Discover the 5-step process to get rid of your Corgi’s fleas, including the treatment to buy and how to deep clean your home.
A few years ago, my Corgi Winston got fleas.
I was really embarrassed at the time and felt like a terrible dog mother.
But the truth is, fleas are more common than we think…
… even when you’re diligently putting on your dog’s spot treatment every month!
In this article, I’ll share how I dealt with Winston’s fleas.
How we got rid of them, the flea treatment we ended up switching to, and the products that I recommend you buy if you ever find yourself in a similar position.
If you want to prevent fleas or are in the middle of a flea outbreak right now, read on!
Are Corgis Prone to Fleas?
No, Corgis are no more prone to fleas than other dogs.
However, their long hair can make it harder to spot when they do have fleas.
When my Corgi Winston got fleas in 2021, it took us a few weeks to realise that he had them because they were so well disguised.
For dogs with short hair, this isn’t as much of an issue!
The way we found out that Winston had fleas was because we took him to the vets for an entirely different reason.
He was licking and scratching his bottom a lot and we were worried that perhaps he had inflamed anal glands.
It turned out that what was causing the itchiness was fleas.
What’s The Best Flea Medication For Corgis?
Before Winston got fleas, we gave him spot-on flea treatment onto the back of his neck.
The problem with this kind of flea medication is that it’s not always the easiest to administer to Corgis.
You have to get the treatment directly onto their skin and this can be tricky when there is so much hair in the way!
It turned out that this kind of flea treatment obviously wasn’t working for Winston, so after we successfully got rid of the fleas, we switched to Nexguard.
These chewable beef-flavored tablets contain an ingredient called Afoxolaner, which works by over-stimulating the nervous system of the flea and killing them before they have a chance to lay eggs.
How Do I Get Rid Of Fleas On My Corgi? Here’s The 5-Step Process
I’ll be honest with you: getting rid of fleas is not easy.
It takes a lot of patience, a lot of cleaning and hoovering, and a lot of washing and thoroughly brushing your Corgi.
Here’s what we did to get rid of them.
1. Buy Flea Spray (at least 2 bottles)
If you’re based in the UK, Indorex is amazing.
We went through 2 bottles during the first ‘blitz’ we did of our apartment, and 2 more the second time around.
I highly recommend it.
If you’re based in the US, try Adams Flea & Tick Home Spray. It gets great reviews.
Note: Be very careful when using these sprays. They are very strong and can be toxic to your Corgi if consumed. Follow the instructions carefully.
2. Buy Flea Shampoo
This was the best flea shampoo we found for Winston (use this if you’re based in the UK).
We used it several times while we were in ‘flea removal’ mode. It seemed to do the job of killing the fleas without damaging Winston’s skin.
If you’re based in the US, Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Advanced Strength Dog Shampoo gets good reviews.
3. Find time in your diary when you can leave the house for the morning/afternoon
Before you actually begin the process of removing the fleas, I recommend you block out a few hours in your calendar so that you can be out of the house while the flea spray works its magic.
That’s because the spray is very strong and not nice to breathe in.
It’ll be much nicer for you and your Corgi if you can out and about while fumigating the apartment.
4. Wash your Corgi and spray/hoover your home
Note: You’re going to wash your Corgi and spray/hoover your home at the same time (or one after the other).
Now it’s time to get rid of those fleas!
First, give your Corgi a really good wash and comb through with the flea shampoo.
This process might be a bit gross. I certainly found the fleas disgusting… but it’ll be worth it. I promise.
Once you’ve dried your Corgi, now it’s time to hoover your home as thoroughly as you can.
Pull out sofas and beds, and lift up rugs. Hoover under and behind all furniture as well as you possibly can.
Put your Corgi’s bed in the washing machine at the same time on a very high temperature.
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to spray.
Follow the instructions on the Indorex bottles and spray everywhere (in every nook and cranny) with the windows closed.
Depending on the size of your home, you may get through 2, 3 or even 4 bottles. That’s ok!
Once you’re finished, head out with your Corgi for a few hours to allow the Indorex to settle and the smell to dissipate.
5. Repeat this process a few weeks later
We repeated Step 4 a couple of weeks later to ensure that the fleas were definitely all gone.
And I’m happy to say that after two vigilant ‘flea removal sessions’, we haven’t spotted a flea on Winston since.
Is It Easy To Get Rid Of Dog Fleas?
No, it’s not “easy” to get rid of fleas. But you can do it.
It takes persistence, regular monitoring, and a lot of flea spray.
Related FAQs
How often should I flea my Corgi?
Follow the instructions given by the flea treatment provider (this can be found on the packet). In most cases, you will be required to flea your Corgi once per month.
Why is my Corgi itching so much?
There are a few reasons why your Corgi may be itching. It might be because they have a skin condition or because their anal glands are full. Or they might be itching because they have fleas. If you notice that your Corgi is suddenly itching a lot, speak to your vet.
Why is my Corgi infested with fleas?
Your Corgi may have picked up fleas from the local park, from your backyard (via other animals like deer and rabbits), or while spending time with another dog.