Are you a pet lover who believes your dog should have all the freedom they deserve? If so, you probably allow your dog to spend time outside. The only problem is that your dog is susceptible to fleas. Of the 2,500-odd flea species, 94% feed on mammals.
Hence, you’ll immediately need the best flea medicine for dogs without vet prescription to help rid your pet of the bothersome fleas.
Fleas cause skin diseases
Fleas cause skin diseases in dogs by injecting saliva into their skin. Also, they drink up 15 times their weight in blood, leaving your pet anemic due to a sharp drop in red blood cells.
If you notice your pet with pale gums and lack of energy, they are probably infested with fleas. Fur loss is another sign to look out for, as also scabs and sore, irritated skin. With female fleas laying 40 to 50 eggs a day, fleas can spread like wildfire if left undetected.
What most people don’t realize is the risk they run when their pets are infested with fleas. Jumping from your dog’s back onto your skin is easy (while you cuddle your pet), and your skin can react badly due to flea bites. It is advisable to keep your dogs free of fleas, as for every flea you detect, there are a hundred undetected.
There are several remedies for dog fleas that don’t require a vet’s prescription. You can try any of the following to rid your dog of fleas:
Flea shampoos
Using a good flea shampoo, especially if your dog has short fur, is one of the best ways to get rid of fleas. After shampooing, you can use a flea comb to remove the dead fleas.
If you find the flea shampoo too harsh for your liking, you can use ordinary shampoo and warm water, which is equally effective in getting rid of fleas. Beware of medicated flea shampoos as they can harm your cats or even kill them if the medication is too strong.
Flea collars
Another easy and effective way of getting rid of fleas infesting your dogs is to use flea collars. These flea and tick collars are treated with chemicals that repel fleas and stop them from invading your pets. If your dog has just delivered a litter, you may want to be careful while using flea collars.
In such cases, use flea collars with milder chemicals that don’t harm puppies or kittens. Never allow your children to handle these flea collars, and make sure you wash your hands with soap after handling a flea collar.
Flea pills
One of the easiest and best flea medicines for dogs without a vet prescription is a pill. You need to give your dog these pills orally, and if they are not used to swallowing pills, you need to train them.
You also have tablets that can be given for a month or so, which help prevent the fleas from multiplying as the pills prevent the hatching of flea eggs. While more potent flea pills may need a vet’s prescription, you may find some mild flea pills that don’t need a prescription. While these pills are meant to treat dogs and cats, you can also find dogs-only pills, which effectively treat fleas in dogs.
Skin treatments
You may find several skin sprays and powders for applying to your dog’s skin. These skin treatments are effective, though the one meant for dogs shouldn’t be used on cats.
If you have dogs and cats at home, don’t allow your dog to play with the cat while under skin treatment for fleas. While these skin treatments don’t need a vet’s prescription, it is better to consult your vet if you have any questions.
Summing up flea medicine options
Keeping your pets indoors may help prevent flea infestations. However, if your pet loves the outdoors, you can’t deny them the privilege. Flea infestations in dogs are common and easily treatable with flea medicine.