultra Guard Flea&Tick Drops for Dogs and Puppies, a special product for puppies over 10 weeks of age. The active component of this drug is Phenothrin, which effectively kills fleas, ixodid ticks and mosquitoes.

All Hartz drops are applied to the withers: the entire pipette is gradually poured onto the fur, and the liquid is thoroughly rubbed into the dog’s skin. After a few hours, the dog can be bathed and walked in the rain - getting wet will no longer affect the effectiveness of the drug.

Stronghold drops

This remedy against fleas on dogs is considered one of the most effective. After correct application, the dog will be protected from insects for 2 months (and from ticks for 1 month).

Stronghold flea drops for dogs are considered one of the most effective

Stronghold can also be used on puppies over 6 weeks of age. The drug is safe for animals and humans even if swallowed, and is compatible with any veterinary drugs and vaccines. But you have to pay for such versatility: a pipette of Stronghold drops costs at least 300 rubles.

Review. I have tried all the drops that we sell. Stronghold are the best. The dog never salivates; he doesn't care whether it rains or not. Of course, there are never fleas either. When I gave birth, I treated her before, and the puppies did not have fleas. Ivan, Mytishchi

Leopard for fleas

Bars is a domestic drug, quite effective and inexpensive. The cost of a Barsa pipette is 55 rubles.

The product may cause side effects - excessive salivation, allergies - and is not recommended for use in puppies under 12 weeks of age.

This flea and tick remedy for dogs is based on the action of standard insecticides - Fipronil and Permethrin - and provides protection for your pet for 2 months against fleas and for a month against ticks.

Celandine drops for fleas in puppies can only be used after two months of age

For puppies, the drug is used only after two months of life. For two days after applying the product, the dog should not be washed or allowed near children.

Flea sprays

Sprays are the most effective and fast-acting flea and tick treatment for dogs. They kill insects and mites within minutes of treating the animal's fur and have a residual effect for several weeks after application.

Flea sprays for dogs are an effective but rather toxic remedy.

Typically, sprays are applied for twenty to thirty minutes over the entire fur of the animal except the muzzle area. Then the aerosol is thoroughly washed off.

Flea spray Frontline

Frontline spray is the most famous aerosol preparation for dogs today. It is very effective, easy to apply, but at the same time expensive (one 250 ml bottle costs approximately 1,500 rubles) and toxic.

One of the most famous, but not cheap, Frontline flea spray

It is not used for sick or convalescent animals, and in healthy animals in rare cases it can cause allergies, vomiting, nervousness and dermatitis.

Review. Mine also constantly catch fleas in their holes. Especially dachshunds, they have longer hair. Foxy is not like that. I have to buy Frontline and spray it after every hunt. But the fleas don’t even have time to jump off; they die right on the fur. Andrey, Astrakhan

Beaphar

In addition to sprays, Beaphar also produces other preparations for fleas on dogs, but it is aerosols that dog handlers use most often: the products of this manufacturer combine fairly high efficiency and safety.

Beaphar flea spray combines effectiveness and relative safety

The product can be used on puppies aged three months and older.

Hartz

Hartz aerosols are not much different from others, but are known as one of the safest: the products rarely cause side effects.

Hartz Aerosols are known to be safe for dogs

Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea&Tick Spray is produced especially for puppies - a spray that can be used on babies from three months of age.

Flea shampoos for dogs

Shampoos are the best flea remedies for puppies and small toy dogs. They are quite effective, have a very soft and delicate effect, and are easy to use. Many manufacturers add components to their shampoos to cleanse the coat and soften the skin, which also makes them excellent products for caring for animals.

Shampoo Phytoelite

Phytoelite flea shampoo contains medicinal herbs

Puppies and adult dogs with Phytoelite shampoo should be bathed for 5-6 minutes in warm water - up to 37°C - and after bathing should be kept in a heated room for at least several hours. It is important to ensure that the animal does not take the shampoo into its mouth while bathing.

Shampoo Doctor Zoo

Doctor Zoo is also a fairly effective shampoo, very mild in its effect: some products in the line can be used for puppies two weeks old.

Shampoo Doctor attracts with its natural composition and price

It has a completely natural composition. It’s also good for its price - a tube of shampoo costs about 100 rubles.

Beaphar

Beaphar is an expensive imported shampoo, very effective and quite safe.

Beaphar flea shampoo is expensive, but effective and safe for dogs

The cost is approximately 350 rubles. It is not recommended to use it on puppies younger than 2 months.

Flea collars

The flea collar is very easy to use - you just need to put it on your dog

However, in some breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, flea collars can cause skin irritation, even dermatitis.

On a note. Anti-flea collars are also useful for animals that live in an apartment but spend the whole day in the yard. The collar itself will not only protect the pet from fleas, but will also let employees of the services for catching stray animals know that this is a domestic dog.

Beaphar collars

These are one of the most long-lasting collars. They retain their insecticidal effect for 5 months, and in many cases for dogs one collar is enough for the entire warm period of the year. Cannot be used in conjunction with other insecticidal preparations.

The Beaphar collar retains its properties for up to 5 months

This collar can be used for puppies from 6 weeks of age. One collar costs about 150 rubles.

Hartz flea collars

Depending on the model, Hartz collars retain their anti-flea effect for 3-7 months. And they cost, accordingly, from 200 to 300 rubles.

Hartz collars also maintain their anti-flea effect for a long time

Can be used for puppies from one and a half months of age.

Kiltix collars

Kiltix are very powerful and effective flea collars. They are effective for 7 months and contain the latest generations of insecticides - Flumethrin and Propoxur.

These are also quite expensive collars. The price of one product is 500-600 rubles.

In addition to the above remedies, there are special tablets and injection preparations for fleas. Now they are just beginning to conquer the Western market and are practically not represented in our country. Their effectiveness and safety have not been fully verified, and therefore it is incorrect to compare them with other means.

For those who want to rid their four-legged friend of fleas, it is best to use proven and affordable drugs.

It is also important to protect your living space

Despite the variety of remedies for fleas in dogs, none of the above solves the problem of re-infestation of a pet with fleas.

As is known, only 5% of fleas are adult fleas that can be seen and cause discomfort in dogs. The remaining 95% are immature stages of fleas (larvae, eggs, pupae), which, in addition to the dog’s body, can spread throughout the entire living space! And no tablets, sprays for dogs, etc. does not destroy them.

How to be? How to get rid of fleas forever and prevent re-infection of your beloved pet with them?

The aerosol format allows you to evenly distribute the product throughout the entire room, especially hard-to-reach places (for example, under furniture), resulting in the complete destruction of both adult fleas and flea larvae and eggs that are widespread in your dog’s habitat (and, as often happens, in the area your family's residence).

To destroy the pupal stage after using the Parastop generator aerosol, it is necessary to vacuum the floors and carpets of the room for 7 days. Warm air and vibrations from the vacuum cleaner promote the opening of the pupae. Only in the opened state are the components of Parastop capable of destroying this stage. By the way, no other means of killing flea pupae!

Well, of course, dead flea bodies must be carefully removed from the carpet and floor. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner and washing.

Today there are more than two thousand. It is almost impossible to distinguish them from each other without special equipment and without sufficient knowledge. However, without going into scientific terminology, they can be classified as follows:

canine;
rat;

What do fleas look like on dogs? (photo)

The flea's body has a laterally compressed shape and is covered with scales, bristles and spines. In length it reaches from one to five millimeters, although there are especially twice as many. The mouthparts are piercing-sucking type. Fleas do not have wings, which gives them additional maneuverability in the thick fur of animals. The long, strong limbs on the abdomen allow them to move quickly. The photo shows what fleas look like on a dog under a microscope and in real size.

Peculiarities of breeding dog fleas

Where do dogs get fleas?

Signs of fleas in a dog

The main signs of a dog being infected with fleas are:

restless behavior and aggressiveness;
constant scratching;
increased shedding and the appearance of bald spots;
wounds, sores and redness on the skin.

If symptoms are detected, it is necessary to examine the dog's coat. Pay special attention to the places on the withers, belly and behind the ears. Small brown insects, white eggs or tiny dark balls of excrement are fairly easy to spot.

Why are dog fleas dangerous?

Why are fleas dangerous for dogs? They cause discomfort to the pet and can serve as carriers of dangerous infections and diseases, such as plague, typhoid, encephalitis, as well as worm and salmonella eggs.

Any pet store now has a sufficient range of anti-flea drugs. The most common means are listed below. Their prices fluctuate on average from 100 to 700 rubles.

Shampoos

Shampoos have a rather preventive effect; their effect is short-lived. Based on their composition, they are divided into two types: based on natural ingredients and based on insecticides. The use of the latter should be approached with caution, as they can cause an allergic reaction.

When using, it is important that the composition does not come into contact with the mucous membranes and eyes of the animal during bathing. Carefully read the instructions for using the shampoo, it describes whether you can bathe puppies with it. Shampoos are usually harmless if they do not enter the body.

Average cost of flea shampoo: 150 rubles.

Sprays

Anti-flea sprays are quite effective, but problematic to use. When using, you need to protect yourself with a respirator and rubber gloves and do not direct the spray at the animal’s face. In addition, it is important to prevent licking the fur for several hours, otherwise a number of side effects may occur, such as vomiting and difficulty breathing. If this happens, you should contact a veterinary clinic, indicating which product was used.

You should try to spray the spray not on the dog’s fur, but on the skin of the dog, while protecting it from licking the drug with a special neck collar. For two days after using the product, the animal should not have contact with children and other animals; it should not be wetted or subjected to water procedures.

Average cost of flea spray: 300 rubles.

Anti-flea collars

Average cost of flea drops: 350 rubles.

Powders

The cheapest option would be to use powder. It is prepared to order in a veterinary pharmacy based on Butox. Before using it, you should conduct a series of tests on the dog’s skin and monitor its condition. But this method of treatment requires a fairly long course, on average about two weeks.

Average cost of flea powder: 150 rubles.

All of the above products (except shampoo) are very toxic, so you should carefully read the instructions.

Folk remedies

A decoction of wormwood and dried twigs placed in the dog’s habitat will help effectively repel fleas.
A paste of onion and garlic is applied to the animal’s withers.
The solution can be prepared from lemongrass, eucalyptus and tansy oil.
A decoction of celandine is suitable for rinsing wool while bathing.
Essential oils of mint, eucalyptus and lavender are added to shampoos.
It will also be useful to apply a few drops to the animal’s sleeping place.
You can place citrus peels in your dog's kennel.
A solution of soda and salt in a one-to-one ratio is suitable for disinfecting the room in which an infected pet lives.
To treat wool, in the absence of specialized shampoos, it is recommended to use tar soap.

Most herbs for making infusions, as well as essential oils, can be found at the pharmacy. And although these products are not so effective, the natural composition will be as harmless as possible for animals and their owners.

How to get rid of fleas on a puppy?

Fleas can pose a particular danger to puppies, because their immune system has not yet developed and the consequences can be much more serious. In the future, this can have an extremely negative impact on the health and development of the individual.

But treatment should also be approached with particular care, because even many traditional methods of struggle are not always suitable for a fragile organism. It is highly recommended to consult a veterinarian or a consultant at a pet store in this matter.

The shampoo you purchase must be suitable for puppies, which must be indicated on the packaging. The situation is similar when choosing a collar.

When it comes to herbal home remedies, you should avoid those that smell strongly, as they can damage your puppy's developing sense of smell.

Preventing fleas in dogs and puppies

Timely prevention can significantly reduce the risk and extent of infection.

It is necessary to prevent the dog from contacting stray animals, and also try not to be in their habitats. The home, be it a kennel or a bed, must be cleaned at least once a week.

The most important rule is to be attentive to your pet; it is important to notice any change in its appearance and behavior. Taking timely measures will help to avoid serious problems in the future and the dog can live a long and healthy life to the delight of its owners.

They can bite people, but do not live on human skin.

The bites are arranged in a “chain”, look like papules, and cause itching.

They don’t have wings, but they are “record holders” for long jump among their “brothers”.

The flea's shell is protected by shiny scales, the color is brown.

The length of an adult is 2–3 mm.

Carriers of cucumber tapeworm.

A flea can infect a pet with plague through a bite.

When severely damaged, they cause anemia, skin irritation, and provoke the development of eczema and secondary inflammatory processes.

Carries human viruses - encephalitis, plague.

This is interesting! The jump of a dog flea exceeds the length of its body by 90–100 times.

Read also: How to give your puppy medicine in any form

It is important to be able to distinguish lice from fleas. Lice are smaller and never leave the host. Body length up to 2 mm, color white. Unlike a flea, the head of a louse is indistinguishable on the body, and the legs are the same length; the insect lives attached to the hair.

Note! Stray dogs and cats can be carriers of all types of “urban” lice and fleas – cat, rat, human. Be careful when walking with your pet!

Advantages and disadvantages of using folk remedies for fleas

Let's start with the inconveniences; it is possible to remove fleas from a dog using folk remedies, but the process will be painstaking and will take quite a lot of time. There are several reasons:

There are not more advantages, but they clearly outweigh the significance of the disadvantages:

Folk remedies against fleas in dogs can be used for puppies, pregnant and lactating pets.

Many decoctions are acceptable for treating sucking puppies without threatening the health of the baby and his mother, who will lick the product from the fur.

Many folk remedies are allowed and recommended if there are wounds, scratches, or other inflammations on the body.

Treatment does not require major financial investments, unlike the purchase of proven insecticides for dogs.

The entire process takes place at home and does not require veterinarian supervision.

Note! Combing after treatment increases the effectiveness of the event several times. Using a comb, you will remove fleas from the fur that have become lethargic and did not have time to jump off the dog.

Read also: Treatment of lichen in dogs: remedies and methods

Folk remedies for fleas - recipes and applications

Before directly processing the animal, you need to consider several points:

Eucalyptus or citronella oil– good repellent effect.

Lemon, orange, mint oil– has a milder scent and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Tea tree oil– an effective remedy against fleas and ticks. Cannot be used on cats!

The same mixtures of oils can be used to make a spray. The mixture is prepared based on water, alcohol and oil. The finished solution should have a noticeable odor, which will disappear with the evaporation of alcohol. Apply with a spray bottle (spray for plants) to the animal's fur and collar before a walk.

There can be many factors of infection. An animal can easily become infected with them both outdoors and indoors. All animals can become infected, regardless of breed, living conditions and place of walking. Even if the dog does not leave the apartment, it can receive such an unpleasant “surprise” from neighbors or from the entrance through an open door. Fleas are very jumpy, so isolating your dog from other animals won't help much either. Even on clothes or shoes, the owner can bring flea larvae when he comes home. Insects can also enter the house through open windows on the first floors or ventilation. How can you tell if your pet has picked up unwanted “guests”?

Signs of infection:

aggressiveness;
anxiety and nervousness;
constant scratching;
the fur begins to shed more than usual;
bald spots appear on the body;
ulcers and wounds may appear on the skin.

The effectiveness of folk remedies in treating fleas in a dog is no lower than the effectiveness of pharmaceutical drugs, but treatment will take longer.
Traditional methods of treatment:
dry twigs of wormwood are laid out around the house in different places, this will repel insects;
a decoction of wormwood is used to bathe the animal;
with a tincture of onion and garlic, the wool is treated in those places where the dog cannot lick the product: on the spine and withers;
an infusion of celandine is applied drop by drop to the dog’s spine throughout the day;
wool can also be treated with a solution of tansy, eucalyptus, juniper and lemongrass;
On the bedding where the animal sleeps, you can apply small quantities of eucalyptus, mint, lavender or cedar essential oil. Oils can also be used to bathe your pet;
a solution of soda and salt (one to one) is rubbed into the carpets of the room where the dog lives;
tar soap is used to bathe the animal;
Citrus fruit peels are laid out in the kennel or on the bedding where the animal sleeps.

The advantage of folk remedies for treating fleas is accessibility and safety, but the disadvantage is the slow effect.

Medications
Only a few flea drops can be used on puppies
It is better to use all of the above flea treatment methods in combination: then the effect will come faster and last longer.
When using any anti-flea products, it is important not to forget about the regularity of their use, safety measures and basic dog hygiene. Also, before using this or that method, it would not hurt to consult a veterinarian.

Fleas in dogs are not a tragedy, but a source of concern. Even the cleanest pets are not immune from infection. Every walk carries some risk. They live on street and domestic animals, in grass, nests and burrows. Insects or their larvae can be brought into the house on the shoes and clothes of the owners.

The best prevention against fleas is a good environment for your baby. If during a walk the dog does not communicate with stray animals, does not lie in the grass, or explores holes where bloodsuckers may be, the chances of infection are reduced.

Defining the problem

It is easy to detect fleas in dogs:

Black dots are waste from fleas, the first sign of their spread.

Secrets to quickly defeating fleas

Fleas multiply quickly, which means that in a couple of weeks the animal will be tormented by a whole army of bloodsuckers. For a dog enduring painful bites, itching and irritation, it's not the days that matter, but the hours. It is important not to delay starting treatment.

The success of the fight also depends on the chosen product and compliance with the instructions for its use. Here, the best advisers will be experienced dog handlers, breeders and dog owners.

As a rule, any processing is repeated. The duration of the next preventive procedures is indicated in the instructions and is based on the characteristics of the flea life cycle. Do not neglect simple actions and subject your pet to new tests.

Treatment options

First aid for flea removal can be obtained from a veterinary clinic. However, do not rush to spend extra money and time. In this material we will talk about how to remove fleas from dogs yourself.

Veterinary pharmacies and pet stores offer various flea remedies:

Insecticides- destroying adult individuals;
Repellents- preventing infection;
Anti-flea collars combine both types of protection.

Flea treatments contain chemicals that kill and repel fleas. Thanks to the packaging in convenient bottles or pipettes, using the liquids is very simple: a few drops are applied to the withers. They are comfortable, effective and safe for most dogs.

In order for the medicine to work, it is left on the body for several days. The dog should not be bathed at this time.

It is important that the products do not get into your pet’s eyes or mouth, since almost all of them cause irritation to the mucous membranes or are poisonous.

Video on using drops

In this video, the veterinarian processes.

Popular means

Immediately - an important warning! We do not recommend using the drops listed below on very small dogs (Toys, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, etc.): they are too toxic and the health risk will be greater than the benefit. Butox-50 is suitable for you, which we also talk about in this review.

Frontline

French-made drops or spray, based on a mixture of fipronil (9.8%) and S-methoprene (8.8%). Effective against adult fleas, larvae and eggs. Apply to the animal's skin with dots in the withers area. The liquid does not enter the dogs' blood, but is reserved in the sebaceous glands.

After treatment, the pet is not washed for 48 hours. Protection is guaranteed for 1 month.

The drug is contraindicated in puppies under 10 weeks of age and sick animals. If ingested, may cause vomiting. When processing, observe the following precautions.

It should be borne in mind that for decorative breeds there is a restriction: the minimum weight of the patient must be 2 kilograms. But for complete processing, a few pipettes will be enough.

In Russia you can encounter a fake Frontline. It is impossible to distinguish it (except for checking the batch number, but in practice this is impossible). Therefore, the best solution is to buy it abroad. It is easier for residents of St. Petersburg and the North-West to do this in Finland; other compatriots are accustomed to taking advantage of the opportunities.

A dosage for children will cost around 400 rubles here, in Europe - about 20 euros, and in this case the higher price is justified.

You can download instructions for using Frontline.

Stronghold

Contains 6% or 12% selamectin solution in pipettes. The concentration of the active substance in the package is additionally indicated by the color of the cap (pink and blue, respectively).

The drug is applied to the animal’s skin, after spreading the fur in the area between the shoulder blades and at the base of the neck. Acts against adult fleas, their larvae and a number of blood-sucking insects.

The dose of the medicine is calculated based on the dog’s weight: 6 mg of selamectin per 1 kg.

The manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health (USA) does not recommend touching the area where the drug is applied with your hands for half an hour. After a day, stronghold destroys all adult fleas and prevents larvae from developing. Repeated preventive treatment is carried out after 30 days.

Stronghold is safe for the health of dogs, recommended for pregnant and lactating bitches, puppies over six weeks old. You should refrain from using the drug if the animal has suffered from infectious diseases or is weakened.

After handling, wash your hands thoroughly. Children are not recommended to play with the dog for two hours after the procedure.
The price of stronghold depends on the concentration and packaging and ranges from 300 to 600 rubles.

The minimum level here is from 2.6 kg. weight, which allows it to be used by toy terriers.

Read the instructions for Stronghold.

Leopard

Insectoacaricidal drops made in Russia, the active ingredient of which is the pyrethroid permethrin. Yellow oily liquid is packaged in pipettes. After absorption into the skin, the medicine enters the bloodstream. Within 30 days, such food is fatal to fleas.

For dogs, the drug is relatively harmless, but it is not recommended for use before two months of age. Dogs weighing up to 2 kg are given 20 drops of Barsa; 1 pipette is required for a dog weighing 10 kg.
The drops are applied in the same way as Stronghold. Precautions towards children should be observed for two days.

These drops became popular several years ago, when the price for them started at 10 rubles per pipette. Now the cost has increased, but it still remains much analogous.

But it can be used as protection against fleas. Instructions for use:

You can also mention Hartz Ultra Guard Drops(based on a solution of phenothrin and methoprene) - however, reviews on them are quite contradictory, and we have no experience in using them.

A common precaution for repellents and insecticides is to prevent animals from licking the products off their skin. This is especially true if you have multiple dogs.

Disadvantages of drops

Despite their excellent effectiveness against fleas, they have disadvantages:

high price;
toxicity to humans;
contraindications for animals.

The fact is that most of these drugs are also produced for repelling/destruction, therefore they are initially stronger than they could be for our purposes.

There is an alternative - Butox 50 (Butox): you can buy it for pennies, it fights fleas no less successfully, but is not so harmful. 5 ampoules cost about 100 rubles. Butox was developed for the rural industry in the 80s, it is not as advertised, but no less reliable.

Anti-flea collars

Peculiarities

dogs are protected from ingestion of medication;
no special processing required;
reliable constant protection is provided;
the pet can swim and bathe without restrictions;

They also have contraindications. They cannot be used for puppies under 6 months, old dogs (more than 10 years), sick, pregnant (even) and lactating animals. Sensitive babies may get dermatitis from wearing a flea collar.

In general, to prevent infection in the summer, one collar is enough, and you will forget about the problem for the season.

However, city dog lovers should not rush into a purchase: your little dog may never encounter fleas if there are no fleas in your area.

Many residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg note that over the past 10-12 years they have never encountered infection. What could be better than this?