Flea is a wingless insect with mouthpart adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. They not only drive the dog crazy with itching. They also carry disease that can make the dog very ill or even cause death. They can cause skin allergies that lead to infection.
The hot weather in Singapore is especially bad for them, so its important to protect them through out the whole year. Commercial flea killer in shops is full of chemicals that can be harmful to both you and your dogs. There are many home remedies that work as well and its less dangerous. Go Organic!!! =)
Prevention:
1) Mix a solution of 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. After regular shampooing and rinsing, pour this solution all over the dog. Squeeze out the excess water and towel dry the dog vigorously. He will not smell like vinegar very long, except to the fleas who will stay away.
2) Feed the dog very small amounts of garlic, or brewers yeast, in their food. Some will advise against using garlic. According to Pets Pourri (see Resources), garlic is not only good for fleas, but it helps with other ailments as well. Dr. Pitcairn, DVM,PHD. also recommends the use of garlic in his book, "Complete Guide to Natural Health For Cats and Dogs."
3) Seep a cut up lemon in eight ounces of water for a day. Pour this into a clean plastic spray bottle; spray the dog's coat. You'll need to brush it through if the dog has long hair. The dog will smell fresh to you, but fleas will not like the smell.
4) Repel the fleas with the scent of lavender. You can add several drops of lavender essential oil to the dogs regular shampoo bottle or its bath water. Be careful not to get essential oils in the dog's eyes. Mix a spray bottle with eight ounces of water and several drops of the lavender oil. Mist the lavender water over the dogs coat either after bathing or on a dry coat every couple of days.
5) Keep the dog bathed, groomed and healthy. Fleas will thrive in long matted hair that may contain dust, debris and skin irritations. A regular routine of grooming helps you be aware of fleas before they become overpopulated.
Get Rid of Fleas:
1) Comb the dog with a flea comb. The teeth are very tight and will trap the fleas as you comb. Dunk the comb into a bowl of soapy water to dislodge the fleas and continue combing. You can also add a couple drops of the essential oil to this bowl.
Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure! Protect your little ones from today.
