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For decades, people have used flea baths to get rid of fleas on their animals. this method dates back to 1900 as a flea control method. eventually, flea baths were adopted for the treatment of domesticated pets. It is important to know the following information about flea baths for dogs before discussing their use with your veterinarian.
what are flea dips for dogs?
Fleas are irritating and offensive blood-sucking parasites that transmit harmful diseases to humans and animals. flea dips are a method of killing fleas with a liquid insecticidal product that is poured onto the dog’s fur and allowed to dry on the skin. this is somewhat different from shampoos that are applied and washed off.
Flea dips contain active ingredients such as permethrin, pyrethrin, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, undecylenic acid, and limonene. these ingredients are insecticidal or toxic to fleas. Permethrin and pyrethrin can be toxic to cats, so consider the toxicity hazards if you have cats and dogs. limonene is a type of natural product, but it is only available in a shampoo, not a bath.
when to use flea dips for dogs
You may consider a flea bath for your dog if you find signs of a flea infestation, and perform the bathing process yourself. Reasonably priced flea bath products are available at pet stores and online. no prescription required.
Flea bathing on your dog is a physical process in which medicated liquid is applied to your dog with a sponge, either in the bathtub or outdoors. this can be challenging if the dog is large or you have trouble bending down or picking it up. It can also be a problem if your pet doesn’t like the bathtub. some groomers offer a flea bath service for dogs.
Because flea baths contain insecticides, it’s best to consult your vet for recommendations on their use and potential risks. Typically, a flea dip cannot be used in addition to an oral, topical, or flea collar medication, because exposing your dog to too many chemicals at once can overwhelm his system.
how do flea baths work?
Permethrin insecticidal products in flea baths kill fleas by disrupting the nervous system. Limonene is a flea bath ingredient that kills fleas due to the effect it has on the respiratory system. sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and undecylenic acid can also kill fleas by attacking the skeletal system.
Before doing a flea bath, bathe your dog with a cleansing shampoo. always check the directions on the flea dip label before you begin. you may want to wear an apron, safety glasses, and gloves when bathing your dog.
Flea dips are often applied to the dog with a sponge or mixed with water to “dip” the dog. You should avoid applying the mixture to sensitive areas such as the dog’s eyes and ears. flea baths should not be rinsed off, so the insecticide should stay dry on your dog’s skin.
Flea dips are safe and effective when used as directed. however, some chemicals in flea baths can be harsh on people and pets, causing skin irritation or dryness. many flea products are labeled for dogs and puppies four months or older and should not be used on younger dogs.
Flea products that contain permethrin are toxic and even fatal to cats. If you have both cats and dogs, you may want to consider a different way to treat fleas instead of using a flea bath. since the insecticide is not washed away with a bath (it dries on the dog’s fur), there is a risk that your cat will groom your dog and accidentally ingest the medication.
Flea dips often require frequent reapplication (some last 28-35 days). Some flea dips will address multiple stages of the flea life cycle, while others only focus on a specific stage.
In addition to applying the flea dip to your dog, it’s important to treat the home environment and any additional pets in the home. A flea infestation will wreak havoc in your home unless the environment is properly cleaned and other pets are rid of fleas. it is essential to treat and kill all stages of the flea life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Flea baths are used as a flea treatment once a dog has been diagnosed with an infestation, but flea baths are not prevention. there are many other products available (either by prescription or over-the-counter) for prevention and treatment. these alternatives can be pills, topical products, necklaces, powders, combs and other forms.
best flea dips for dogs
common products that contain permethrin and pyrethrin are:
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adams plus pyrethrin dip
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Martin’s Flea, Tick & Mange Dip
The product that contains sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and undecylenic acid is:
- miracle flea care (shampoo)
- d’limonene fragrance dip and shampoo additive
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food and drug administration. fact sheet for pet owners and veterinarians on potential adverse events associated with isoxazoline flea and tick products. August 2021.
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Toynton, K., Luukinen, B., Buhl, K., Stone D. permethrin general fact sheet. National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services; 2009.
featured image: istock.com/nickylloyd
the product that contains limonene is:
how much do flea baths cost?
Flea baths are an effective and affordable flea treatment option. The cost ranges from $10 for a self-administered treatment to $100 for a groomer to do the bath. If you apply the flea dip yourself at home, follow all instructions on the label. If you have personal physical limitations, or if your dog is too large or too nervous around the bathtub, a groomer can perform the flea bath.
homemade flea dips for dogs
Many people are interested in using common household products to get rid of fleas. recipes contain distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, dish liquids such as dish soap, aloe vera gel, and essential oils.
Many of these recipes may temporarily help or look appealing because they are made from natural ingredients. however, most of these products, even in combination, do not kill fleas or treat the multiple stages of a flea’s life cycle. some of these products can also cause irritation to your pet’s sensitive, flea-infested skin.
Vets generally recommend using a product that has been specifically tested and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for use as a flea treatment.
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