How to Give a Dog a Flea Bath

Fleas on a dog are a nuisance for you and your pet. Follow these steps to give your dog a flea bath and remove those critters from his coat and skin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Purchase a quality commercial flea shampoo at your local Pet Store. You must choose one that kills fleas, rather than just remove them, to prevent a re-infestation.
2. Read the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Often, these products are toxic if ingested and dangerous to cats.
3. Begin at your dog's head and thoroughly wet his entire coat, belly and legs. Work rom front to back and top to bottom. Carefully work a generous amount of the shampoo into his coat. Use a flea comb to pull back your dog's hair and reach the skin and undercoat areas.
4. Leave the shampoo on your dog for the periodsuggested on the bottle, usually 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Rinse your dog. Beginning at his head and working to the tail, check carefully for any flea survivors. If you see them, shampoo again. It's You must kill every last, flea or your dog will just get reinfested.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a veterinarian-recommended flea preventative like Frontline or Sentinel to prevent flea infestation and breeding.
• Rid your home of fleas as well as your dog, otherwise you can't guarantee he won't get them again.