It’s that time of year again: Spring! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the fleas are getting ready to start their annual crusade to drive us all crazy!
Every dog mom should be wary of these unwanted visitors in our homes and on our pets. For many of us, there are few things more unnerving than the sight of our beloved dogs itching and scratching.
These parasites pose many risks to dogs, and it’s essential to take steps to protect our pups. That’s why I’m sharing 4 steps to keep your dog (and your home!) flea-free this season!
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4 Steps to Keep Your Dog & Home) Flea-Free
1. Take preventative measures.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to fleas and other uninvited guests in your home. To protect your dog and reduce the risk of infestations, it’s crucial to treat your dog regularly and to take the advice of your veterinarian.
Using products like those available at nexgardspectra.com can help lower the risk of infestations. If you’re not sure which flea, tick, or worm treatments to buy, ask your vet for recommendations.
You might also be interested in trying some do-it-yourself flea repellents that you can make at home.
2. Look for early warning signs.
The trouble with parasites like fleas is that they breed rapidly. Before you know it, a small number of fleas has turned into an army that has made itself comfortable in your home. None of us want that.
If you see signs of fleas on your dog or in your home, don’t hesitate to take swift action.
The most common red flags to look out for include scratching, especially around the ears, neck and tail, and the appearance of flea feces, which can usually be seen on bedding and soft furnishings. Look out for small black specks.
You may also be able to see live fleas jumping on your pet’s fur if you look closely. Yuck!
3. Groom your dog regularly.
If you suspect your dog might have fleas, it’s essential to groom her on a regular basis using a fine-tooth flea comb.
The comb will not only smooth your dog’s fur, but it will also trap both live and dead fleas.
Before you start combing your dog, fill a cup with soap and water. You can use this to rinse your comb and dispose of the fleas you find. Gently work your way around your dog’s coat, covering every part of the body and taking care to be quick about transferring the comb to the water.
Fleas jump fast and high , and if you’re not fast enough, they’ll end up back where they came from. Keep grooming your dog until the coat is clear.
Regularly bathing your dog is helpful, too, but be careful not to bathe too often. If you have questions about how frequently your dog needs a bath, consult your veterinarian.
4. Clean and vacuum your home frequently.
One of the most important steps in dealing with fleas is to keep your home clean. Vacuuming is an excellent way to tackle an infestation, as fleas can spread far and wide.
I run my robot vacuum everyday, in addition to frequently vacuuming my furniture with my handheld pet vacuum.
It’s also incredibly beneficial to launder your bedding, pillows, sofa covers, and your dog’s bedding on a hot wash.
Fleas and other parasites can cause serious problems for pets. As a dog mom, it’s critical to recognize the signs of infestations and to try and protect your family as best you can. Using flea treatments, grooming your dog, keeping your house clean, and taking advice from your vet will help to reduce the risk of unwanted visitors and help you keep your dog flea-free… and your home, too!
How do you keep your dog flea-free?
I’d love to know your tips and tricks for keeping your home flea-free! Leave a comment below, or stop by my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there!
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Christina, Khareem Sudlow
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