How to Treat Flea Bites on Dogs
Besides being irritating and itchy, flea bites on dogs can affect their health and their owners who may also suffer from the bites. Various dog flea treatment methods range from purchasing products on the market to home remedies. The method used should not only soothe these bites but also remove the problem itself.
Flea bites cause red, swollen eruptions that canines cannot help but bite and scratch when itchy. This causes rashes and open sores which could become infected and require antibiotics. Some dogs are allergic to the flea’s saliva and may need steroid shots or antihistamines to soothe pain and swelling.
A popular preventative measure to vacate fleas from the family pooch is the use of flea medication such as Frontline Spot On or Advantage. The former kills fleas within twenty-four hours by paralyzing their central nervous system. The ingredients in the latter accomplish the same task but in only twelve hours. This brand also prevents flea eggs from hatching. There are also pills for dogs that are prescribed by veterinarians if they cannot tolerate the liquid medicine on their sensitive skin.
Flea collars worn in addition to the regular collar are made with flea-deterring chemicals and are also very effective. Pets needing immediate attention benefit from being bathed with flea shampoo and using a flea comb to remove these pesky parasites. Some groomers will perform a flea dip which is a bath with stronger chemicals.
Although these methods will remove or prevent further infestation, there are home remedies that can be applied to soothe bites, deter fleas, or both. Itchy, sore areas can be instantly calmed by washing with warm water and dog shampoo.
Shampoos with citrus oils are gentle and effective for both calming irritation and deterring fleas. If there are no open sores, a half cup of apple cider vinegar combined with two quarts of water can be used as a rinse to soothe these irritated areas. Hydrocortisone cream or ointment should be used on any open wounds to reduce swelling and itching.
Since lemons are a natural flea cure, the peel from one lemon or lemon quarters is placed in a cup of water that has been boiled. After sitting overnight, the lemon water is applied with a washcloth or poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the affected areas. Another method is to make a paste from water and baking powder and directly apply it to the bites to ease pain and swelling.
Soaking a bandana in essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, lavender, and geranium provides a homemade, natural flea collar that lasts one week before needing to be resoaked. Bathing the canine with peppermint, cedar, rosewood, or lemongrass oil creates a protective barrier on their skin. A few drops of lemon oil or rosemary oil on their collar every week also prevents infestation.
Implementing a dog flea treatment prevents serious health issues from resulting in the future. Infected skin sores, hair loss from scratching and biting, tapeworms from ingested fleas, or anemia caused by fleas feeding on their blood are just a few of the concerns that owners may have to face if proper attention is not given to their pets.
