Our precious pets love playing outdoors. No matter how careful we are with them, they may often be infested with fleas or ticks in spite of our best methods to keep them safe. Running around in the front yard, hiking in parks or swimming can be one of the reasons how a dog catches fleas. So, Choosing the best flea dip for dogs is important and they are not recommended for puppies under 4 months.
Fleas are small, blood-sucking parasites with flat, oval-shaped bodies. They can be eggs, larvae or adults and are usually found in the shady areas of parks, yards, and gardens as they cannot exist in sunny places. Dogs usually rest in these shady places after playing for hours and they get in contact with these bloodsucking parasites that feed on their blood. Dogs are an easy target for the canine fleas that burrow under their skin and make his/her life difficult. If the flea infestation is severe, you will be able to see clusters of insects around the ears, neck, and underbelly.
Dog flea is a common problem that many dog owners face, but there are numerous remedies for dog flea problems. Flea dips are an effective method to get rid of dog fleas. The flea dips successfully eliminate both flea larvae and adult fleas.
So, what is a flea dip?
It is a chemical solution which is diluted in water. The chemical used is Pyrethrin, a natural insecticide known to kill fleas and ticks.
Advantages of Best Flea Dip for Dogs:
- Kills existing fleas and ticks.
- Soothes bites, bumps and itchy skin.
- Removes unwanted debris like excess skin and oils.
- Keeps the bad smell away.
- Provides moisture to the skin and fur.
- Keeps the fur healthy.
- Prevents other conditions like Seborrhea and Hypothyroidism.
Are Flea Dips Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Flea dips are made from a natural insecticide that shuts down their nervous system and kills the insects. The concentrated solution made from warm water should be applied on a cat’s or dog’s fur with a sponge. The flea dip should sit on their fur for a while without being washed off.
Some researchers say flea dips are no longer the safest option for pets, but broadly speaking, they are safe if given with proper and safe dosage.
Before applying the dip, the vet should be contacted to know more about the proper dosage. The “more the better” approach should be avoided as it can result in a fatality due to the presence of the chemical. However, many vets are against flea dips and warn pet-owners to take preventive steps from before.
Cats are more sensitive and should not be given dog flea dips under any circumstances. Choosing the perfect flea dip according to a pet’s need is important.
What is the best flea medicine?
- Wondercide Flea and Tick and Mosquito Control Spray
- Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment Dogs
- K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito prevention
- Frontline Plus for Dogs Small Dog (5-22 pounds) Flea and Tick Treatment
- Advecta II Flea Treatment, 4 Month Supply
How I Selected the 5 Best Flea Dips for Dogs:
Flea treatment products are available as sprays, shampoos, tablets, powders, dips, collars or oral medication. Selecting the best flea dip for dogs should depend on several factors. Some of them are mentioned below:
Usage: Some products are intended for repelling fleas and ticks. Some attacks eggs and larvae whereas some kill adult fleas. Some dips even cover all the three options mentioned above. Choosing the best dip based on a dog’s needs is important and the label should be read carefully before making the purchase.
Effectiveness: The flea dip selected should be able to remove and kill every last flea. A female flea is said to produce 50 eggs per day. Flea infestation is critical and an easy and fast relief depends upon the effectiveness of the type and brand of flea dip used. The flea dip selected should also be able to prevent re-infestations and make the dog’s fur better.
Safety: Choosing a safe flea dip is important to prevent any further damage or side-effects in dogs. Unsafe flea dips loaded with chemicals can cause skin irritations, allergies, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Others: The flea dip selected should be able to provide other benefits like soothing bumps and redness, keeping the bad smell away, and ensuring healthy fur growth.
1.Wondercide Flea and Tick and Mosquito Control Spray
Sold by Wondercide, this naturally derived spray can be used to remove flea, ticks, and mosquitoes. They are safe for cats and dogs both. Manufactured in the USA, they are available in the following sizes: 1 gallon, 4 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz. The 4 oz bottle is perfect for small sized cats and dogs.
The spray is available in four different scents- Lemongrass, Rosemary, Cedar, and Peppermint. Each scented spray is said to have aromatherapeutic qualities. They do not contain any harmful ingredients like pyrethrins or clove and is known to completely repel and kill flea (adults, eggs, and larvae) and tick life cycles.
They are a safe alternative to chemical flea treatments like dips, drops, and pills without any side effects. This spray can be used around children and it does not stain furniture, carpets, flooring, bedding or clothes. Instead, they can be easily wiped or mopped away with warm water.
The Wondercide spray has received a lot of positive reviews. It soothes the fur and smells great. The scent is considered to be revitalizing or uplifting by some. This product has to be shaken well before spraying and it is also okay to be used by humans.
2. Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment Dogs
Manufactured by Bayer, the Advantage II is considered the best flea treatment for larger dogs. It is the number one veterinarian-recommended flea treatment for dogs. They are available in sizes 3-10 lbs, 11-20 lbs, 21-55 lbs, and over 55 lbs and should be given in either 4 doses or 6 doses.
They are known to kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and also control lice. However, they are not meant to kill ticks and should not be used on cats. They are easy to apply and come in a single-dose tube that has to be squeezed on the dog’s skin. They start working after 12 hours and come with 30 days of flea protection. This product is not safe to be used around children; however, it is water-proof and fragrance-free.
The majority of dog owners have found this product to be safe. However, some dog owners have complained about their pets suffering from diarrhea or allergies. Some even complained about the product leaving a greasy spot after application.
After application, hands should be washed thoroughly and washed properly if it comes in contact with eyes. Clearly, this product is not perfect but is definitely better than most topical flea treatments.
3. K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention
Produced by Bayer, the Advantix II is considered a broad-spectrum flea and tick treatment for larger dogs. They protect dogs from parasitic pests and harmful diseases. Available in sizes 4-10 lbs, 11-20 lbs, 21-55 lbs and over 55 lbs; should be given in 2 doses, 4 doses or 6 doses.
They are specially made to repel all life cycles of fleas (adult, eggs, and larvae) and prevents re-infestation within 12 hours. They not only kill ticks, but also repel mosquitoes without any painful biting. It has a waterproof formula which can be used up till 4 weeks without a bath and is also fragrance-free.
This treatment is suitable for puppies over 7 weeks or higher and dogs weighing 21-55 lbs. This product should not be applied to cats and can be used for aged, nursing or pregnant dogs after consulting the vet. This product can be harmful if it comes in contact with a dog’s eye or ears and should be kept out of reach of children.
If a dog develops allergies to any of the pesticides present, the vet should be approached immediately. It comes with a 30-day flea, tick, and mosquito protection and is the number one broad spectrum veterinarian-recommended flea treatment for larger dogs.
4. Frontline Plus for Dogs Small Dog (5-22 pounds) Flea and Tick Treatment
Trusted by veterinarians for over 20 years and manufactured by Frontline Plus, this treatment suits smaller dogs. Puppies that are older than 8 weeks or more and dogs weighing 5-22 lbs should be treated with Frontline.
The formula is said to stop existing infections and kill adult fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae. It is also said to stop re-infestations and kill ticks that may transmit Lyme disease. It works non-stop for 30 days and is the perfect 3 dose treatment for dog owners looking for a long-lasting and fast-acting solution. It is said to formulate under 24 hours and is highly effective till 3 months from the initial application.
How soon can you apply Frontline after bathing a dog?
A bath prior to Frontline application is perfectly fine since the formula is waterproof. However, the product will work better if the dog’s skin is completely dry. It is advisable to not bathe dogs in the immediate 48 hours after application.
Is Frontline bad for your dog?
Frontline can be perfect for some dogs but may cause skin reactions in some due to the presence of chemicals. Visiting the vet is a must if the latter happens. Also, it should be kept out of reach of children and this product is not suitable for cats.
5. Advecta II Flea Treatment, 4 Month Supply
Advecta is famous for manufacturing separate flea treatment formulas for both cats and dogs. The Advecta II Flea Treatment is a convenient, easy to apply topical solution. This 4 month supply formula is for treating puppies over 7 weeks old and dogs weighing 21-55 lbs only who are suffering from flea infestation. For dogs, the available sizes are 11-20 lbs, 21-55 lbs, and over 55 lbs.
It is known to break the flea life cycle and kill adult fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae. This formula contains active ingredients that treats, prevents and kills chewing lice too. It is said to be effective within 12 hours of initial application and is effective up till the following 4 months. This flea medication is fragrance-free. It is also water-proof and provides protection even if the dog is given a bath or gets wet by accident.
Precautionary measures should be taken during application so that it does not come into contact with a dog’s eyes and ears. This flea medication should be kept away from children. Also, it is not suitable for cats. Some dog owners have complained about skin irritations or diarrhea and if so happens, the vet should be contacted immediately.
Dog’s Flea Dip 101: FAQ
If you accidentally put flea and tick dip on a cat that’s made for dogs, what will happen to a cat?
Accidents like this are more common than you think. If you have applied flea dip on a cat which was made for dogs then it is important to follow a few things. If you made the mistake and noticed it right away, then you have to wash your cat thoroughly and then keep a very close eye on your cat. If you didn’t notice the mistake in time, then you have to take your cat to the vet who will decontaminate the cat. Usually, such an incident can cause twitching, seizures, and tremors in cats. Also, your cat can develop difficulty in drinking and eating.
Where can I buy flea dip for dogs?
If your dog has a flea or tick issue, then the first thing to do is take your pet to the vet. A vet can give you the best advice regarding what all to do to help with your dog’s issues. However, if you are looking for treating your dog’s flea problems, then your best bet is to buy the right product from the verified sellers. If you don’t have a vet’s recommendation, you can still get flea and tick dip for your pet. There are many amazing over-the-counter products available that you can get from websites like Amazon or directly from a vet.
What are signs of sensitivity to Adams flea dip for cats and dogs?
There are different kinds of reactions that can be seen in cats and dogs after using Adams flea dip. Usually, the signs are not severe but can become a reason to be worried. There are three types of reactions that you have to look out for.
- Allergic reactions
- Idiosyncratic reactions
- Mild reactions
Mild reactions usually include licking of paws, hypersalivation, mild depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and ear twitching. Idiosyncratic reactions on the other hand show toxicity at low doses. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, can lead to shock, extreme sensitivity, itching, hives, respiratory diseases, and congestion. In rare cases, there are chances of death.
How to make flea dip shampoo for dogs?
You can easily make flea dip shampoo for your dog at home. Let’s start with the required ingredients first. You need a quarter cup of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar or just white vinegar and lastly, you’ll need a cup of baby shampoo. Mix these ingredients together to make your homemade flea shampoo. You can use a spray bottle to fill the solution. Once you do this, you can start bathing your dog thoroughly and let the solution soak for four to five minutes. After doing that, just rinse your dog and run a comb over the dog’s coat to remove the dead fleas.
Can fleas kill a dog?
Fleas pose a lot of risks to your pet. That’s why it becomes important to get rid of them as soon as possible. No matter how severe it may get, fleas don’t actually kill a dog apart from making your dog really sick. But that’s not the case with small puppies and weak dogs. Fleas can kill them if the infestation becomes serious. So, if you think that fleas will kill your dog, then you may want to take your pet to the vet first.
Another thing that you may wanna know is that apart from fleas, tapeworm can also pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Tapeworms can make your pet sick and it is really important to eliminate their infestation. Fleas are the carriers of tapeworms so make sure that you get rid of both.
How to do flea treatment for puppies under 12 weeks?
It is generally advised not to use flea dips on younger dogs or puppies under 12 weeks of age because they are sensitive to the medicine and the medicine can harm them in more than one way. Since they are small and have a weak body, they can’t handle the chemicals. But still, there are ways in which you can perform flea treatment on your puppy. You can get flea shampoos that are made for puppies. These shampoos should be used for puppies under the age of 12 weeks. Once you apply the shampoo, make sure to rinse it off and dry your puppy immediately.
Too much flea medicine on dog symptoms
Flea medicines are generally harsh on your dog and can cause certain reactions in your dog’s body. That’s why it is advised to redo the treatment only after a certain period of time. These flea medicines have long-term effects and during that time, your dog can show some signs of side-effects. That’s why it is important to use the medicine in a prescribed amount. Now, if you’ve accidentally used too much flea medicine, then it can cause hypersalivation, excessive paw licking, depression, twitching, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you think you have used medicine in large quantities then the side-effects can be of even greater magnitude.
How to get fleas off my dog without medicine?
Usually, flea shampoos work really well against fleas and can help in getting rid of them in a short period of time. But still, if you are a little skeptical about using chemicals or medicines in general then don’t worry. There are natural ways in which you can help your dog in getting rid of fleas. You can make your own natural flea spray, using natural ingredients. All you need is Cedarwood oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil. Use five drops of each one of them and mix them together with water. This way you can make your own natural flea spray without using any harmful chemicals.
What is a flea bath?
A flea bath is basically controlling flea issues in your dog or cat. And to do that, a flea shampoo is used prior to a vet’s recommendation. All you have to do is bathe your pet with the shampoo and water in order to get rid of fleas. Bathing is considered as an old-school, but an amazing approach towards treating your pet. So, get a flea shampoo that is specifically made for your pet as you can’t use a dog flea shampoo on a cat and vice versa. Then take the shampoo in the right dosage and apply it on your pet’s skin and wash thoroughly. Then dry your pet immediately after that.
How to handle flea eggs on dogs?
Before handling flea eggs, the first thing you have to do is run a flea treatment. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the fleas from your dog, then you can go for the eggs because if you don’t remove the fleas then the female fleas will keep on laying eggs on your pet making things even worse. Once you’ve removed fleas successfully, it’s time to get rid of the eggs. To remove the eggs, you can use a flea comb. A flea comb can remove the eggs from your pet’s body. Also, you can get a flea shampoo which can not only remove the eggs but also the adult fleas.
How do you make a Flea Dip?
Numerous flea dips are available at flea dip PetSmart or flea dip Walmart, yet, many dog owners prefer homemade flea dips over purchased ones. Homemade dips include natural flea remedies, homemade flea shampoos, and homemade flea sprays.
Some homemade flea killers can be taken orally by pets. Apple cider vinegar, garlic and nutritional or brewer’s yeast are successful flea killers. Homemade flea sprays can be made with vinegar. It does not kill the fleas immediately but is quite effective.
Lemon can also be used as an alternative to chemical dips. Dawn dish soap can be an effective homemade flea shampoo. So, which dawn soap kills fleas?
Adding vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the dawn dish soap bath increases its effectiveness. This shampoo may not be as good as the chemical ones but it definitely makes the fleas fall down easier and faster. Taking a bath in a Rosemary flea dip is another inexpensive and effective option to kill fleas.
Over the counter flea dips contain insecticides and chemicals that can cause serious skin infections like itching, swelling, and allergies in many dogs. They are even said to cause other side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Homemade flea dips are much safer options for pets.
How to give your Dog a Flea Dip?
Sometimes a dog’s skin may be itchy but it may not actually be a flea infestation. Consulting the vet should be the number one step before starting the flea control program.
A flea bath with good shampoo should be the initial step of the flea control program. Buying the perfect flea shampoo is important and reading the instructions carefully before purchasing one is more important.
After making the purchase, the bath should be given with slightly warmer or cooler water. While shampooing, the shampoo should be applied around the neck to prevent fleas from gathering at their eyes and ears. After completion, air drying will be the best option. Choose the best air dryer here.
For a better flea treatment, Pyrethrin dip should be used. They are available at pet stores and with vets. The Pyrethin dip should be mixed with tepid water and the solution should be applied to the dog’s body via sponge. After completion, the dog should be removed and air dried.
How soon can you give a dog a bath after Flea Treatment?
Giving a bath before applying the flea medicine is advisable. Bathing with a flea shampoo is an even better option. The dogs’ body should be completely dry before the initial application of the flea medicine.
Many flea medicines are made water-proof so that the effectiveness of the medicine is not hampered even if a dog comes in contact with water accidentally while the medication hasn’t dried. However, pet owners are advised to avoid this situation.
Largely, dogs should not be given a bath for the immediate 48 hours after the initial application. Washing before the flea treatment dries compromises the effectiveness of the treatment. This rule applies to all the flea medicines spoken about in this article which are topical flea treatments that are applied directly to the skin. This rule should be followed by pet owners who decide to buy flea medication other than the ones discussed in this article.
Conclusion
Flea and tick infestations are common for dogs that love playing in and around parks, grounds, and yards. Flea infestations have some common symptoms that have to be noticeable before providing flea treatment. Wrong treatments may lead to the pet’s death.
Some of the common symptoms are itching, bumps, redness, and visible moving fleas. Fleas can not only attack pets but also infest furniture, carpets and other parts of a house. Flea treatments for different pets and flea treatments for other objects as sprays, powders, and medicines are available in stores, pet stores, with vets and can also be made at home. The flea dip cat is different from dogs and should not be mixed.
The 5 flea medications mentioned in this article are among the best in the flea treatment market. The Flea Dip tractor Supply is another brand which is famous for flea and stick sprays, collars, powders, and shampoo. While choosing the perfect flea treatment, the pet’s needs and requirements should be kept in mind. Getting a flea dip vet is advised.
Infestations may be inevitable, but preventing re-infestations is not difficult. Thanks to the several flea treatments available today, treating the stubborn fleas has become easier today.