Using a high-quality flea shampoo can be an effective way to control fleas on your dog. A good flea shampoo will kill both adult fleas, as well as flea eggs and larva. When shopping for a shampoo, be sure to choose one that contains both an insecticide and an insect growth regulator.
It's worth spending a little extra money to buy a good quality dog flea shampoo. The shampoo should contain both pyrethrins or some other insecticide, and an insect growth regulator (IGR).
As always, you should consult your veterinarian before using an insecticide on your dog. Although pyrethrins are usually quite effective and harmless to dogs, the breed, size and overall health of your dog should be considered first.
Some dog shampoos may also contain natural ingredients, such as tea tree and lemon oil, which act as insect repellants. Also, be aware that insecticides such as pyrethrins can dry your dog's coat, so using a shampoo that contains a coat conditioner might not be a bad idea.
When bathing your dog, start by thoroughly wetting the neck, and lathering the area well. This will create a barrier to prevent the fleas from traveling from other areas of your dog's body to the head.
Once the dog's neck is lathered, wet and lather the rest of his body, particularly above the base of the tail, and any other areas where you've noticed him scratching or licking.
Finally, rinse the dog thoroughly so that there's no residual shampoo left in his coat that he might ingest while grooming himself.
It's best not to rely on shampoo alone. It's still important to treat both the dog and his living environment, including your home and yard, in order to prevent further infestation. But, flea shampoo can be a great first step to controlling fleas, especially when followed by treatment with Frontline, or another topical flea treatment.
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