How to Bathe a Dog with Fleas

So, Fido's got fleas. These nasty little jumping bugs bite your dog and jump between your pup, other pets, and even you. While fleas do not live on people, they can certainly jump on you and bite, which is not very pleasant. 

Any animals in your home can easily share fleas, which will live and crawl around on their fur and bite your pet to obtain the blood meals they require. These bites and the incessant crawling of the fleas are itchy, and bites cause sores that dogs lick and scratch and can become infected. Besides that, your dog's constant scratching can be annoying.

If your dog has fleas you will want to do something about this as soon as possible to prevent getting fleas all over your home, your other pets, and you. Part of the strategy to eradicate fleas involves bathing the affected dog. There are a few options for bathing your dog, including both commercial and homemade dog shampoo for fleas. There are other necessary precautions you should take as you work through this situation to solve your pup's flea problem and cause as little stress to your furry buddy as possible.

Relief in the form of a bath to remove fleas and soothe irritated skin is one of an arsenal of tools at your disposal to resolve your dog's suffering. 

Consider a homemade oatmeal shampoo for dogs to give Fido relief from the incessant itch. In regard to oatmeal, the most common homemade dog shampoo recipe is simple yet effective. Take one cup of oatmeal and grind it in your food processor. After transferring the oatmeal to a bowl, add a half cup of baking soda and mix into a quart of warm water. Apply the concoction to your wet dog and let them relax as it soaks in. Rinse well and then gently towel dry. This will soothe the itch. 

Then you can move on to step two, which involves using a commercial vet-recommended shampoo or a homemade one.

If you're not a fan of grooming your dog, why not let someone else get their hands dirty instead? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you today.

• Be careful with flea shampoos to avoid your dog's eyes and mouth when shampooing.

• Rinse carefully and thoroughly to remove residue.

• Bathing may need to be repeated in several days.

• Be sure to read instructions on commercial products as the dosage varies depending on the dog, and the process may vary from product to product.

• Flea shampoos can cause allergic reactions, so watch your dog carefully after shampooing.

• Some dogs will experience a toxic reaction to essential oils; never apply the oils at full strength and discuss their use with the vet before trying them.

• Take precautions to remove fleas from the environment to prevent recontamination.

• Treatment with flea collars or medication is also usually recommended to ensure all fleas are eradicated.

Fleas are not fun for anyone, including your dog! Removing them with veterinarian-prescribed medication, thorough cleaning of your dog's bedding and environment, and a good flea bath will make your dog's life — and yours — flea-free. 

Commercial flea shampoos and homemade shampoos can be applied to help in your battle against fleas. However, too frequent shampooing can cause your pet's skin to become dry. Ask your vet about a gentle DIY dry dog shampoo recipe containing baking soda or cornstarch to use as an option in the event your curious pup gets dirty or smelly and needs a quick refresh.

Need some help keeping your dog looking (and smelling) their absolute best? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you on the Wag! app today.