Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas?

by

Sharing is caring!

Washing your pets is essential when removing fleas, but you have a conundrum as you realize you only have Dawn soap in your hands, so you wonder whether it will do the job. You may have even seen ads of wild birds being washed with this soap to clean them from oil spills, so why would it not work for your pets right?

Well, worry not; this post will answer all your question on this topic.

Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas?

does dawn dish soap kill fleas

Yes, Dawn dish soap kills fleas by reducing the water’s surface tension making these parasites sink, drown, and die. It also damages the fleas’ waxy exoskeletons, thus letting water into the flea’s respiratory tract, causing them to drown.

However, while dish soap is an effective flea treatment, there are more long-term and comprehensive solutions for flea infestations.

Related Posts:

Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe For Dogs And Cats?

Generally, Dawn dish soap is safe for dogs and cats, provided you use it appropriately and in moderation. However, always observe your pet for any signs of skin irritation or discomfort after using any new product, including Dawn dish soap.

Also, please stick to the original blue Dawn dish soap formula because it is the safest option as it doesn’t have additional chemicals and perfumes.

Products with scented or specialized formulas often contain other ingredients that could harm pets, so avoid them.

Diluting Dawn before using it on your pets helps reduce its potency, thus minimizing the risk of skin irritation. Moreover, keep Dawn out of your pet’s sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. If the soap gets into these areas, rinse them thoroughly with water.

Is it safe to regularly use Dawn on your pets? No, use Dawn soap dish only occasionally because while it will help eliminate fleas on your pets, it is made for specific issues like grease and oil.

Therefore, invest in pet shampoos or bathing products. These products are formulated to suit the pH balance and skin needs of dogs and cats.

One more thing, consult your veterinarian before using Dawn dish soap or any other non-pet-specific product on your pets if they have any existing skin conditions, allergies, or health concerns.

Related Posts:

How To Use Dawn To Kill Fleas

does dawn dish soap kill fleas

Here’s a rundown on how to wash your pets with Dawn dish soap to kill fleas.

Step 1: Prepare the Bath

The bath preparation stage entails gathering the supplies, getting warm water, and preparing the Dawn dish soap solution.

The Supplies

  • A bathtub or basin large enough to accommodate your pet comfortably
  • A clean towel
  • A small container of original blue Dawn dish soap
  • A flea comb (optional but helpful in removing dead fleas and debris)

Warm Water

Fill the bathtub or basin with warm water ensuring the water temperature is comfortable for your pet.

Step 2: Prepare the Diluted Solution

Add the original blue Dawn dish soap to the warm water and gently mix to create a diluted solution. The amount of Dawn you will need depends on your pet’s size.

Ensure your pet can stand on the water comfortably, so don’t use too much.

Step 3: Wet Your Pet

Gently guide your pet into the bathtub or basin, then use a handheld showerhead or a cup to pour the diluted solution over your pet’s coat to wet their fur thoroughly. However, avoid getting soap into their eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Step 4: Lather and Soak

Gently massage the soapy water into your pet’s fur to form a lather. However, before doing so, ensure your pet is comfortable with this. This step helps cover more areas with the soapy solution and increases its contact with fleas.

Focus on areas fleas are more likely to congregate, such as the neck, back, and tail. Allow your pet to soak in the soapy water for a few minutes to drown the fleas.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Once your pet soaks in the soapy water for a couple of minutes, rinse your pet thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove the soap and any dead fleas. Again, protect your pet’s sensitive areas from water.

Step 6: Dry Your Pet

You don’t want your beloved pet to feel chilly and uncomfortable after the bath, so have a clean, dry towel ready to use after the bath. Make sure the towel is soft and big enough to cover your pet wholly.

As soon as your pet is out of the water, gently pat their fur with a towel to remove excess water. Being gentle is critical because you don’t want to rub them vigorously, as this may cause discomfort or tangling of the fur.

If your pet allows it, gently wrap them in the towel to absorb more water, then hold them securely but without applying too much pressure.

You can either continue gently patting and drying your pet’s fur with the towel or let them air dry naturally. If using a towel, you may need to switch to a dry towel if the first one becomes saturated.

If your pet is comfortable with the noise and sensation, use a hairdryer set to a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Don’t let the hairdryer touch your pet’s skin.

While drying your pet, ensure they are in a draft-free, warm environment. This helps prevent them from getting chilly, especially if you bathe with warm water.

Throughout the drying process, offer treats and praise to reassure and reward your pet for their cooperation. Make the whole process enjoyable and positive for them.

How Long Does It Take For Dawn To Kill Fleas

You will see dead fleas within a few minutes of bathing your pets with Dawn. The fleas will fall off your pet’s body and then sink underwater.

Does Dawn Kill Flea Eggs?

Dawn will not kill the flea eggs already rolled off to other parts of your home. However, it will rinse off the ones on the fur as you bathe your pets with Dawn, keeping them from hatching.

Summary

Use Dawn dish soap only as a short-term solution against fleas. While it will kill adult fleas and eliminate flea dirt and eggs on your pet’s fur, it doesn’t prevent a re-infestation. Therefore, combine this with other flea control methods like vacuuming extensively and steam cleaning.

Sharing is caring!