Fleas are not a fun problem to have, and you want to deal with them fast for your dog’s sake. Here are the instant details you need to know!
There are prescription-based and natural options that can instantly kill fleas on dogs. As far as prescriptions go, the most popular option is called Capstar (Nitenpyram). Lufenuron often follows this, which will prevent fleas from reproducing on your dog, stopping the vicious cycle.
There are other chemical-based ways to instantly kill fleas, including specialized shampoos combined with combs and flea collars.
If you prefer a natural approach to flea management, you can also consider options that rely on vinegar, Dawn dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and more.
Read on for all the details you need about reliable flea treatments!
What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a dog?
When you are searching for ways to get rid of fleas on your dog, like, yesterday, a 30-day treatment isn’t helpful or useful. You need instant solutions that will get on top of the problem.
So, the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a dog is going to be working with your vet to find the right, fast-acting solution.
While you can do your own research (such as you’re doing right now), your vet is the fastest track choice because they deal with this daily and know the ins and outs better than you or the internet!
However, if you’re unable to get hold of your vet, these suggestions can offer you some choices in the meantime!
What kills fleas on dogs Instantly And naturally?
Working with what you’ve got in your pantry, you’ll have two focuses to help clear your dog and your home of fleas!
At-home flea treatments for your dog
Your dog is your priority, as they should be! Finding the right treatments at home for your dog starts with the right shortlist. These include:
- Epsom/sea salt
- Baking powder
- Coconut oil
- Vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- Dawn dish soap
Epsom/sea salt
This works through dehydration. The salt can be mixed with plain water and then rubbed on your dog. The salt will permeate the fleas and dehydrate them to the point of death. Be careful not to use too much, however, as it can dehydrate your dog’s skin, too.
Table salt will dehydrate our dog’s skin severely, even in small amounts, so make sure to use Epsom or sea salt, they have hydrating properties to counteract the skin hydration issue.
Baking powder
This works much the same as salt above. It often doesn’t have the same concerns on drying your dog’s skin, so this would be the preferred choice for those particularly worried about that element.
There’s also no taste to it, so dogs are less likely to lick it off! Apply it to your dog’s fur thoroughly mixed with warm water, or just used dry.
If you decide to sprinkle it on, make sure you work it down to their skin rather than letting it sit on your dog’s fur!
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a familiar favorite for at-home flea treatment. It moisturizes the skin, conditions their fur, and uses its monolaurin compound to kill fleas and heal the irritations caused by them.
You can use this topically by mixing it with standard dog shampoo or mixing with water and applying it to their skin.
You can also use coconut oil orally, but you’ll want to check with your vet on the amounts since it can cause some digestive upset!
Vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
While strong in scent, vinegar mixed with water is great for killing fleas. Its acidity creates a bad environment for fleas, so they’ll move on to other hosts or die. Apple cider vinegar works better than white table vinegar, though you can use either choice.
You’ll need to dilute this in water (1:1 ratio) and then spray it with a nozzle spraying bottle. Work it in thoroughly into your dog’s fur, and make sure to avoid their eyes and nose.
Most dogs don’t like vinegar, so they shouldn’t try to lick it off — though they might be angry with you for making them smell so foul!
Dawn dish soap
The brand is vital in this one for the best results. Use a small amount of the blue Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water, and then work it through your dog’s fur like shampoo.
It is gentle on their skin and will effectively kill and wash off the fleas. Many use this soap for other purposes, too, so most have it around and can use it quickly!
At-home flea treatments for your home and surroundings
Besides cleaning your dog with those methods, you’ll also want to make sure that you clean their bedding, carpet, and other fabric and floor surfaces. After all, fleas will infest anything and everything possible.
Top suggestions include:
- Vinegar sprays
- A steam vacuum
- Alcohol-based or bleach-based cleansers
Vinegar sprays
This would follow the exact measurements of the one above. This you can spread liberally on your floors, baseboard, dog bedding, blankets, furniture, etc.
It creates no comfortable environment for fleas and effectively kicks them out and kills them. Diluted properly, the scent should be light.
A steam vacuum
A steam vacuum is one of the best methods to get at the root of the problem because of its ability to be thorough.
This works well on hardwood floors, tiles, and more. Simply use its hot steam to wash floors, walls, baseboards, etc.
The steam temperature instantly kills off the fleas and the eggs.
The following day, use a regular vacuum to thoroughly clean the same areas if there are any stragglers.
Alcohol-based or bleach-based cleansers
While you can’t use alcohol or bleach cleansers directly on your dog, you can use them around your home for effective and fast-working cleaning of those surfaces.
Using a mop or a cloth, it’ll be easy to apply to flooring, baseboards, walls, bedding, etc.
Why is cleaning every nook and cranny so important?
Fleas are amongst the most persistent parasites out there. They love to hide in crevices of the floorboards, along the baseboard and behind it, and so on.
Effectively cleaning every inch of your home is essential for making sure that you kill the fleas in your home to prevent your poor dog from being reinfected.
What kills fleas on contact with my dog?
On-contact solutions for fleas that are currently on your dog are important. After all, the sooner you get rid of this parasite, the better!
As far as the instant and effective treatment directly on your dog, your best choices are:
- Baby powder
- Medicated or flea shampoos
- Flea collars
Baby powder for flea treatment
Baby powder is a unique option for treating fleas. It smothers them, and then you can use a comb to effectively remove the fleas and drown them.
It also makes your dog smell good, amongst other benefits. You’ll need to make sure that you use baby powder safely on your dog to prevent them from dealing with respiratory issues!
The use of shampoos
Shampoos are generally agreed to be the fastest and “safest” way to treat fleas on contact. Why? Firstly, the shampoo is formulated for dogs, taking out potential complications of at-home remedies like coconut oil and baby powder.
Secondly, it uses warm water and lathering shampoo to create a high success rate for their use with fleas.
Thirdly, these shampoos rely on medicated ingredients explicitly designed to kill fleas and their larvae, which helps get to the root of the problem and treat any possible future generations.
Flea collars
These are also convenient on-demand choices for those that want them. They are special, medicated collars that go directly on your dog and will kill fleas on contact and help deter them in the first place.
These are becoming much more popular over the years, but you will have to be careful where you buy these from! More on that below.
How often should I bathe my dog if he has fleas?
If you are using a medicated shampoo for fleas, follow the directions on the bottle. It should tell you how frequently to use it and how many days after the first use.
Following these instructions as carefully as possible will help your success rate be as high as possible.
If you are using an at-home product, the general rule of thumb is every 24-48 hours. You can safely use coconut oil (topically) every 24 hours since it moisturizes.
However, you should use baking powder or vinegar rinses every 24-48 hours since they can often irritate your dog’s skin!
How long does it take to get rid of fleas on a dog?
Modern treatments are intended to work quickly for everyone’s comfort and relief. Oral products that you get from your vet will work as quickly as 30 minutes after taking them.
Topical products, such as the at-home and medicated shampoos, work in about 2-12 hours. Baby powder is the only option that is instant since it smothers them.
Why does my dog keep getting fleas?
It’s so frustrating to do all of that work only to find that your dog still has fleas several days later! The leading cause of this complication is that you haven’t effectively killed all of them, or that you’ve neglected to clean a particular part of your home.
This is why following the directions on the product you choose and cleaning the home thoroughly the first and second time will be important.
In some situations, your home itself may be the cause of fleas. This is common in apartments or other rental situations where there can be shared walls or access points. In this case, having a professional pest control specialist come in will be really important.
Another reason that our dog continually gets fleas is that they aren’t vaccinated against them. This means that dogs have no protection from these parasites, making them easy targets for them.
How to prevent my dog from getting fleas
Keeping your dog safe preventatively is always going to be your best choice. The best way to prevent your dog from getting fleas is to vaccinate him according to your vet’s schedule and recommendation.
A word of caution on flea treatments
Odds are, many people will prefer the medicated choices for flea treatment over the at-home choices because they are designed to work faster.
Whether you like the flea collars, tablets, or topical ointments and oils that are out there, be careful where you shop.
Not all supposed flea treatment options are safe for dogs since they aren’t regulated.
When considering any kind of medicated or chemical-based treatment for your dog, it’s best to check with your vet first. Many feel that vets recommend their clinic-based products over those found in department stores because they’re “overpriced.”
However, vets are professionals in pet care and will always put your pet’s safety first and foremost. Devastatingly, many of the department store options aren’t safe for pets and can be a fatal mistake.
If you want an over-the-counter option, ask your vet for a recommendation on the safest or best product.
Most will have a few suggestions that may or may not include their panty-based solutions (such as those above) or even a few department store options that are considered safe.
In Sum
Quickly treating fleas is vital for your dog’s health and your own! These solutions include medicated treatments, at-home treatments, and store-bought choices that can help get to the bottom of the situation quickly and safely.
Instant flea treatment means focusing on at-home treatments like using Dawn dish soap, vinegar, baking powder, or baby powder, amongst others. You can also consider options like flea collars, topical ointments, and other medications.
These would all come from your vet or another licensed and experienced professional in pet care. You’ll need to clean your home as effectively as you clean your dog for the best results!
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