HOW TO FIGHT FLEAS AND GET THOSE FLEAS OFF YOUR DOG

"Those are dog fleas, they don't attack humans," you've surely heard this famous sentence of Grandpa Komárek before. And you may have already convinced yourself that this is not entirely true. Unwelcome flea visitors, which your dog brought home completely unnoticed, can make life unpleasant not only for him, but also for the whole family and other pets.

Fighting fleas is often a long fight. You can do everything you can to avoid them, but these parasites are so resilient that they won't be deterred by dog ​​fur. They lie in wait in the grass, in the fur of other animals and perhaps even among the spines of hedgehogs, which often occupy gardens and go to the furries' bowl. Moreover, it is not advisable to underestimate them. In addition to unpleasant itching, they can also transmit various diseases to dogs or cause an allergic reaction. In short, the sooner you declare war on fleas, the better, and don't forget to be well armed.

HOW TO KNOW EARLY THAT YOUR DOG HAS FLEAS?

You can easily recognize a flea invasion even before you see the flea with your own eyes. The dog constantly scratches himself, bites his fur, does not sit still for a moment and rubs himself at every opportunity. Most fleas stick to the back around the spine, where the fur is thickest. Here you will most likely also find flea feces, which resemble small black dots. In light-colored dogs, you can detect them easily, in black-haired dogs, the whole situation with fleas is a bit more difficult.

Not sure if it's really flea droppings? The following test will help reveal them.

Flea droppings are actually digested animal blood. Put it on a napkin and drip with peroxide. If it starts to foam and turn brown, then your worst fears have been confirmed and it's time to start removing fleas.

HOW TO GET RID OF FLEAS?

If it's not that bad yet, the dog doesn't have health complications or an allergic reaction, it shouldn't be necessary to go to the vet right away. However, we will leave it up to you.

1. First you have to thoroughly dust the dog's coat. Figuratively speaking. There are many on the market preparations for removing fleas in the form of shampoos, sprays, pipettes . It works great e.g. shampoo against ticks and fleas from the brand Arava . This herbal shampoo is gentle on the dog's coat, but at the same time effective enough that even fleas are scared away by it.

2. After that, it's a good idea to comb the dog properly. Use for this the so-called flea comb , which is a fine comb that combs out adult fleas and their eggs.

Repeat these two steps according to the degree of flash.

3. If you are sure that all the uninvited guests have left the deck, it's time to prevention, so that the fleas do not return quickly . You can get your dog, for example, herbal repellent collar or pipettes , which will protect him not only against fleas, but also against other parasites.

4. Now it's time for the big laundry. Unfortunately, fleas are not only found in dog fur. That is why it is necessary to uncompromisingly go through all the places where the dog has access and wash, wash, delux, and clean everything. Starting with the bed, seat, blankets and don't forget the collars, dog clothes, toys, etc. After the entire process, thoroughly clean the vacuum cleaner's reservoir and its filter, or replace the bag.

We hate to say it, but since fleas can go without food for several months and lay many eggs in the process, you will most likely have to go through the tedious process of getting rid of fleas several times. But if you are patient and consistent, you will win the war with fleas. Fingers crossed!

Also watch the video of the Smečka podcast, which deals with the topic in more depth: