How Proper Pet Grooming Can Keep Your Dog Flea Free

Anyone who has ever had a dog most likely has had to deal with a flea infestation at some point or another. Dealing with fleas is always difficult, and some of the chemicals used to eradicate a flea problem can be dangerous to pets and wildlife. It is far better to eliminate the problem at its source, and good pet grooming for your dog can help reduce the likelihood of seeing those unwanted visitors in your home. Careful and consistent cleaning of both your dog and his sleeping area should be the cornerstone of your flea control strategy. Regularly brushing and combing your dog is one of the best ways to detect a flea problem early, when it is still easy to treat and before those pesky fleas have had time to lay their eggs. In addition, regular pet grooming will help you bond with your dog, and it will help keep his skin and coat in top condition. A healthy dog will have a shiny and beautiful coat. If your dog’s coat is dull and listless it could be an indication of a flea infestation or other skin condition. A flea dog comb is a vital piece of equipment for any dog owner, and these specially designed combs are great for spotting even the smallest fleas and even flea eggs. When you comb your dog, be aware that fleas will be easiest to see on the stomach and groin of the dog, where there is less hair to hide them. As you comb your dog with the flea comb, the fleas and flea eggs will become caught up in the fine teeth of the comb. Often, laying down a white cloth will help as well since the fleas that jump off will be easily spotted on the light background. While thorough dog grooming can often help to prevent a flea problem from taking hold, if you do spot even a single flea it is important to seek help from your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Experts estimate that for every flea you see there may be more than 100 others lurking on the dog and around the home. In order to deal with a flea problem, you will need to address the fleas at all stages of their lives, from the flea eggs to the adult fleas. Fortunately, these days there are a number of excellent and safe products for dealing with a flea problem. Many of the old standby flea and tick collars contain dangerous chemicals, and there have been documented cases of pets being sickened and even killed by these products. If you do need help with a flea problem, your best bet is to seek the help of your veterinarian or take your dog to your local vet clinic. He or she will be best able to guide you to the product that will work best for your pet and your home. Remember that to effectively treat a flea problem you will have to treat all the pets in your home, at least the ones with hair.