Dog Flea Killer FAQ

Dog fleas can be easily transmitted from infected canines but may be very difficult to remove. You can easily detect the fleas, as you will see the fleas, the feces and the eggs they leave behind. In addition, your dog will be scratching intensively. If you notice that your pet has fleas, you must have a few dog flea killer questions.

What Flea Treatment Options Are There?

There are several solutions to kill fleas including topical treatments, dog flea collars, oral medications, flea sprays, powders, combs and shampoos.

Some solutions may only eliminate a few fleas or relocate them (flea combs) while others will eliminate flea adults only; there are also treatments that will kill adults, larvae and eggs also.

What Is the Best Flea Treatment?

Ideally, the treatment option you choose should be effective in killing the fleas, eggs, larvae and pupae as well.

The topical treatments to eliminate fleas such as Frontline or Advantage may kill adult fleas in just a few hours or half a day. However, these should be administered periodically, to prevent the eggs from developing. These solutions should be placed on the dog’s skin, in strategic places (i.e. in between the shoulder blades, under the fur or near the ears).

How Effective Are Oral Medications?

Oral medications should also be administered to prevent the larvae from developing. Commonly prescribed oral medications include Encard and Clindamycin.

How Do Flea Collars Work?

Flea collars are among the oldest flea killers. These collars may either spray a toxic solution for the fleas, eliminating these or may emit an ultrasonic noise that will keep the fleas away.

However, some dogs may be allergic to flea collars.

My Dog Is Reinfested with Fleas, Why?

It is common that your pet gets reinfested with fleas shortly after you’ve eliminated these. This happens due to a few reasons:

  • The fleas lay eggs (around 50 eggs per day) and these may be difficult to eliminate with certain anti flea solutions that work only for adult fleas; after the eggs develop and mature, they will start feeding on your dog’s blood and reproducing
  • You may have failed to clean the dog’s environment; the eggs of the fleas may be shed in the dog’s environment; the eggs develop into larvae and then they turn into pupae; these have a touch shell and may survive for up to 1 year.

The Dog Has a Negative Reaction to Treatment

Some dogs may develop dermatitis following the application of flea products. You should consult the vet and find an alternative treatment.

Certain flea powders or shampoos may cause dry skin, so you should opt for natural products or get a moisturizing cream.

How to Clean the Home and Yard?

After a flea infestation you should apply treatment to your home and yard as well. Spread insecticides in your yard and clean your home with bleach; bleach is the only solution that can remove flea larvae, eggs and pupae as well. Boil the dog’s bedding and if your dog spends time in your bed, boil your bedding also and apply flea sprays on the bed and other furniture.

 

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