Dawn dish soap can effectively kill fleas on dogs. I have personally used Dawn to treat fleas on my own pets, and it has worked quite well. The soap works by suffocating the fleas, causing them to die. It is important to note, however, that Dawn will only kill the adult fleas that are currently on your pet. It will not provide any long-term flea control or prevent future infestations.
To use Dawn dish soap to kill fleas on your dog, you will want to start by thoroughly wetting your pet’s fur. Once the fur is wet, apply a small amount of Dawn dish soap to your hands and work it into a lather. Gently massage the lather into your dog’s fur, making sure to cover all areas, including the neck, chest, belly, and legs. Take extra care to avoid getting the soap in your pet’s eyes, ears, or mouth.
Leave the soap on your dog for about five minutes, allowing it to suffocate and kill the fleas. After five minutes, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water to remove all of the soap. Be sure to rinse your dog’s fur well, as any remaining soap residue can cause skin irritation.
While Dawn dish soap can effectively kill adult fleas on your pet, it is important to note that it does not have any residual effect. This means that it will not provide long-term flea control or prevent future infestations. If you are dealing with a flea infestation in your home, it is recommended to use a household spray that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR).
Household sprays with IGRs are designed to kill fleas at all life stages, including eggs, larvae, and adults. They work by disrupting the flea’s life cycle, preventing them from reproducing and infesting your home further. These sprays can be used on carpets, upholstery, and other areas where fleas may be hiding.
While Dawn dish soap can be effective at killing adult fleas on your dog, it is not a long-term solution for flea control. For home infestations, it is best to use a household spray with an IGR to kill fleas at all life stages and prevent future infestations.