How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Fleas
So, now that you have a better understanding of what fleas are and how they are every pet owners worst enemy, we can now figure out what to look for to know if our pets have fleas. The first thing you may experience is that you or your pet has suddenly become incredibly itchy. You should notice excessive scratching that seems to happen out of the blue.
This is because once the fleas are inside and they find a host to feed on, they begin feeding on the blood of their host. This feeding causes a slightly painful pinch feeling and is followed by excessive itching. If you are feeling this on your own skin, then you should look at the itchy or painful area. Is there a tiny black insect on your skin? If you move too quickly, it may jump off of you and not be there when you are looking for it.
The next way to check for fleas is to search for them in your pets fur. You will need to do so with a fine tooth comb and be very slow. Look as deep as you can as the fleas will likely be found along the skin. You may also see what is known as flea dirt.
Flea dirt is actually their fecal matter that they leave behind on their hosts and simply appears to be a tiny black dot on the skin and fur. If you find fleas or you find flea dirt, then you will need to begin the process of eliminating the problem. Be forewarned, this will not be an easy task!
Why You Cant Use Flea Treatment On Young Puppies
While there are many flea treatments available for an adult dog and the home, most flea treatments are unsuitable for young puppies. That means that a different approach is going to be needed to sort out the situation.
One of the main reasons for not using flea products on newborn pups is because of the delicacy of their internal organs. This then means that they are much more prone to experience a side effect compared to adult dogs.
Dependent on the type of treatment used, puppies can experience breathing problems, vomiting and become oversensitive to stimulation such as light and noise. Some also become very lethargic with low energy levels.
Generally, youll find that flea products have warnings to advise against their use with newborn puppies, or they will state that they have not been tested on youngsters and so are not recommended for them.
One of the most significant risks comes from products that contain permethrins. With a puppys metabolism being too underdeveloped to break down the chemical, they then build up in their system.
This means that they can then cause severe and life-threatening symptoms, including neurological damage, paralysis, and seizures.
The problem then is that products without permethrin are unlikely to get rid of the flea problem.
Why You Need To Treat Your Pets Environment For Fleas
Environmental control is an essential component of controlling fleas on your puppy. If you just target the fleas on your puppy, you will never succeed in eradicating fleas completely.
After feeding, fleas will jump off and seek out their next meal. They will find another animal or look for a spot in your home or yard to make themselves cozy, reproduce, and continue their life cycle. Our climate-controlled homes make the perfect place for fleas to set up shop.
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How To Kill Flea Eggs
The best way to get rid of pesky fleas is by washing your linens in hot water, which will kill most eggs. You can also steam clean carpets after vacuuming and use coconut oil on dogs skin problems or dry coats without any evidence that it helps with killing adult pests but there isnt much risk involved so go ahead!
Get Rid Of Fleas In The Home
Now you have worked to get rid of the fleas on the newborn puppies and mother, you can do the final stage in the process, getting rid of fleas in the home.
Did you know that fleas are only the dogs when its time for a feed?
That then means that for every flea you see on your puppy or dog, its likely that there are another 20 in your dogs bed, carpet, and sofa!
And its not only the fleas themselves we need to worry about the female lays her eggs on soft materials such as upholstery.
When these hatch into larvae, they then feed on dirt before becoming adults. So, this means that its essential to treat the home for eggs and fleas to prevent the dogs and puppies from becoming reinfested.
Do take care of the insecticide as they contain powerful chemicals, which means that all animals, including fish, should be removed from the area before spraying.
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How Often Should You Bathe Your Puppy
You need to bathe your newborn puppy at least once a month. Always use a flea comb to remove fleas from your puppys coat before the bath.
To bathe a newborn puppy, make sure that the water temperature is not too hot or cold. It should be between 97°F 100°F.
Use a thermometer to check the temperature, or you can use your hand to feel the water. Make sure that the water is comfortable on your skin.
If the water is too hot, your puppy might be scalded and if the water is too cold, your puppy will be chilled and may develop health problems.
Fill the sink with a small amount of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of hypoallergenic shampoo to the water, and mix it.
Be careful when you are handling the puppy. He can slip out of your hands and get hurt.
I would suggest that you get a helper to hold on to his upper body just to ensure that his head stays clear of the water.
Do the same for the rinsing stage. Ensure that the water is at the right temperature and your helper is getting hold of your dogs upper body.
When the rinsing is done, use a dryer to dry him up.
Keep in mind that newborn puppies are very sensitive to temperature. Therefore, you must pay close attention to this aspect of his care.
Look For Fleas In Your Puppies Fur
You will eventually see these insects looking like black or brown spots and would run or jump between their hairs. Usually they can be found on the puppys neck, belly, underarms and genitals, so inspect these areas well. Also check if there are flea feces in there you can find it if you moisten the puppys coat a little, and you will see small, immobile spots that turn reddish in color if it comes in contact with the water.
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Organically Get Rid Of Fleas On Newborn Puppies
As anti-fleas products can cause serious health complications for newborn puppies, an organic or natural way is the only way to eliminate fleas on newborn puppies. Down below, we have mentioned an organic way to get rid of fleas on newborn puppies.
Anti-Fleas Combs
The most commonly known method to get rid of fleas is using a fleas comb. It is organic and safe, and effective in getting rid of adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. Follow the following steps to use this method properly:
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Step 2: Give Your Newborn Puppy A Warm Bath
- Get a small bowl or use the sink and fill it up with a half or one-liter of lukewarm water.
- Add mild dishwashing soap and a few drops of tea-tree essential oil in the lukewarm water.
- Before using the water on your newborn puppy, carefully check the temperature with your finger or hand.
- If you feel the temperature is right, carefully grab your newborn puppy and thoroughly wet the puppy from neck to downwards.
- When your puppy is fully wet, use the organic shampoo for puppies and rub it thoroughly all over the puppys body.
- Especially target the puppys belly, neck, tail, and ears where fleas usually hide. After enough lather is gathered, thoroughly rinse your puppy with lukewarm water.
Step 3: Dry your Puppy
Step 4: Use the Fleas Comb
Repeat this process every time you bathe your cute little fellow.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Carpet
There are a lot of carpet flea killers on the market today. If you have pets or children, you will need to discuss the safety of the products with your veterinarian or doctor. Some flea killers have intense pesticides and chemicals in them and can severely harm your pets or children if used.
Vacuuming the carpet will help remove some of the fleas and could help remove their eggs as well. Vacuuming should be done as much as possible and in as many places in the home as possible. You might even want to use vacuum hoses and attachments instead of the push head of the vacuum. You should also vacuum the various pieces of furniture that you have in the home including the couch, mattress, chairs and any other soft surface.
Hard surfaces are not popular areas for fleas as they can not hide there nor can they feed there. However, you should thoroughly clean every surface with a good house cleaner to help control the problem. Empty the vacuum into a trash can outside and close the bag immediately. Leave the bag and can outside until you are sure the problem is gone. You may want to consider professional carpet cleaners or exterminator to eradicate the flea problem from your carpeting and furniture. You will also want to thoroughly clean your pets bedding or throw it away and buy new bedding for them once the fleas are gone.
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How To Kill Fleas In Bed
You may think that a flea bite is just an annoying pet problem, but the truth of the matter is they can really make you and your animal sick. If scratching has been getting worse lately or if there are signs suggesting infestation by these pesky insects such as red rash on skin after blow-filled chairs from constant rubbing against clothing then dont hesitate any longer! Get rid with them once for all time today before things take their course again
How Do You Get Rid Of Newly Hatched Fleas
Change pet bedding regularly and vacuum thoroughly. Vacuuming removes up to 30 percent of the larvae and up to 60 percent of flea eggs from a carpet, as well as the larvaes food supply of dried blood. Vacuum under furniture, cushions, chairs, beds, and along walls. Discard vacuum cleaner bags at least once a week.
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Where Can You Find Ticks On A Puppy
You can find its head buried beneath the puppys skin. Often, ticks prefer the soft, supple skin of a dogs face and ears and can be found in nooks and crevices, making them hard for your pet to scratch off. But ticks can also be found all over your pets body, so a thorough check after exposure is advisable.
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Keep Your Puppy Home Free From Fleas
Fleas can be found anywhere and everywhere. They love to hide in clothing, on the carpets and furniture.
And they especially love to hide in the cracks and crevices of walls.
The way to get rid of fleas is to get rid of the host which provides them with a home.
So do a routine check on these items to make sure that they are not offering a shelter for the fleas.
Start by checking your puppys bedding and rugs for signs of parasites. If you find any, you should wash them immediately.
You need to wash them in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. Make sure you put the items in the dryer for at least 20 minutes on the hottest setting or dry them under a hot sun.
The next step is to vacuum the floors and furniture in your home. Vacuum the carpets with a strong vacuum cleaner to get rid of the fleas, eggs, and larvae.
Just make sure the vacuum cleaner has a strong suction power. Otherwise, you may end up sucking more dirt and debris than fleas and parasites.
You can also remove the fleas from your carpet by steam cleaning your carpet or using white vinegar and baking soda solution.
To prepare the solution, mix the white vinegar, baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. Then sprinkle the mixture on the carpet and leave until it dries. Then use a vacuum to remove the fleas.
You can also use borax, which is a non-toxic cleaning product, to get rid of fleas.
Finally, you should wipe down all the areas where your puppy usually goes by spraying insecticides to keep fleas away.
Essential Oils Flea Spray
Got plenty of essential oils in your pantry?
Bring them out and make a homemade anti-flea spray for your dog. For this purpose, you may need a carrier oil like olive or jojoba and some essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, cedar, or lemon.
Mix equal parts of water and carrier oil, then add a few drops of essential oils to make the spray.
Store it in a bottle and shake well before use. Spray the mixture on your dogs skin generously and see the magic.
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