How can fleas be combed off a dog? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on a slightly damp coat, starting at the head and moving toward the tail, brushing each area repeatedly and wiping captured insects onto a wet paper towel. Repeat daily until no fleas are observed, and clean the comb after each session.
How can fleas be combed off a dog? - in detail
A fine‑toothed flea comb is the most reliable manual tool for extracting fleas from a dog. Choose a stainless‑steel or plastic comb with teeth spaced 0.2–0.3 mm apart; this spacing captures adult fleas while allowing hair to pass.
Begin by bathing the dog with a mild shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and towel‑drying until the coat is damp but not wet. Damp hair enhances the comb’s grip on the insects and reduces static.
Divide the coat into sections—neck, back, sides, tail, and legs. Starting at the skin, pull the comb through each section in a slow, deliberate motion, moving from the base of the hair outward. After each pass, wipe the teeth on a white cloth or paper towel to reveal any trapped fleas. Transfer captured insects to a container with soapy water to ensure they die.
Repeat the process for 5–10 minutes per session, focusing on areas where fleas congregate: the base of the tail, groin, and under the belly. Perform the combing daily for at least one week, then reduce to every other day for two weeks to break the life cycle.
After each session, wash the comb in hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Disinfect periodically with a diluted bleach solution (1 % concentration) to prevent reinfestation. Dispose of dead fleas and any eggs by sealing them in a plastic bag before discarding.
Combine combing with regular environmental treatment—vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, and applying a veterinarian‑approved adulticide—to maximize eradication and prevent recurrence.