How to Use the Flea Comb

A flea comb helps you identify a flea infestation.

A flea comb is just what the name suggests -- a comb designed to remove fleas from your pet's fur. The tines, or teeth, on the comb are spaced far enough apart to pass through your dog's hair, but close enough that they scrape any fleas off of the follicles. A flea comb is best used to identify an infestation, but you need to use it in conjunction with medicine to properly treat an existing infection.

Things You'll Need

• Flea comb
• Bowl of soapy water

Instructions

1. Run the comb through your pet's fur, focusing on the face, neck and around the base of the tail. The more of your pet's coat you can cover, the better.

2. Examine the comb periodically for fleas. They are dark, wingless bugs around 1/8-inch long.

3. Dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water to kill fleas when you discover them.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a flea comb in conjunction with medicated shampoo, pills or ointments prescribed by your veterinarian to combat a flea infestation.

References

• National Park Service: Office of Public Health - Flea Factsheet
• Texas A&M University; Safer Flea Control; Michael Merchant, Ph.D.

Resources

• University of Georgia; Help! Fleas Are Biting My Pet; February 2004