Let's Talk... About Fleas On Dogs

Fleas on dogs -- YUK! That pretty much sums it up doesn't it?

If a dog's been part of your family for any length of time, you know what I'm talking about.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you're not looking to read a long dissertation about fleas;

How many different types there are, how long they live, what horrible diseases they can cause. . .essentially how disgusting they are.

So, let's agree that they're truly nasty critters, not only driving you and your dog insane, but can also cause serious health problems as well.

I'll give you a bit of an overview, and then we'll get right to the heart of what you need to know. . . How to get rid of fleas on dogs, and in your house for that matter.

What are fleas?

Fleas have been around for centuries, and are very hardy little creatures. They can have a life-span between 2 and 12 months, and can live in almost all environments, although they tend to thrive more in humid climates.

An adult flea is less than an 1/8 of an inch in diameter, and can jump a distance 100 times it's size.

They feed on blood (preferably animals, which is why you find fleas on dogs) -- they're sucking their blood! A female flea will not only feed on your dogs blood, but she will also lay up to 2000 eggs in her lifetime.

Guess where she's laying those eggs? Yep, on your best friend, but those eggs can get anywhere in your home from falling off of your dog. Flea infestations can also be found in yards, etc., mostly in shaded areas as sunlight can be deadly to fleas.

Health problems caused by fleas

The most common health problem caused by fleas on dogs is dermatitis, which is a skin allergy to the fleas saliva. Evidence of dermatitis is thickened skin and red raised bumps, usually at the base of a dogs tail, as well as outside of their back legs.

A veterinarian can run a test called a intra-dermal skin allergy test, or other allergy tests by drawing blood. But the bottom line is that your dog isn't going to get relief unless you get rid of the fleas!

Some secondary health concerns are diseases that fleas can carry from one animal to another. A flea outside lives for a while on a raccoon or even a rat, then jumps on your dog and bites him.

You can see how easily another animals disease can be transferred to your dog, or even you. Some of the diseases known to be carried by fleas are. . .

• Cat Scratch Fever
• Tape Worms
• Typhus
• Bubonic Plague

Of course the prevalence of the diseases listed above is going to depend largely on the area you live in. But, regardless it really makes you want to get rid of fleas doesn't it?

How to get rid of fleas on dogs

These days there are a ton of products on the market that are effective at killing fleas both on your dog and in your home. Products such as Frontline and Advantage are the most well known.

. . . But, what damage are you causing your dog, and even yourself by using these harsh chemicals?

The answer is you don't really know, because the big chemical manufacturers spend a lot of money and go to great lengths to make sure that you stay UN-informed.

I used to use these products on my dog, as well as chemical sprays in my house. I thought they were fantastic, after all veterinarians recommend them. . .

It wasn't until I started doing research on different products to get rid of fleas on dogs, for this very website that my eyes were opened wide.

These products are not safe AT ALL, and there are much better alternatives! Things that are natural so they won't hurt you or your dog, and they are even more effective than nasty chemicals.

Rather than try to paraphrase, I'd rather send you straight to the source that I stumbled across while researching this subject. I came across a fella by the name of Gary Le Mon, who is a very knowledgeable herbalist, and quite a funny guy to boot.

He started a company called Natural Wonder Pets, and has a line of products that are pretty amazing.

One of his products is called TripleSure Natural Flea & Tick Spray. It kills fleas on dogs and in your home naturally. And, it does it better than any other products I've used, chemical or otherwise.

I strongly encourage you to go to his site and read his page about fleas and how to get rid of them, as he explains things much better than I can.

Read what he has to say about the flea killers out there, compare them to his natural product, and then make up your own mind.

I will be forever grateful that I stumbled across his website, and I think you will be too. I know your dog will be glad as well!

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