⁉️ Symptoms & Signs:
Unusual scratching, shaking of the head, biting themselves, chewing themselves, licking excessively, restlessness.
You may even get bitten too. Flea bites leave little red itchy bumps on your skin.
If a dog has fleas for quite some time, they may show more severe signs such as:
Pale gums, as a result of anemia from flea bites
Hair loss from constant licking
Tapeworm in stools passed from eating the fleas
⚠️ Common visual areas on a dog are:
The base of the ear or tail
The armpits
The groin
The rump.
Fleas are fast moving oval shaped bugs, if you catch one they can easily be crushed between your fingers to check they are in fact fleas.
Another sign is to look for black or red ‘dandruff’ which is a sign of flea poop.
⚠️ All household pets will need checking for fleas as they can jump from one host to another, but keeping all pets healthy with a strong immune system can help to avoid them along with other natural preventatives.
⁉️ Ridding pets and home of fleas:
It is a big & tough process so you will need to be committed but it can be done naturally.
Lightly dust your pet with a FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth, taking care to avoid the face.
A natural flea shampoo can also help but be sure to make a soapy ring around your dogs neck to stop fleas migrating to the head for safety.
Use 1 part raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray after the bath to deter fleas from returning, and after they are dried, use a natural flea deterrent spray like Alexander's Natural.
Repeat weekly until you are sure all the fleas are gone
You will also need to regularly wash any bedding for your household whether human or dog bedding. And use natural cleaning products on any carpets or rugs.
Sprinkling FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth over all floors and carpets then hoovering after a few hours can also help, but keep your dog away from these areas whilst the DE is down.
Hoover & mop all hard floors you have, and mow lawns where possible.
⁉️ Prevention is better than cure:
A full raw diet can help deter fleas by giving your dog a healthier immune system, making them a less exciting host for fleas.
By avoiding over-vaccination and chemical treatments, as well as at home chemical usage, your dogs immune system can stay healthier too. See our blog on Vaccinations for more information.
Look to boost your dog's immune system with pre and probiotics
Hemp and Chia seeds can also help to boost the immune system.
You can also choose to use Brewers Yeast however ensure you start low and slow with 1/3 dosage and build it up slowly over 3 weeks to the full dose checking for any reactions
Use a natural spot of treatment & flea spray such as Alexander's Natural or a specific supplement for flea & tick prevention such as River & Wren Botanical Flea & Tick Blend or Prodog Raw Repel
Look to feed Garlic. ½ a clove per 10kgs dog weight can be used.
It should be fresh, organic garlic and crushed 15mins before feeding to release the allicin.
Do NOT use in pregant or lactating dogs or those on blood thinners. Akitas and Shiba Inus. These breeds are more sensitive to the hemolytic effects of oxidants such as N-propyl disulphide found in garlic
Don’t give garlic to puppies under six months. Puppies eight weeks or less don’t produce new red blood cells so never give them garlic. For puppies aged six months to a year, you can be cautious and feed half the regular dose.
⚠️ Ticks can also attach to your dog at any time of year though more often in summer. Ticks must be removed as quickly as possible so you should always have a tick removal tool with you whether at home or away with your dog. These tools can be bought online, or in some pet shops. If in doubt, go to your nearest vet and they will help you remove the tick.
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