Help, my dog has fleas!!!

StarSong

StarSong

Awkward is my Superpower
Location
Los Angeles Suburbs
I'm in a quandary. My dog picked up fleas from I-don't-know-where, but he has them. His beds are currently in the dryer at the hottest temp, and am laundering his blankets in the washer at the moment, they'll go in the dryer next.

Problem is, the insecticides in flea medicine and shampoo make Ozzy-dog sick. I'm talking very loose stools and lots of accidents, a seriously reduced appetite and occasional vomiting. :cry:

We'll try an oatmeal bath in a few minute to soothe his skin some, but other than vacuuming the house with the real vacuum, not Roomba, I don't know what to do.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

You want to kill the eggs as well as the live fleas. Baking soda and diatomaceous earth are desiccants, meaning they will dry out the fleas and the eggs as well. You can sprinkle both on your dog and your carpets, but the caveat is that you need to leave it on for about 24 hours for it to do an adequate job.

Fleas can be killed in several days this way, but note that flea larvae can survive for months as long as it’s in the presence of organic matter, like dead skin cells, flea droppings etc and favorable environmental conditions like not too hot or cold.
 

Use a flea comb and comb the dog thoroughly focussing on the neck , head , ears and tail. Shampooing the dog, like you are doing. Shampoo until you see no more fleas. Comb directly after shampooing. Purchase a flea collar. Try to get an all natural one considering your dog is sensitive to harsh chemicals

I second the baking soda and diatomaceous earth. That’s an excellent suggestion.
 
Ronni said:
You want to kill the eggs as well as the live fleas. Baking soda and diatomaceous earth are desiccants, meaning they will dry out the fleas and the eggs as well. You can sprinkle both on your dog and your carpets, but the caveat is that you need to leave it on for about 24 hours for it to do an adequate job.

Fleas can be killed in several days this way, but note that flea larvae can survive for months as long as it’s in the presence of organic matter, like dead skin cells, flea droppings etc and favorable environmental conditions like not too hot or cold.
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I'm willing to do whatever it takes, Ronni. Thanks for the suggestion. DH is vacuuming now. I'm laundering everything possible, including high heat dryer cycles. Will sprinkle some baking soda on Ozzy-dog after he dries from his bath.

PeppermintPatty said:
Comb directly after shampooing. Purchase a flea collar. Try to get an all natural one considering your dog is sensitive to harsh chemicals
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I wish, but no can do. He's a schnauzer mix with fur can barely be brushed, never mind combed. He gets clipped every 6-8 weeks and is due for the next haircut soon.

Flea collars contain insecticide, he has no tolerance for that. 😢
 
StarSong said:
I'm willing to do whatever it takes, Ronni. Thanks for the suggestion. DH is vacuuming now. I'm laundering everything possible, including high heat dryer cycles. Will sprinkle some baking soda on Ozzy-dog after he dries from his bath.


I wish, but no can do. He's a schnauzer mix with fur can barely be brushed, never mind combed. He gets clipped every 6-8 weeks and is due for the next haircut soon.

Flea collars contain insecticide, he has no tolerance for that. 😢
Click to expand...
Here is an all natural flea collar that lasts up to two years. The reviews are good too.
Pet Protector | Flea & tick tag | Flea Prevention | 4 Years Protection

You skipped over diatomaceous earth which is probably your best suggestion yet.
Please look up diatomaceous earth for flea and bug control.
 
Oh my! Been there, done that.

Fleas can get out of control fast, and really hard to get control of things.

I had a pro come over three times, just slowed them down. This happened just before we separated. Dad bombed the house nearly 10 times after it was empty before they were under control. Two fleas can mate and make 10,000 in a month.
When you sweep the carpet, afterwards take the bag out and burn it in the trash. We used to take the dog to the lake on weekends and let it swim, this brought the dog some relief for a few days, until the ones in the house (or outdoors) got after him again. They can breed and spread outdoors too. When the dog plays or poos outside. And he brought them to bed at night. These things will keep you awake at night!

Fleas are an absolute abomination. Good luck.
 
We got ours at the groomers. Of course, they sharply denied it. We got a groomer kit and did it at home afterwards. I highly recommend this as a preventative measure to begin with.
 

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