Beating The Itch: Flea Solutions.

Flea season is upon us once again. So we have gathered a few tips and tricks to help your furry companions through this potentially itchy time of year. After having such a mild winter, this spring we can expect a massive invasion of fleas. They’ll be here earlier than usual, so now is the time to prepare. The first step is understanding that fleas happen. Nearly every pet owner will have to deal with them at some point. And most pet owners have no idea that they can be lethal if left untreated long enough. Though they are most dangerous to adolescent and elderly animals, they should be taken seriously at any life stage.

Treat The Environment

There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when dealing with fleas. Always treat the environment first. You want to get rid of all eggs, larvae and mature fleas in your home before worrying about the few that you notice on your pet. Pay special attention to the bedding and toys. If you make sure to keep the bedding and toys washed regularly, it will be substantially easier to keep an infestation from forming. Once you are ready to treat your pet, make sure you are using a product meant for your species and size of pet. Make sure you are using the product according to the directions, if it says to let it sit for 10 minutes then make sure it stays on for the full time. Massage the product all the way through the fur and down to the skin, because fleas are after blood, they’ll most likely be closer to the skin instead of floating in the fur. Do not let your pet ingest any flea medicine or shampoo. Sit with your pet while the shampoo is soaking and try to keep them calm. If you are unable to perform this, then go to Dogma Dog Care’s grooming , or your local grooming facility, and select a flea dip, which is natural and non invasive that sits on the fur and kills any fleas or eggs.

Natural Remedies for Fleas

As we all know there are many products for treating fleas sold in stores, but what most people don’t know is how easily and effectively they can be treated without any harsh chemicals at all. The number one most important thing to reduce a flea invasion is vacuuming thoroughly and regularly. Make sure your house is not cluttered or dusty as that creates the perfect environment for fleas. Keeping your lawn mowed is another big factor in controlling fleas. Bathe your dog frequently with flea shampoo or enhance your regular shampoo with fresh lemon juice as follows; ½ cup shampoo, ½ cup fresh lemon juice and 2 cups of water will create the perfect mixture to both repel fleas and keep your furry companion lemony fresh. You may also try adding apple cider vinegar or brewer’s yeast to your pet’s drinking water in small amounts.  One teaspoon for every quarter liter will do the trick. This will keep their skin mildly acidic which helps against fleas and even ticks.

There are several mixtures of essential oils and other household products that can be very effective without being harsh on you and your pets. Though these are less harsh, they can still be harmful if used in excessive amounts. Always make sure to dilute any solutions you use.  The most commonly used are:

• Eucalyptus Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Lavender
• Rosewood Oil
• Cedar
• Citrus (fresh lemon) or
• Lemongrass Oil

To properly utilize these essential oils mix a few drops into a  teaspoon of water (proportionally depending on how you’re using it). You can soak the pets’ collar in a solution of tea tree or lavender oil. You can also fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray your pet, their bedding and toys, as well as the rest of your house. The scent given off won’t kill the fleas, but it will deter them from biting your furry friend,naturally.

If none of these options have worked, there are a few other methods you might want to try.  One of which is making a homemade flea trap.  To do so,  just take warm soapy water and set it in the area to be treated.  If you add a lamp for extra heat it will be more effective.  Fleas are attracted to the heat and fall into the soapy water and get trapped.  You may also buy boric acid or diatomaceous earth from the store and sprinkle it on your carpet and under the furniture and pet bedding. If you leave it overnight and vacuum it out in a day or two it will be most effective. Just make sure to keep yourself and your pets out of the area being treated.

We hope you find these tips and tricks useful throughout this flea season. Remember, if a serious flea infestation occurs and none of this works, be sure to consult your veterinarian and pest control specialist to keep yourself and your furry companions comfortable.