How to Get Rid of Chicken Fleas on Dogs
Introduction:
Chicken fleas are adult fleas, not juvenile ones. They are the ones that generate eggs. But if you find one adult, there should be more in your surroundings. Adulting larvae to become pupae must come from an egg source. Thus the problem will worsen if it is not treated seriously and immediately at the early stage of infestation. In this article, I will discuss how to get rid of chicken fleas on dogs. So let us get started.
Are Chicken Fleas Harmful?
Yes they are dangerous, cause itching for your furry friends especially dogs, cat may also get affected by this if he/she comes in contact with dog who has these parasites on him/her .
If ignored, it can lead to corneal ulcers due to constant scratching, which can permanently damage or even infect their eyesight, so it’s necessary to keep your furry buddies away from these parasites.
What Are the Signs of Having These Fleas on My Dog?
Since the fleas feed on your dog’s blood, you will see them much more often than when they were in their pupal state. You may find them in all states: fully grown adults, larvae, and eggs.
The adults are approximately 1/4 inch long and brown in color, with a round shape and harder exterior. They have six legs and two antennae that help them navigate back to your doggie after feeding on another host.
The egg is about 1/50th of an inch and oval-shaped. It is white when it first appears but turns yellow as it matures toward hatching. Lastly, the larvae (approximately 1/8 inch) appear white at birth but change to yellow as they mature.
Stepwise Guide on How to Get Rid of Chicken Fleas on Dogs:
Having chicken fleas on dogs is very annoying and can be dangerous to pets if not taken seriously. Furthermore, it’s something that pet owners would definitely love to avoid. So, here are some simple ways on how to get rid of them:
Step 1 :
Flea Shampoo for Dogs – The first thing that needs to be done is to wash your dog with a good quality shampoo (especially one with an active ingredient like pyrethrin or permethrin).
This shampoo will kill all the adult fleas within minutes of application, but you need to leave it on for at least ten minutes before rinsing it off completely. This will help the shampoo penetrate better into the skin pores and kill the eggs (that might have already hatched by now).
Step 2 :
Natural Cures for Dogs – Apart from the shampoo, try out some natural means of flea control for dogs by following these simple steps: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a quart of water in a spray bottle (preferably one with a good squirt nozzle and top) and keep it aside overnight.
Next morning, use this solution to spray your dog’s bedding (ensure that you got it dry cleaned before using again), surroundings like carpet, etc.; but do not forget to put them back once they are dried up completely (and prevent your pet from playing along till then).
Some people also recommend leaving eucalyptus oil mixed in water overnight and spraying it on the bedding and floor the next day, but do not use it near your pet’s eyes.
Step 3 :
Diet for Dogs – The last (and sometimes one of the most important) points to remember is to ensure you are feeding your dog a good diet, i.e., something rich in vitamin B.
It’s scientifically proven that dogs suffering from chicken fleas have low levels of B vitamins. Adding them into their daily food helps eliminate this problem naturally (plus giving them other benefits).
Step 4 :
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs – Some good home remedies are available for treating flea infestation problem on dogs, too, like using eucalyptus oil mixed in water, lavender oil, etc. In fact, even taking a bath with mustard or neem oil is known to do the trick as both these contain insecticidal properties that help kill the insects easily.
Precautions While Getting Rid of Chicken Fleas:
There are many ways to get rid of chicken fleas, but the important thing is that you should follow certain precautions while applying any method. You should completely avoid chemical-based shampoos and spray while working on getting rid of chicken fleas.
These products can harm your dog’s skin and should never be applied without consulting a professional veterinary doctor. It would help if you took proper care of your dog before fighting out Chicken Fleas:
Before you start fighting against Chicken Fleas on dogs, you must keep your dog in good health by providing him a proper diet and providing essential nutrients to have enough strength to withstand the treatment regimen. In addition, providing him with vitamin supplements will support his immune system to fight against the parasitic infection.
Dogs with chicken flea infestation must never be allowed to get wet. If you have a pool or a tub in your house, ensure that no dog with chicken fleas can get into it.
When out on a walk, always make sure that your dog’s feet are not wet. This will help reduce the number of fleas infesting his skin, and the chances of them infecting humans will be reduced.
Once you start fighting against Chicken Fleas on dogs, there are chances that some eggs may remain under his skin, which, when hatched, can re-infest your dog. Therefore, your main aim should be to prevent eggs from maturing so when they hatch in large numbers, and your dog will not be infected.
What Causes Chicken Fleas?
Chicken Fleas are the most common cause of flea allergy dermatitis in domesticated cats and dogs. There are two types of fleas, one lives in the environment for up to a year, and the other feeds on cats, dogs, rabbits, or humans living on a short-term basis. Unfortunately, the latter type causes most problems with pets as they are more likely to bite you through your clothes, making them harder to spot.
Because Chicken Fleas prefer to live on a host animal, they are more likely to be found around your pet’s neck, groin, and ears. Hair loss is commonly seen in areas where a chicken flea bites due to severe irritation. If hair loss isn’t present, then skin irritations will be visible where the Chicken Flea has been biting your dog excessively.
What are the Symptoms of Chicken Fleas?
The symptoms of a chicken flea infestation include:
1. Type three hypersensitivity reactions (urticarial wheels too) usually 24 36 hours after being bitten by the parasite, where the skin on the affected area will swell up massively.
2. Type one hypersensitivity reaction (linear wheels which) is at the point where the parasite has bitten; this creates a linear shape wheal that can be red or pale
3. Due to excessive blood loss, heavy breathing is caused by anemia and is most commonly seen in kittens and puppies.
4. Chicken Flea dermatitis is characterized by intense itching that leads to open sores on the skin without hair.
5. Pneumonitis or respiratory distress can also be caused by untreated flea bites due to the development of pneumonia after inhalation of the parasite’s feces which can cause an inflammatory reaction within your pet’s lungs.
6. Chicken fleas cause animals to develop an aversion to what they normally enjoy, such as food, treats, and playtime, which can also lead to a decrease in egg production and weight gain issues if the animal is not treated quickly enough.
Some Tips and Suggestions:
1. Flea comb your dog for fleas. There are places where you can buy a good flea comb online.
2. Have your pet checked for external parasites by your vet, especially if it is scratching excessively.
3. Don’t over-treat the itching area of the skin with steroid-based ointments or creams, as this can cause the flea bite sensitivities to worsen.
4. Use a high-quality pet shampoo on your dog to remove eggs and larvae if they are present in the coat after combing.
5. Mix 50% rubbing alcohol with water and put it in a spray bottle for cleaning areas of the house where you have found fleas. Spray mattresses, carpets, and under furniture cushions where you have seen fleas to kill them off.
6. Vacuum clean all the areas of your house, including under beds, sofas, pillows, drapes, etc., daily for two weeks. You can also use a steam cleaner on carpets before treating them with the alcohol mixture mentioned above.
7. Spray your dog with an insecticide like Bio-Spot, Frontline Plus, or Advantage. This will kill your pet’s fleas and keep them away for about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
Many products claim to kill fleas on dogs instantly. However, the truth is that most of these products are ineffective and may even be harmful to your dog.
The best way to get rid of fleas on your dog is to use a specifically designed product for this purpose. Some of the best flea products available include Frontline Plus for Dogs, Revolution for Cats, and K9 Advantix II for Dogs.
These products work by killing adult fleas and their eggs as well as preventing new fleas from developing. They are also safe for both you and your dog and will not cause any adverse effects.
Are chicken fleas and dog fleas the same?
No, chicken fleas and dog fleas are not the same. Chicken fleas are smaller than dog fleas and have a reddish-brown color. Dog fleas are larger than chicken fleas and have a black color.
Can you use dog flea powder on chickens?
Yes, you can use dog flea powder on chickens. However, reading the label carefully before using it is important because some dog flea powders are harmful to pets and children.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid any adverse effects.
Conclusion:
To conclude, it is essential to follow all these steps together and not just one if you want to eliminate this annoying and potentially dangerous problem effectively and naturally (for both pets and the owners). Remember, most importantly, ensure that your dog’s bedding is clean and dry so that eggs don’t hatch there again due to any moisture present.
Also, spraying with natural remedies like vinegar helps keep such problems under control for longer than usual. Finally, I hope this article has benefited from learning how to eliminate chicken fleas on dogs. Thank you, and have a nice day!
You May Also Read – How to Repair Wood Trim Chewed by Dog
