If you’ve noticed your husky become more irritable or scratching frequently, it might be suffering from fleas; luckily, there are several methods to get rid of them quickly.
The methods for getting rid of fleas on huskies include specialized flea treatments such as chew tablets or using a flea shampoo, but there are other options that include natural remedies as well.
- Kills Both Fleas And Ticks
- Also Kills Flea Eggs
Check the label before for the recommended application size
Let’s explore these options so you can find one that suits you.
Contents
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Huskies – 4 Methods To Try
I’ve ordered these methods in terms of effectiveness – generally speaking, flea treatments like tablets, topical ointments, or shampoos tend to work much better than others.
1. Bathing Your Husky With Flea Shampoo
Flea shampoo is effective at killing adult fleas (and ticks) and larvae. It also repels fleas for a duration afterward, usually around a week, depending on which product you use.
Most of these treatments also contain products that will clean your husky’s coat and make it look shiny and fresh, which is an added benefit.
Shampoo is a great starting point in the fight against fleas, and it should be used with long-term flea treatment for the best results.
2. Other Flea Treatments
Several other flea treatments work well for long-term protection.
- Topical Treatments – Topical treatments, also known as flea drops, are what my veterinarian recommends. These are usually applied to the back of the neck and provide protection for a few months at a time.
- Tablets – Flea tablets kill fleas by releasing chemicals into their nerve cells and are one of the more expensive options when it comes to dealing with fleas.
- Collar – Flea collars are a very popular option for keeping fleas away from dogs. These work by releasing chemicals that spread into the skin and fur which kill any fleas that try to settle.
3. Combing
Huskies should be combed daily to maintain their coat, but this is also a good method for removing and killing fleas.
A flea comb should be used for this specific application, which uses very finely spaced teeth to remove adult fleas, eggs, and droppings. It’s important to note that this method shouldn’t be used as the only prevention technique; instead, it should be used alongside an effective flea treatment plan.
4. Natural Remedies
If you want a more natural approach, you can try using things like coconut oil or apple cider vinegar to prevent fleas. However, consult a veterinarian before you use one of these natural remedies.
Commercial flea treatments are more effective than natural remedies, and I would recommend using these two in combination to fight against fleas on your husky. Natural remedies tend to be more effective as repellents than actually killing fleas.
What Causes Fleas In The First Place?
Fleas can jump 7 inches vertically and 10 inches horizontally, which likely explains how they can make their way onto your husky – but where are these fleas found in the first place?
Contact With Other Dogs Or Animals
Other dogs infested with fleas can pass them on easily to your husky and other pets, such as cats (if allowed outside).
As we dog owners know, taking your dog to the park is a great experience that allows your pup to socialize, but it can be a hotspot for spreading fleas. If you plan to take your husky to socialize with other dogs, I’d recommend checking them afterward for any signs of fleas (more on this later).
Walking Through Grass Or Woodland
I like to take my dogs for walks through the woods every day, but I avoid going close to a nearby field with long grass because I can guarantee that one of my dogs will pick up a few fleas along the way.
This is because fleas are generally found on a host – like another dog or a pet cat – or outside in long grass or bushes.
How To Tell If Your Husky Has Fleas
Luckily, it’s straightforward to tell if your husky has fleas.
Adult Fleas And Droppings Are Visible To The Naked Eye
Adult fleas and flea droppings are visible to the naked eye:
- Adult Fleas – These are small, dark brown oval-shaped insects that are usually found either attached to the skin or crawling through the fur.
- Flea Droppings – Droppings look like small specks of pepper that are black in color. When wet, the droppings will turn red.
During your daily grooming session, it’s very likely that you will spot these if your husky has fleas. This is also an effective method to treat fleas, as mentioned previously.
Look For Signs Of Allergy
Flea saliva is an allergen that can make your husky itch and scratch the area frequently.
When the fleas bite and puncture the skin to suck blood, the allergen secretes and irritates. As a result, the husky starts to scratch the area.
If you notice that your husky becomes unsettled and is scratching constantly, examine its fur using the tips above to look for signs of fleas. More often than not, excessive scratching will be caused by flea saliva.
How To Prevent Fleas In The Future
It’s all good to be able to treat fleas, but it’s also crucial to know how to prevent them in the future. Preventing fleas is easier than dealing with them throughout the year.
You won’t be able to prevent them entirely, but it’ll be much less work overall and better for your husky if you use some of the methods below.
Regular Flea Treatment
Regular flea treatment is recommended by almost every veterinarian, and for a good reason. It’s an effective way to keep fleas away, which results in less hassle for the owner and better overall health for your husky.
I personally use spot flea treatments that are applied to the back of the neck, but tablets are also effective, as well as shampoos. If you decide to combine treatments, avoid using two oral treatments and always consult the label for further guidance.
Treat Your Home
Treating your entire home for fleas is difficult, but there are a couple of things you can start with:
- Vacuum carpets and other surfaces.
- Wash bedding and rugs, including pet bedding such as dog beds.
I recommend speaking to a pest expert for more advice if you are concerned about a possible infestation. In most cases, general sanitation using the methods in the list above will be more than enough alongside the flea treatment of your husky.
Avoid Areas That Are Likely To Have Fleas
I’m not saying you should avoid going on your favorite walks completely, but you should be mindful of places where fleas are more likely to be found, like long grass or at the park with many other dogs.
You can always still go to these places, of course, but I would check for signs of fleas in the days afterward for peace of mind.
Be Extra Cautious In The Summer Months
Fleas thrive during summer and become much more active in higher temperatures.
Your husky will be more vulnerable to fleas during this time, making avoiding flea hotspots even more important.
If In Doubt Contact A Vet
Contact your veterinarian if you notice other symptoms like lethargy or sudden weight loss.
Fleas are not usually a medical emergency, but if you are worried, then it’s best to get a professional’s opinion.
FAQs
When it comes to learning how to get rid of fleas on huskies, there’s a lot of conflicting information, so I’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions below to cover this topic fully.
Does Baking Soda Get Rid Of Fleas On Huskies?
Baking soda is used in many natural shampoo recipes, and it can help remove fleas through the shampooing process, but there is no evidence to show that it directly kills fleas.
Applying baking soda directly may dry out flea eggs and larvae, but it does not kill adult fleas.
Can You Shave Your Husky’s Fur To Get Rid Of Fleas?
We never recommend shaving a husky’s fur, as this should only be done for surgical requirements.
If you’re worried about a flea infestation, then please get in touch with your veterinarian.
What Is The Difference Between Fleas And Ticks
Ticks are much larger than fleas and swell greatly in size when feeding on their host. Both fleas and ticks are parasites, and you’ll find that most treatments for fleas also cover ticks as well.
When examining your husky for fleas, you’ll also be able to spot any ticks.
