Does Dawn Get Rid of Fleas?

Here’s why you should explore alternative solutions for long-term flea control.

by Kelly Villa, | June 12, 2024

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Does Dawn Get Rid of Fleas?

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Yes, Dawn dish soap gets rid of fleas on dogs by drowning them. But while Dawn kills fleas, it doesn’t prevent flea infestations, doesn’t affect fleas in the immature stages of their lifecycle, doesn’t prevent fleas from returning, and may also irritate your dog’s skin.

How do you use Dawn to kill fleas? 

Because perfumes and additional chemicals could further irritate your dog’s skin, make sure to use the original Dawn dish soap and dilute it in warm water before rubbing it into your dog’s fur. If you use a flea comb, make sure to dip it into a bowl of soapy water with each pass to ensure the fleas are killed. Keep the soap away from your dog’s face, and thoroughly rinse their coat afterward. 

While you can use dish soap to rid your dog of fleas, dogs should not be bathed more than once a month with this stuff because the strong soap will strip away your dog’s natural oils, throw off their PH, and cause even more problems with their skin and coats. Never use dish soap on puppies. And always reach out to your vet for advice.

Read this related article on Kinship
Home Remedies For Getting Rid of Fleas on Dogs — Naturally
Home Remedies For Getting Rid of Fleas on Dogs — Naturally

How to stop your home from becoming a flea circus.

How do you know if your dog has fleas? 

Dogs can be afflicted by fleas regardless of their breed or where they live. These tiny pests’ bites provoke an itching sensation, and most dogs will scratch themselves incessantly if they have fleas. Dogs who are allergic to flea saliva can develop skin redness, welts and swelling, and skin lesions from constant licking. Flea bites can also cause anemia, and if fleas are ingested during the dog’s non-stop grooming, tapeworm infestations.

To find out if your dog has fleas, check for black specks on their coat and skin — these are flea droppings. Or, check for specks by rubbing a white tissue across your dog’s fur. 

How can you prevent your dog from getting fleas?

There are many different types of flea and tick preventatives that you can give your dog to not only keep them but your whole family safe, including oral chews and topical treatments.

Kelly Villa

Kelly Villa

Kelly Villa is a freelance writer and contributor to various pet publications.