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Dog Flea Shampoo

If your pet suffers from external parasites like fleas, lice or mites, a dog flea shampoo may help to reduce his infestation and clear up his symptoms. Specially formulated flea shampoos include a mild insecticide that is designed to eliminate the parasite itself without causing harm to your pet. These shampoos may be available at pet stores or through a veterinarian's prescription only. Selecting the appropriate shampoo for your pet and his condition is important, and it is helpful to be aware of the different qualities to look for in a shampoo.

Active Ingredients

Pyrethrin is included as the active ingredient in most dog flea shampoos. This chemical works to kill parasites on contact. If you are worried about your pet's safety or your own health, you may consider purchasing a shampoo with natural ingredients. Many dog flea shampoos also contain ingredients to help hydrate and sooth your pet's skin, which may be very irritated due to the parasitic infestation or frequent scratching.

Functionality

Most dog flea shampoos are designed to be administered multiple times for full effect. During the first round of treatment, the majority of living fleas or other parasites will be killed. However, there may still be eggs that remain, and if those eggs hatch and are left untreated, the infestation may continue beyond the first treatment. A subsequent treatment with the formulated shampoo after 2 to 3 weeks is helpful to eliminate any parasites that remain.

Your ideal dog flea shampoo should only require 2 or 3 uses. Beyond that, you run the risk of damaging your pet's skin or overall health, and you also may help to promote resistance to the insecticide amongst the parasite population, making subsequent treatments more difficult to complete.

Washing Procedure

An ideal dog flea shampoo should be easy to work with. It should lather easily and rinse out of your pet's coat without any trouble. It should be minimally irritating to your pet's skin and eyes, although it is important to avoid any open sores or orifices as you are washing your pet with a medicated flea shampoo.

Other Considerations

Pet flea shampoo is not a singular treatment plan for a flea infection. While it can help to eliminate the fleas that exist on your pet's skin at any given time, it does not prevent your pet from further infestations or troubles with parasites. You may need to make lifestyle or environmental adjustments in order to help ensure that your pet does not suffer from recurring infestations.

Like other insecticides, pet flea shampoos are dangerous substances. It is important to follow all veterinary or manufacturer instructions while treating your pet with these products, as they may damage his skin or coat if used improperly. Some flea shampoos require that you wear protective gloves or other equipment to ensure that your skin does not come in contact with the shampoo.

For issues specific to your pet, or for a recommendation based on your animal's unique case, have your dog examined by a veterinarian.

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