Found A Stray Dog And Want To Keep It? Tips To Get Rid Of Fleas

If you have found a stray dog in your area and have decided to keep it, it likely has some fleas on its body. If the dog has already come into your home, you may also have fleas in your carpeting and on any furniture.  Below is some information about treating your dog to remove the fleas and getting them out of your home.

Get Rid of Fleas on the Dog

To get rid of the fleas, you can use a flea comb. You can buy this comb at any pet store. First, brush the dog down with a regular dog brush to get rid of any tangles or knots. If there are very bad knots, you may have to cut them off. When you are finished, give the dog a good bath. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the shampoo, as fleas do not like vinegar.

Once your dog is clean and dry, start using the flea comb. While combing, go very slowly and play close attention to the tail and neck because fleas love these areas. Drop any fleas that get onto the comb into some hot, soapy water, which will kill them. Keep combing until you do not see any more fleas.

Purchase a flea spot treatment product at a pet store or from a veterinarian's office. This will kill any leftover fleas and prevent them from coming back. There are also topical treatments and medication that can be used to kill fleas. Your vet can go over the best option for your pet.

Get Rid of Fleas in Home

First, thoroughly vacuum your home to remove any fleas or flea eggs that may be in the carpeting. Vacuum around the baseboards and under all furniture. Do this for a few days and then consider steam cleaning your carpeting. Make sure you remove the vacuum bag and throw it away each time you vacuum.

Hire an exterminator to come to your home and spray inside and outside as a safety measure. They can also do a thorough inspection to see if they can find any fleas and then come up with the best treatment plan. The exterminator can use a pesticide that is safe for your dog, as well as for you and your family.

Getting rid of fleas is an ongoing process. Make sure you give your dog a flea treatment once per month to keep them away. For more information, talk to a vet at an animal hospital like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital.

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