Taking proper care of a Shih Tzus is a task! Read this article to find out some home remedies for fleas in Shih Tzus.
Fleas and Their Infestation
Fleas are external parasites that feed on the blood of the animal they are living on. They multiply fast and cause an intense itching on the skin, where they bite to suck blood. Also, they are a common problem that can affect your pet dog or cat. They are not easily visible, and before you even become
aware of them, an infestation can spread from your pet to the beddings, carpets, and other items in your house.
Fleas spread very quickly from dog to dog and from other animals like cats to dogs. They can also move from surfaces like carpets and beddings or outdoor shaded areas onto a dog. They can jump up to several feet, which helps them switch hosts very easily.
Flea Infestation in Shih Tzu
If you have a Shih Tzu as a pet, you should be aware that flea and tick infestation can be a problem because of its long-haired coat. An adult flea can bite 400 times a day. The site of the bite becomes intensely itchy, and most Shih Tzus have an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Your Shih Tzu may scratch itself, bite the itchy skin or rub its body against surfaces to relieve the itching.
The affected skin may become sore, inflamed, and red. There might be hair loss in these areas of skin damage. Sometimes, black minute flea droppings might be visible on your pet’s fur coat or skin. It is possible to spot the minute white flea eggs too on surfaces where your dog has rested. It is very rare to spot a flea itself as it moves very fast.
Home Remedies for Fleas In Shih Tzus
A preventive method to stop flea infestation in your Shih Tzu is to use natural flea repellent regularly on their hair.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can spray a half and half solution of apple cider vinegar and water on your dog’s coat from a spray bottle. This repels fleas because the fleas hate the pungent smell of apple cider vinegar.
2. Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your dog’s fur and brush it afterward. This will cause the fleas to fall out from the fur.
3. Comb
The best way to get fleas off your Shih Tzu is to use a flea comb with a double row of teeth. Dip the comb in a bowl of dishwashing soap diluted with water. Then run the comb methodically through your dog’s hair. The dish soap will help slow down the fleas.
4. Essential Oils
Alternatively, use Vets best flea and tick spray for dogs and home, which combines two effective essential oils. That is peppermint oil and eugenol from clove plants.
Spray the mixture on your Shih Tzu all over their body, using a cloth to protect the eyes. It is better to section the hair and spray on his skin, making sure you cover every inch.
Fleas die and drop down, and you can also use the flea comb to get them out. After each time your comb passes through the fur, dip the comb in the soapy water to get the fleas, eggs, and larvae out. Repeat the process for at least three days.
5. Shampoo
Use a shampoo with natural ingredients like baking soda, Aloe vera, and oatmeal to give your Shih Tzu a bath. This will help relieve the itching.
6. Natural Sprays
It can be used 3 to 4 times a day and at night to give your dog some relief from the itching.
Post Flea Elimination
Once you make sure your pet is free of fleas, run a vacuum cleaner inside your home, on furniture, carpet, beddings, and car, and empty the contents into a bag and seal it before disposing it. Wash toys and any other object your dog may have used in warm soapy water.
Clean your yard to ensure that the flea infestation does not recur. Make a natural flea repellent spray by mixing 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500ml of lemon juice, and 250ml of witch hazel. Spray the natural flea repellent on every corner of your house. Salt and baking soda are also natural and safe flea repellants that you can sprinkle all over the house and then vacuum it up.
It is necessary to decontaminate your house and articles three days in a row to ensure complete cleansing. Keeping flea repelling plants like lavender, chrysanthemum, spearmint, and pennyroyal around the house helps prevent infestation.
Commercially available flea medications contain harmful chemicals which may cause undesirable side effects. Some of these contain pesticides that can cause seizures, brain damage, and heart attacks in your dog. So opt for natural and safe remedies.
When To See The Vet
Consult your vet if the problem persists, and home remedies are not able to stop the infestation. Treatment may consist of medicated topical creams, sprays, shampoos, powders, and oral tablets.