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Win the War on Fleas in the South!

When spring blows in, especially in the warm southern states, not only do we get warmer, sunnier weather, but we also get armies of pesky, biting, and jumping fleas! Some seasons are worse than others when it comes to fleas, but those fleas will move into to your yard by the truckloads it seems.

Before you know it, here you go again with keeping your dog or dogs flea-free. It’s a never-ending battle, but if you stay one step ahead of the game, it makes things a lot easier for both you and your dog!

What to Know About Fleas

There’s a lot of things to keep in mind when your battling fleas. One thing in particular, is that some dogs are affected more by fleas than others. It’s just like, for example, humans and poison ivy. Some people can wade through piles of it and never get affected, while others can have the wind merely blow some micro-fragments of a poison ivy plant on them and they break out in welts from head to toe. Dogs are the same way with fleas! So, just because you’re dog isn’t scratching like crazy doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t have a flea nest riding around on them. Fleas on a dog can be carried into the house, where they can jump on to other things and multiply.

Give Your Pup Extra Baths

A second thing to keep in mind is the importance of frequent bathing during flea season. If you’re using a flea shampoo, another preventative and inexpensive soap to use in-between flea soap baths is Dawn dishwashing liquid. This dish soap is not a long lasting repellent, but if you lather your dog up with this particular soap and let it sit for 5 or so minutes, those fleas will drop dead right before your eyes! For whatever reason, Dawn kills fleas like no other dish soap. It’s just a little tip to remember if you need to give a bath in a hurry.

Keep Dog Bedding Clean

When you are taking part in that war against fleas, you have to pay attention to their bedding, both inside and out. Dog beds need to be washed and cleaned. You could even get a safe insecticide spray to use on them, let it dry, and then wash the beds. If you can afford to get brand new beds and throw the old ones away, well that’s even better. Spring cleaning your dog’s favorite outdoor spots to lounge, like the patio or porch, is also a good habit to get into.

Additional Flea Tips

Monthly flea preventative drops are always helpful. They can be expensive, but adding them into your budget helps everyone out in the long run! These drops, however, are not always a 100% guarantee! Over the years, fleas have evolved and developed a resistance to many of the chemicals, especially in certain parts of the country. Whether the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, or any of the pyrethroid-based products, fleas can sometime tolerate these products and they aren’t as affected as they should be. Additionally, many people prefer to use natural remedies as much as possible, as opposed to chemicals.

When it comes to natural flea repellents, there are a variety of ideas online worth checking out. Make your own DIY flea repellent for dogs using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, or citronella oil. Now you can take these inexpensive oils and make a spray that not only repels fleas, but smells good too! Simply add 15 to 20 drops to a spray bottle filled with water and you have a natural flea spray.

Keep in mind that different natural remedies are needed for cats, as many natural oils are harmful or even fatal for feline friends. One simple flea repellent that’s safe for cats and dogs is apple cider vinegar.

Final Flea Thoughts

Before we wrap up, let’s review a few more things. Certain dog flea products simply repel fleas, while others you kill the larvae and prevent them from hatching. Some flea products are waterproof formulas and others are not. They’re all different, depending on which ones you buy, so make sure to read the labels carefully.

Lastly, focus on tiny proactive steps such as vacuuming your carpets daily. Flea collars are great for added protection. It’s best to keep dogs that are hyper-affected by fleas out of the sand and grass until you get a handle on things.

Remember, staying one step ahead of the fleas and tackling the problem from all directions will get your flea problem minimized in no time! Please remember to read your labels and do not use “dog only” products on your cat. For dog walking or pet sitting by reliable pros in the Charlotte area, contact Little Friends today.

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