How to Get Rid of Fleas Using Dawn Dish Soap

Fleas are harmful creatures that can reproduce rapidly if not treated properly. Unfortunately, most flea and larvae extermination treatments are quite expensive. Furthermore, as much as we love our pets and want to care for them, we still face the challenge of flea infestations. So, if your pet (dog or cat) has fleas, you can quickly solve the issue with dish soap.

Choose the Right Dish Soap Brand. For safe pet bathing, you can use Dawn dish soap. The reason for choosing Dawn is that this brand effectively eliminates fleas, unlike others. Additionally, Dawn is very safe for pets.

Prepare the Bathtub. Next, you'll need to prepare a warm (not hot) water bath for your pet. Make sure to add just the right amount of water, then place your dog in the tub, or use an outdoor hose if necessary.

Soak the Pet in the Tub. Use a detachable showerhead, cup, or hose to thoroughly wet your pet, making sure to avoid getting water in their eyes to prevent irritation.

Apply the Dish Soap. Lather your pet generously with Dawn dish soap. You'll need to scrub the soap onto your pet for several minutes, depending on the severity of the flea infestation. Gently but thoroughly scrub the areas where fleas are most likely hiding. You may want to use a pet brush to help clean deeper into the fur.

Rinse Once You See Dead Fleas. Once you notice fleas falling off into the tub, rinse your pet with water to remove the flea remains and drown any remaining fleas in the water. Essentially, rinse your pet just like you would when shampooing hair.

Continue Scrubbing. Keep scrubbing until no more fleas are visible in the water as you rinse. This process may take several minutes.

Note the Fleas Running to Your Pet's Head. Keep in mind that fleas may run up to your pet's head and face to hide. This means you should add a few drops of dish soap to scrub the pet's face. You can catch fleas on their face to avoid soap and water from getting into their eyes.

If Your Pet Can't Be Bathed, Like Cats, Mix 2-3 Teaspoons of Dish Soap in a Bowl. Add more water until the bowl is half full. Stir the mixture with a spoon or fork until it foams up.

You Need a "Flea Comb". You can spend a little money on a flea comb from a pet store or supermarket. This small comb is specially designed to comb through the fur and capture fleas hiding within it.

Comb Your Pet. Use the flea comb to comb through your pet's fur, then submerge the fleas into the bowl of dish soap water. The fleas will die immediately. This method may take some time but is incredibly effective.

Continue brushing your pet's fur until you no longer see any fleas.

• Fleas tend to move towards the head and face of your pet as you begin to wet their fur, so it's best to start wetting their neck first, then move to the rest of their body. This method can create a barrier to prevent fleas from reaching their face and ears.
• If you notice a lot of fleas a few days after bathing your pet, simply repeat the process once or twice over the next few days (no additional steps are required), and use flea treatment to tackle the issue.
• It's recommended to have tissues or paper towels on hand to catch fleas trapped in the comb. You can use the towel to wipe the fleas into a bowl of dishwater.
• Ensure you treat both your home and yard for fleas at the same time as treating your pet to prevent re-infestation.
• You can use flea cream after bathing your pet to kill any remaining fleas and stop them from multiplying.
• Mix half a cup of water with half a cup of dishwashing liquid, place the bowl on the floor, and leave it overnight. The fleas will be attracted to the soap and jump in, dying instantly.
• If you are using topical treatments for your pet, avoid applying them right after the bath. Most topical treatments rely on oils and dirt secreted by your pet to combat fleas. Therefore, you should wait at least 36-72 hours (1.5-3 days) before applying the treatment to your pet's fur.

• Be cautious when washing around your pet's eyes. If any soapy water splashes into their eyes, rinse them with cool water and dry them off with a towel.
• Ensure the water temperature isn't too hot or too cold.