Among the common ways to effectively remove fleas, eggs, and flea dirt is by using a flea comb on your pet dog or cat. It can be an effective tool for managing fleas in pets, especially those who are allergic to common flea treatments like shampoos, drops, and other preventatives.
It is also a great tool to confirm if there are fleas on your dog or cat. The parasites will hang up in the fine teeth of the comb with narrow spacing. This can also help in getting rid of the remaining fleas, flea eggs, and dirt after applying vet prescribed flea medication. It can also help in effectively removing remaining debris from your pet’s fur.
The reaction from using these combs may differ between cats and dogs. You should know how to use the comb in cats and also how to utilize it on dogs.
How a Flea Comb Looks Like
Unlike regular combs, these combs are different when it means to the teeth size since the ones for fleas has finely spaced teeth. This traps and removes the fleas, eggs and other debris physically. The tight spaces between the teeth can also help pick up and remove dirt and dander.
Steps in Using the Comb
There are things that you can do to use the comb effectively for your pet. Some of the important steps that you should follow are:
Step 1
It is advisable that you use your pet’s brush prior to using the comb. This will remove the mattes and tangles and getting rid of fleas easier and smoother.
It will be impossible for these combs to pull through if your pet’s fur is matted and tangled. Pets with long or medium-length fur are advised to have their coat brushed thoroughly before using the comb. This way, fleas and other debris will all be removed smoothly.
Step 2
Have a bucket of hot soapy water ready. You will use this for rinsing the comb and act as a holding area for the ones you’ll collect during the process. Make sure that you use a deep bucket to prevent the fleas from jumping out. Also, just fill it with the mixture halfway.
You can place some newspapers under your cat or dog as well as the bucket for catching fleas, dirt, and eggs. This may not kill the fleas immediately but just letting them stand in about 15 minutes is enough to drown the fleas.
Step 3
Next thing that you should do is to bring your pet to a brightly lit area. You can do this either indoors or outdoors. Just make sure that you have newspapers spread all over to capture the fleas.
If you have a tether, you can attach your dog there or just ask a family member or a friend to hold your pet’s leash. Get a good grasp of the sides of the comb. Since most of these have indentations, it will be easy for you to grasp the comb.
Press it into your pet’s coat at about 30-degree angle. Start combing your pet at the base of the head and continue combing to the base of the tail. Do this several times while keeping the teeth of the comb flushed against your pet’s skin as you comb your dog.
Step 4
After every stroke, move a few steps away from your pets and check the comb. Since most of the combs are black, you will easily find fleas since they are brown in colour. You will either find adult fleas stuck between the teeth or base of the teeth.
If you see any flea, wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel with anti0flea spray. Start combing the back part of your pet, followed by the sides, and the stomach and chest.
Step 5
Once you’re done, you can dump the water and discard the used newspaper. Make sure that you also clean the comb and the bucket. If you have done the process indoors, make sure that you vacuum the area and the surrounding areas completely.
Do These Combs Work?
This is the safest, inexpensive, and most effective way to remove flea and tick from your pets. You just need a keen eye to check on the comb during the process to know that it is working. However, don’t expect that you can find a lot of fleas if the infestation is just starting.
A low-level infestation may require several repetitions as often as necessary to achieve complete flea control.
When Should You Use This Comb?
Though there are a lot of treatments that you can try for the prevention of fleas, there are times when these pests are too persistent to leave their hosts. Once you learn that your pet has fleas, it is necessary that you immediately have a vet look at your pet and get the right treatments.
Aside from the treatments, using a comb can be a bonding experience for you and our pet. You can just give him or her with lots of treats and even praise for doing the process with you.
Though you might not be sure that your pets have fleas, it is advisable that you still use the comb periodically. This can be one of your preventative methods to avoid a full-blown infestation.
Along with these combs, you can also use flea collars to support your efforts in preventing these pests from infesting your home and pet. Since fleas are more difficult to deal with, it requires continuous efforts to prevent them from entering and settling in your home.
Other added efforts you can do are:
- Wash linens and pet bedding in hot water.
- Vacuum around your home regularly.
- Keep your home clean at all times both inside and out.
With these things in mind, you can reduce the risks of having infestations in your home. The use of control products allows you to lessen the frequency of combing.
Things to Consider When Combing Your Cat
These combs may seem like an effective method for pets, but it might not be an easy job for all, especially with cats. As much as possible, you choose a comb with the narrowest spacing to catch most feline fleas.
Some of the things that you can do are the following:
- Socialize your feline with the comb. If you notice any resistance, it is advisable that you go for other methods.
- Avoid running the comb on sensitive areas. The main reason why your feline friend might feel uncomfortable is when you keep combing sensitive areas. You can use soothing creams prior to combing to make him comfortable.
