Summer's Almost Here: 4 Tips To Keep The Fleas Away From Your Dog
Now that the warm weather is picking up, your dog is probably going to be spending more time outside. While warm weather does bring on plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, the warm weather also brings on the opportunity for flea infestations. Unfortunately, fleas can make life unbearable for your dog—and for you. Before you're overrun by fleas this summer, here are four simple steps you can take to keep those pests away.
Use the Comb Daily
When it comes to fighting summertime flea problems, the most important tool you have is the comb. Fleas will start laying eggs as soon as they come in contact with your dog. The more often you comb, the less time fleas have available to start an infestation. For best results, comb your dog with a specially designed flea comb at least twice a day; once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to clean the comb off in the trash and rinse it with hot water after each use.
Schedule a Weekly Bath
Even if your dog plays in the water every day during the summer, it still needs a weekly bath to keep the fleas away. Fill a tub with warm water and add a few drops of lavender essential oils. Let your dog soak in the water for about 5 minutes before bathing it with a mild baby shampoo. The essential oils will keep the fleas away and leave your dog smelling fresh and clean. The baby shampoo will be gentle on your dog's delicate skin.
Wash the Bedding
In addition to combing and bathing your dog on a regular basis, you also need to clean their bedding. Fleas love to hide where your dog sleeps. If the bed is small enough, toss it in the washing machine at least once a week. Add about a ¼ cup of bleach to get rid of the fleas. If the bed is not small enough to fit in the washer, cover it with a fitted bed sheet, and wash the bed sheet once a week.
Vacuum Your Home
Fleas can roam wherever your dog goes, which includes your home. To prevent residential flea infestations this summer, it's important that you vacuum on a daily basis, especially along the baseboards and in front of the doors. Be sure to empty the dirt compartment on your vacuum each time you use it. This will prevent the fleas from escaping back into your home.
Don't let fleas ruin your summer. The tips provided here will help keep them off your dog, and out of your home. If you notice red, swollen bite marks on your dog, or it begins to lose its hair, be sure to contact the vet or animal hospital, such as Norwin Veterinary Hospital, as soon as possible. It could be having an allergic reaction to flea bites.
