How to Treat Your Dog for Fleas at Home

Pet owners can find out how to get rid of fleas on dogs by following this handy guide from B&M. Read on to learn:

• How to Tell if Your Dog Has Fleas
• How to Treat Your Dog for Fleas at Home
• How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Fleas

Flea infestations cause significant discomfort for your pets and can even lead to you getting flea bites yourself. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to kill fleas using approved flea treatments.

In this article, pet owners can learn about flea control and discover which flea products are best to treat - or prevent - fleas and ticks on their furry friends.

Read on for B&M’s guide to flea treatments for dogs.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Fleas

If your pet has fleas, it may not necessarily be obvious. The most well-known telltale signs include excessive scratching - and, if the case is extreme, you may be able to easily see the little critters themselves.

However, there are also more subtle signs, such as red pimples on their skin, dry skin or even hair loss.

B&M Top Tip: If you suspect your pet has fleas, carefully groom them and take a close look at the brush, comb or de-shedding glove while you’re doing it. You may be able to see the fleas more easily this way.

How to Treat Your Dog for Fleas at Home

The easiest flea treatment for dogs is a gentle flea shampoo. There are various types available, many of which kill fleas on contact and may prevent flea eggs and larvae from maturing - so you can remove them with continued grooming and treatments before they become full-grown.

You can also reduce the effects of fleas - including itchy, dry skin - using a lovely soothing shampoo. There are also handy “Spot On” solutions and sprays that help to tackle both fleas and ticks.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Fleas

Flea collars have long been a popular means of preventing flea infestations, but there’s plenty more you can do to protect your pet.

Shampoo dogs and puppies regularly - at least once every four weeks as well as any time they get mucky - and find the right product for them to make sure their coat and skin remains healthy. Use a specialist brush while you do this to dislodge any eggs or adult fleas that may have found their way into the fur.

If you’re concerned about your dog catching fleas from other animals, keep them on a lead or harness when out walking anywhere you’re likely to come across other dogs or livestock. 

B&M Top Tip: Wash dog coats, fleeces, blankets and soft toys and accessories regularly to get rid of any flea eggs that may have been left there.

Now you know how to get rid of fleas on dogs; simply follow the steps above and regularly check your pet’s fur, and you’ll be able to stay on top of the situation easily. Visit B&M’s Pet Grooming & Hygiene section for more great products.

Proud of your happy, healthy pooch? Share pictures and videos of them with the B&M Community via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.