There is a few natural flea repellents what you can use on your Great Dane. A natural, chemical-free, nontoxic approach to getting rid of fleas is to use human-grade diatomaceous earth, commonly referred to as DE. DE is a powder consisting of finely ground micro-skeletons of type of deceased algae called diatoms. Sprinkling DE on pets and carpets will cause fleas to die from dehydration. Even though DE is nontoxic, it is best not to breathe the powder in.
When applying DE, you should wear a mask and place a washcloth over the end of your Great Dane’s muzzle. Once the powder has settled, it will be safe.
Sprinkle some DE powder on your Great Dane’s spine. Massage it along the body, working your way to his legs and paws. Avoid contact with the eyes. When using DE on carpet, sprinkle it on, brush it in, then vacuum in five to seven days to get rid of dead or dying fleas. Repeat as necessary.
As fleas are known for disliking the taste of garlic and yeast, another form of flea control may be to mix these two items with your Great Dane’s food or give as supplements. Be aware that some dogs may be yeast intolerant, which may result in a skin allergy. If this is the case, discontinue use. Though some studies throw doubt on the effectiveness of this system, many veterinarians still recommend the regimen.
Still another natural flea repellent is apple cider vinegar, which can be given in the form of a pill or added directly to drinking water. Apple cider vinegar makes the blood less favorable to biting insects – not only fleas but mosquitoes as well. A number of veterinarians and health care specialists also believe that apple cider vinegar can help strengthen the immune system.
Commonly Used Chemicals to Kill Fleas
A quicker way to kill fleas on your Great Dane is to use different chemicals. Many of these chemical killers can be purchased from your veterinarian. As with all chemicals, caution should be taken, as they have a potential to be toxic or may lead to unexpected side effects.
This toxicity may result from unexpected sensitivity or accidental overdose. Possible side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, drooling, or odd behavior. Adverse reactions may occur immediately to several days after application. If a topical treatment renders an immediate reaction, try to thoroughly rinse it off.
Before using any chemical, be sure to check the labels. Most flea treatments are not recommended for pregnant, debilitated, geriatric, or nursing animals, or puppies under eight weeks of age. Many of the labels suggest that you consult with your veterinarian before use. Below is a list of the nine most common flea-killing chemicals.
• Amitraz – found in Zema and Promeris (kills ticks for up to one month)
• Fipronil – found in Frontline (kills fleas and possibly ticks for one to three months)
• Imidacloprid – found in Advantix and Advantage (kills fleas for one month)
• Lufenuron – found in Program (renders fleas that bite the dog sterile)
• Metaflumizone – found in Promeris (kills fleas for one month)
• Nitenpyram – found in Capstar (kills fleas in 30 minutes)
• Permethrin – found in Advantix, Bio Spot, Precor2000, and Zodiac (kills fleas, and to a lesser extent, ticks; no residual action)
• Pyriproxifen – found in Micodex (renders fleas that bite the dog sterile)
• Selamectin – found in Revolution (kills fleas, prevents heart worms )
