Did you know that a single flea can bite your dog 400 times in a single day?

What about the fact that there are well over 2,200 different kinds of fleas that can cause your pet pain, anxiety, and discomfort?

As a pet owner, your dog relies on you to keep them healthy and happy. You buy them their favorite dog food, take them for long walks, and can’t resist sneaking them a few items from your dinner plate (sorry, dog trainers.)

But are you doing everything right when it comes to flea control for dogs?

Read on to find out.

Know What To Look For

So, how do you know if your four-legged friend is in need of flea control for dogs?

Some of the most common signs of fleas include:

• Frequent itching/scratching
• The appearance of scabs
• Gums turning a paler color
• A loss of hair
• A look of “dirt” in fur (usually, flea eggs/droppings)
• Your dog licking itself excessively

These are a few of the most common signs that you need to get some sort of flea control for dogs, however, they are not the only ones.

Especially since fleas often mean that your dog has tapeworms or another medical issue, we suggest getting them to a vet as soon as possible if you spot these symptoms.

How Often Do You Need Flea Control For Dogs?

It’s tough to give a hard and fast number when it comes to applying flea treatments, because that number will vary based on the age of the dog, as well as the type of treatment used.

If your dog is still a little puppy, then you’ll need to treat it more frequently. Invest in a flea comb and brush your little critter a couple of times a week to get rid of any eggs. It’s a good idea to apply a heavier flea treatment at least once a month on puppies.

Once your puppy turns six months old, you can usually take it in for a treatment about every three months. You can apply flea treatments on your own as well, generally about every six to eight weeks.

Keep in mind that, when the weather is warmer, you may need to do flea treatments more often, as they’re more common in the spring/summer months.

See Flea Prevention As A Routine Treatment

You take care of yourself when it comes to pampering and prevention.

Maybe you book a spa treatment at Atlanta Face and Body, head out for a mani/pedi with the girls, or just indulge in a long massage after a hard day at the office.

But are you doing the same thing when it comes to your dog?

We know when we’re feeling run-down, stressed, or just not quite right. But sometimes, it can be tough for your pet to communicate to you that it’s in need of a flea treatment.

As a result, just like you’d book your bi-monthly haircut or waxing, book some kind of flea control for dogs.

DIY Home Remedies For Your Dog

Of course, you can buy ready-made flea treatments to provide flea control for dogs.

However, if you’d rather go for a more natural approach, you have a few options. Head to your local garden store and ask for nematodes, which will help to kill both fleas and ticks.

They’re a little like worms, and they’ll also help to keep ants, termites, and other pests out of your garden.

If your dog runs around in your backyard, mow your lawn as often as possible to avoid creating a dream environment for fleas.

Additionally, make garlic water, a natural and safe flea repellent, to spray on your yard and even your furniture.

Combine about 1 gallon of nearly boiling water with 8 heads of finely-chopped garlic. Let the mixture sit for about 12 hours, then pour it into a spray bottle and go to town.

Not a fan of the garlicky smell?

If so, give your dog about 1/2 of a teaspoon (less if it’s under 25 pounds) every day.

How To De-Flea Your Home

It’s important that you, of course, apply topical flea treatments for your dog, as well as take them in for routine vet visits.

But that’s not all you need to do in order to keep fleas far away from your pet.

First of all, make it a priority to vacuum every day. This won’t just keep your house looking great, it will get rid of any fleas your dog may have brought in from outside.

Clean your own bedsheets, as well as your dog’s bed, about every two weeks. Every few months, hire a professional steam cleaning service for an even deeper scrub.

Always make sure that you throw out garbage as often as possible, and avoid larger houseplants, which can make the perfect home for both fleas and ticks.

When you’re applying any flea treatment, always make sure that you wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after you’re finished. If you have more than one pet, separate them for about an hour after you’ve finished applying the treatment.

Also, always monitor your pet after using a treatment designed for flea control for dogs — especially if you’re trying a new method. If your pet gets sick, drools, or won’t eat, get in touch with your vet ASAP.

How Else Can You Keep Your Pet Happy?

Thanks to this post, you now know the signs to look out for when it comes to fleas and your four-legged friends.

You also know about a few tested DIY treatments, as well as how you can make your home a flea-free environment.

But what else can you do to make your home an even more enjoyable place for your dog?

From home upgrade to product reviews, vet visits to how to care for specific breeds, we’ve got you covered.

Visit our website and blog to pick up more invaluable tips on how to keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible.