How to Shampoo Dogs for Fleas

Flea infestation can be a problem for any dog.

Any dog can pick up fleas while walking or playing outdoors, and subsequently infest bedding, carpeting and drapes in the home. Fleas can make your dog miserable with incessant scratching and biting. There are many kinds of flea shampoos that can be purchased at pet stores or from your veterinarian. Most contain pyrethrin, an insecticide made from the chrysanthemum plant. You can also use a shampoo with natural ingredients such as eucalyptus, rosemary, geranium, juniper or citronella. This will kill the adult fleas, but you must use the shampoo a number of times to kill the eggs that will hatch later.

Things You'll Need

• Flea shampoo
• Water
• Flea comb
• Pure, sterile mineral oil
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Read the shampoo directions carefully.

2. Plug the dog's ears with cotton balls and dab a tiny bit of pure, sterile mineral oil into her eyes.

3. Wet the dog's fur thoroughly so you can work up a good lather.

4. Work the shampoo into your dog's fur, starting at the head. The fleas may begin to move to your dog's head, so apply the shampoo in a circle around the dog's head and neck first. Work up a good lather. You may need to add more water to get a good lather going.

5. Thoroughly work the suds through the dog's coat, separating the fur as much as possible as you allow the shampoo to get down to the skin. Use a flea comb to remove fleas as you go. Keep the shampoo out of the dog's eyes. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes.

6. Rinse thoroughly.

7. Repeat the process in 2 weeks to make sure you have gotten all the fleas.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not enough to treat the fleas on your dog. You will need to kill the fleas infesting your home environment by vacuuming frequently, using a flea bomb, or spraying insecticide in affected areas.

• You may wish to continue flea protection on your dog with use of a flea spray, powder or collar. There are also drops you apply to your dog's coat for long-term protection. There are also oral medications.

• Observe your dog carefully after the use of any insecticide product. If there are any changes in behavior, see your veterinarian immediately.

• Do not use on puppies, pregnant dogs, dogs that have been ill, or elderly dogs without consulting your veterinarian.

• For dogs with delicate skin, repeated shampooing with flea shampoos may aggravate skin problems. Observe the condition of your dog's skin and consult with your veterinarian if necessary.

References

• PawRescue.org: Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes---Prevention and Treatment; Robin Tierney
• DogBreedInfo.com: Fighting the Dreaded Flea
• AmericanKennelClub.org: Grooming

Resources

• Dr. Larry: All About Cats