The joys of pet ownership come with the burdens of pet ownership. Fleas are one example of such a burden. At one point or another, all pet owners will have to treat and or prevent flea infestations on their beloved pets. Fleas are a hassle and are also a great discomfort to our pets. The faster we can get rid of them, the easy the job will be and the better our pets will feel.

The best way to deal with dog fleas is to prevent dog fleas. However, even with the best of intentions and discipline, our pets will at some time come into contact with fleas. The most effective way to deal with fleas is to take a multi-pronged approach. First, you must get rid of the fleas on your pet, Secondly, you must rid the immediate environment of fleas to prevent immediate re-infestation. Lastly, you must re-double your efforts towards flea prevention.

There are now some flea medications available though your local vet that make the fight against fleas much easier. These products include the brand names Frontline and Advantage. Both of these products, if used correctly, can rid your pet of fleas within 3 to 4 days of the first application. Your pet will feel noticeable relief within 1-2 days. Applied to the base of the pet’s neck, these solutions are non toxic to the pet.

As safe as some flea medications may be, there are some people who insist on only using natural methods to get rid of fleas. Whether to use a natural or commercial treatment is a matter of personal taste and lifestyle. The natural methods tend to be more labor intensive and, perhaps, slightly less effective. Two common natural remedies involve using olive oil and talcum powder to rid your pet of fleas. If your dog is not suffering too badly, it would not hurt to try a natural remedy first. If the infestation is sever, then it is wise to start with a remedy obtained from your vet.

It is vitally important to rid your environment of fleas. Failure to get fleas out of your home will result in consecutive flea infestations on your pet. Fleas will be living everywhere your pet has been. That means attention must be paid to every bed, every sofa, and every carpet that may have played host to even the briefest pet nap. Be methodical. Start with the bedding and work your way to the living spaces of your main floor. The more effort you put into cleaning your home, the more likely you will be successful in solving your flea problems.

Once you have eliminated fleas from your pet and your home you can think about taking steps to prevent further flea problems. There are commercially available flea prevention solutions and natural flea prevention solutions. Adopt whatever flea prevention tactics you are most comfortable with and which you will apply diligently. Preventing fleas is a lot easier than getting rid of fleas.

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