Kill Fleas With Dawn Dishsoap
Fleas are pests that multiply quickly if not treated properly. Most treatments to kill off fleas and their larvae are tremendously pricey. The reality is, we love our pets and we want to keep them, but we could live without the fleas. If you only have fleas on your pet (cat or dog), you can solve the problem in no time with dish detergent.
Steps
For Dogs
- Choose the right brand of dish soap. For dogs and other pets that can be bathed safely, you will need Dawn dish detergent. Using Dawn is recommended because it works best for killing the fleas where other brands may not, and it's the safest for your pet.
- Prepare the bath. Next the only thing you need to do is prepare the warm (not hot!) bath for your pet. Just run enough water, then put him or her in the tub or use a water hose outdoors, if needed.
- Soak the pet. Use a removable shower head, cup, or a water hose/spigot to fully soak the pet in water being cautious not to get in the eyes as it may irritate.
- Apply dish soap. Lather the pet with plenty of the Dawn dish detergent. You will need to spend several minutes scrubbing him or her, more depending on the severity of the fleas. Be gentle while scrubbing but you will need to scrub well to get to the skin where the fleas will hide. Having a pet brush on hand can be helpful when getting deep in the hair.
- Rinse the pet when you see dead fleas. When you start to see fleas fall off into the tub, you will need to rinse the pet to get rid of the dead fleas and get to the live ones. Basically, you should rinse and repeat just as you would if you were washing oil out of your own hair.
- Continue. Scrub until you see no fleas in the tub when you rinse. This can take a few minutes.
- They run to the head. Keep in mind that fleas will run to the head and face to hide. This means you will probably have to add a tiny drop of detergent and rinse. You can pick them off the face as you see them so you don't get soap and water in the eyes.
For Cats
- For pets that cannot bathe, such as cats, take a bowl and mix 2-3 teaspoons of detergent. Fill the rest a little over half full with water. Use a spoon or fork to mix well until it's bubbly.
- You will need a "flea comb." You can purchase these at a local pet store or general goods store in the pet section for a few dollars. They're tiny combs that you use to brush the hair and it catches fleas in the bristles.
- Brush the pet. Brush the pet with your comb and dip the fleas in the bowl of water and detergent. This kills them instantaneously. This can take quite a while, but it's worth it.
- Continue brushing until you see no more fleas.
Tips
- Since the fleas will run to the head and face of your pet once you start wetting them, it is best to wet and lather up only the neck first then the rest of your pet. This will create a barrier to prevent the fleas from invading your pet's face and ears.
- If you notice more fleas within a couple of days after bathing, simply repeat the process every couple of days (it shouldn't take any more than this), then use a flea medication to finish them off.
- It's a good idea to keep a hand towel or paper towel on hand for when the fleas get stuck in the comb. You can wipe them off into the bowl by using a towel.
- Scrub deep into the fur, but be very careful not to scrub too hard. If the pet cries, you're scrubbing too roughly.
- You must treat the home and yard at the same time or your pet will be re-infested.
- You can use a flea cream after the flea bath to kill off any left over fleas and prevent more from happening.
- Put a bowl of half dish soap and half water on the floor overnight and the fleas will be attracted to the soap and jump into the bowl. The fleas will be killed instantly!
- If you have any topical for your pet, do not use it directly after a bath! Most pet topicals work with the oils and grime your pet creates to rid the animals of fleas for good. Wait at least 36-72 hours ( 1½-3 days) to put the topical into your pet's fur.
Warnings
- Be very cautious when washing around the eyes. If contact with eyes occurs, rinse with cool water and dry with a towel.
- Make sure the water is not too warm nor too cold.
