Fleas and mites are external parasites that affect dogs and cats. Fleas are insects that feed on blood. Ear mites are arachnids — members of the spider family — and feed on oil and wax in the animal's ear canal. Other species of mites burrow into the skin, causing a condition known as mange, which is rare in cats but common in dogs. One form of the disease, sarcoptic mange, can be transmitted to humans.
Successfully treating flea and mite infestations entails killing the parasites and eggs that have found their way onto your dog or cat, as well as those that have proliferated in the pet's environment.
Treat housing for parasite infestation
While severe parasite infestations may require you to enlist the services of a professional exterminator, in many cases you can eradicate fleas and mites by yourself. If you want to get rid of mites on a dog or cat, you must kill all of the eggs. The same goes for fleas. To do this, begin by thoroughly cleaning your home.
Anything that can be thrown in the washing machine — including bedding, sheets, blankets, pet's bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals — must be washed in hot water. Dry on high heat. Keep your infected dog or cat from getting on furniture and don't allow them to sleep in your bed.
Vacuum your entire home
Before vacuuming a surface, coat it with dry diatomaceous earth, a natural substance made from fossilized aquatic organisms. The silica substance will dry out any fleas it comes into contact with. Always use food grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe around pets, rather than the commercial-grade variety, which is not.
Eggs can survive in hard-to-reach areas like along the edges of walls, the cracks in hardwood floors, or other nooks and crannies in your home. Vacuum these areas daily to eradicate any eggs that may have settled there. Vacuum soft surfaces like rugs and carpets daily, as well as soft furnishings like sofas, mattresses, and chairs.
While battling a flea infestation, be sure to throw away the vacuum bag or clean the canister regularly to prevent the parasites from reinfesting your home.
Clean and groom your pet
If you clean your home but neglect to groom the fleas and mites off your cat or dog, reinfestation will occur. Give your pet a bath with pet-safe soap. Afterward, brush your pet's coat daily with a flea comb (a fine-toothed comb) to rid pests from their body. Dip the comb in soapy water to kill pests removed from their body.
Prevent flea and mite infestations
The best way to keep fleas and mites out of your home is to prevent your dog or cat from acquiring the parasites. In addition to keeping your pet away from animals known to be suffering from flea or mite infestations, both of which are contagious, you can
One of the first steps of how to get rid of dog mites in your home out of your home is by regularly using flea and mite preventatives. There are a ton of options on the market, including oral medications, topical drops, or flea and tick collars. Ask your veterinarian about which safe topical or oral products can be used on your dog or cat, especially if they spend time outside. Your vet will consider their age, health, and breed, as well as if you have other pets or children in your household.
Additionally, regularly cleaning and grooming your dog or cat will go a long way toward deterring fleas and mites in house. These regular sessions will give you the chance to inspect your pet for any pests. Brush your pet's coat often with a flea comb. Clean your dog's or cat's ears thoroughly each month to help deter ear mites.
