Fleas are a common problem for both cats and dogs. Your pet may pick up fleas in an environment accessed by infested pets or wildlife, such as while playing at the dog park or hiking in the woods. Fleas can also make it into your home by hitching a ride on clothing or shoes. It takes just one flea to cause an infestation - a single female flea can lay up to 40 eggs per day!
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can safely kill fleas on your pet at home. One very effective and easy home remedy for fleas is dish soap，Dawn has some dish soap specifically for killing fleas. However, most vets agree that dish soap does not repel fleas or prevent infestations. It should also not be used as a flea preventative as frequent use could cause dryness or irritate your pet’s skin and coat.
How Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Dawn dish soap has long been touted as a gentle and effective cleaner, even being used to clean wild birds that have been impacted by oil spills. This top-selling liquid soap contains surfactants that help cut through tough dirt and grease to achieve a deep clean. Surfactants also decrease water’s surface tension, meaning dirt and other debris, such as fleas, sink to the bottom.
Similar to other soaps and shampoos on the market, Dawn dish soap can be used to kill fleas on dogs and cats. By decreasing the water’s surface tension, it causes fleas to sink and ultimately drown. The ingredients in dish soap also damage fleas’ waxy exoskeletons, which are the hard outer shells that provide protection. If the exoskeleton is damaged, water can enter the flea’s respiratory tract, causing them to drown.
How Can I Prevent Fleas on Pets?
Dogs and cats that have fleas can develop a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as intense itching. Your pet may scratch, bite, or lick his or her body to try and relieve the discomfort. He or she may also appear more anxious than usual and have gums that appear pale, a sign of anemia caused by a flea infestation.
Preventing fleas on pets requires several important precautions, including:
- Limit the amount of time that your pet spends outside
- Avoid exposure to stray or wild animals
- Bathe your pet regularly and check for fleas
- Speak with your vet about flea control products
