Fleas are not only a nuisance to have in your home but can be harmful to your dog’s health. At Royal Empire French Bulldogs, we know how important it is to keep your dog comfortable and healthy by eliminating fleas, so we have recommendations for some of the best flea control for French bulldogs. Keep reading for answers to some common questions about fleas and treatments.
How do I know if my French bulldog has fleas?
Like humans, dogs get itchy. Not every itch your dog has is the result of fleas. So, how can you tell if your French bulldog has fleas? Excessive itching is a common sign of fleas, but red pimples or bumps on your dog’s belly, the base of its tail, groin area, and under the legs. These areas are warm and perfect for hosting fleas.
Should I use a flea collar?
Flea collars are both effective and controversial. Some products have been known to cause skin rashes and even neurological issues. However, you can find collars that are both safe and effective. Flea collars work for several months to prevent fleas from making their home on your dog. They’re also dosed based on the size of your dog. It’s recommended that if you choose to put a flea collar on your dog, you should speak with your vet to know which collars are best for your Frenchie.
How well do medicated shampoos work?
Shampoos are extremely effective at killing fleas. You can get antiparasitic shampoos over the counter from a pet store or your local market. These shampoos will kill fleas on contact and prevent eggs from hatching. To kill fleas, use a flea shampoo once or twice a week until your dog is free of them. While flea shampoos are not ideal to use on a regular basis, they can be used to protect your dog from getting fleas in the future.
What else is there?
If your Frenchie has persistent flea problems, there are other treatments that can be effective beyond using shampoos on a regular basis. You can get oral tablets that work well in repelling fleas in different ways. Some pills will kill the larvae before they can mature, others prevent fleas from laying eggs, and some will kill the adult fleas outright. No matter the action of the pill you give your dog, they’re often effective methods to keep your dog from getting fleas.
In addition to oral treatments, you can help your dog’s flea situation with topical creams, ointments, powders, and sprays. These topical treatments are good for killing fleas and destroying eggs so your Frenchie doesn’t have to continue to deal with fleas. Although, creams and ointments can leave your dog's coat damp and oily. This can spread to your carpet and furniture. The same is true for sprays and powders as they can lead to a major mess around your home. You can weigh the costs and benefits of applying topical flea treatments.
Contact us for advice
If you’re looking for advice about the best flea control for French bulldogs, we can help. At Royal Empire French Bulldogs, not only do we breed French bulldogs, we care deeply about them and want to help owners raise happy healthy Frenchies. Give us a call at 714-306-8656 or send a message using our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
