Summer is flea season. In the warmest months, there is a significant rise in the number of fleas in the environment. Combine this with the fact that your dog will be more exposed to them because the sunshine will make you want to spend more time in the great outdoors. It can be difficult to keep your life flea-free when you have a dog. Luckily there are some steps you can follow to prepare you for flea season and protect your dog, family and home from these parasites.
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Stock up
If you live in an area with an especially high intensity of fleas in summer, it may be inevitable that your dog will get them at some point. It’s vital that you deal with the problem straight away to avoid them breeding and taking over your home. You can use your pet prescription to buy flea spot-on medicines in an affordable and easy way online. You can use many of these treatments to prevent as well as control fleas.
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Comb your dog regularly
Whenever your dog has been outside, it’s a good idea to use a flea comb through their hair. This will help to remove any parasites before they get a chance to set up camp in your dog’s coat or in your home. Place a white towel under your dog while you comb so it will be easier to detect if any fleas are present. This towel should be carefully shaken into a bowl of water, and then the contents flushed down the toilet.
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Have more baths
Fleas are far less attracted to clean animals. Therefore, during the summer you may wish to increase the number of baths you give to your dog. You can purchase gentle shampoos formulated for canines from pet stores or your veterinary practice. Fleas will usually die in water so by bathing your dog more often you will also be getting rid of any fleas living in their coats.
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Vacuum (a lot)
Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to keep your home flea-free. During the summer, you will need to vacuum at least once a week, more if you have evidence of fleas from your dog or around your home. You need to be very thorough with this task, so it is a good idea to make sure your vacuum is in good working order and to make any fixes before the summer officially starts. You should not only concentrate on the floors, but also the skirting boards, furnishings and both your bed and your dog’s bed.
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Wash your dog’s bedding
As well as vacuuming your dog’s bedding, you should also make sure it is kept clean. Attempt to wash it every couple of weeks so that the cleanliness is unappealing to fleas.
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Use insect deterrents
There are a number of natural ingredients that can help to keep fleas, and other insects, at bay. This is summer you may wish to purchase some cedar, lavender or peppermint oil sprays and some citronella candles.
We hope this information helps you to have a flea-free summer this year.