Guest Post by: John Howes of PetCareUp.com

Fleas are small insects that grow on dogs and cats. They are dark brown in color and thrive on eating the blood of the host animals. Fleas cannot fly as they don’t have wings, but they can jump with their strong back legs.

Your dog may get infested with fleas when he comes into contact with other flea infested animals or from environment that contains flea.

They love hot weather in summer time when the temperature become above 65 degrees. Fleas bite on host animals which causes itching and also may cause inflammation and hair loss.

Flea treatment for dogs

Before starting flea treatment you should know at first how to get rid of fleas on dogs. Fleas can be treated with medications or with natural home remedies.

Most of the medications contain chemicals that may cause side effects to your pet. You should read the labels and instructions carefully.  You can use any of the following flea medication according to your dog’s condition. You may also consult with veterinarian before going for any medication. But, start the treatment immediately after your pet gets infested with fleas.

Flea shampoo

You can use normal dog shampoos as they also kill fleas. But, if you want more effective treatment or your dog is seriously affected with fleas then go for flea shampoos. Flea shampoos are medicated shampoo. Keep in mind that flea shampoos are not for long lasting control. These can only kill the adult fleas and last for 24 hours.

Flea powder and spray

Flea powders and sprays provide protection for few days to one week. These effectively kill the adult fleas and few of them also inhibit the growth of flea eggs and larvae. These are effective and easily available.

Spot-on treatment

This is a concentrated liquid that is applied on the back of a dog’s neck. Spot-on treatment effectively works about one month and kills the adult fleas. Some of the ingredients of spot-on treatment prevent the larval development and also inhibit the eggs to form larvae.

Oral medications

These are administered orally and reach the bloodstream of dogs within an hour. After that if a female flea ingests the blood of that animal, it will lay eggs that will not be hatched. This medication will not kill the adult fleas. The main purpose of this treatment is to break and stop the lifecycle of fleas.

Medicated dips

Flea dips are applied on dog’s coat after flea infestation when it is absolute necessary. These are strong chemical rinses and also used to get rid from mites and ticks. These medicated solutions last for 1 to 2 weeks and effective for adult fleas. The solution should be left on the dog.

Flea collars

Flea collars release a toxic gas and then the gas is absorbed by the flea affected animal’s subcutaneous fat layer. The gas works by killing fleas only around the dog’s head and shoulder. High quality collars work great and can give prolonged protection against fleas like for few months. Flea collars are effective for killing adult fleas.

Flea infestation is annoying both for you and your dog. But, there is solution too. You can easily control this problem. There are a variety flea medications are available in the market. You can consult with a veterinarian before trying any medication. Try to use any of medicine in moderation as chemicals have side effects.