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What to Know About Fleas

  • 27/11/2016

The most common external parasite for dogs is fleas. Did you know that excessive flea problems can cause many skin problems as well as internal parasites? Do you know how to tell if your dog has fleas? Do you know how to get rid of fleas?

How to tell if your dog has fleas

One of the first things you may notice if your dog has fleas may not be the bugs themselves. Flea droppings, otherwise known as flea dirt is tiny black dots you may see in your dogs fur or on their belly where there isn't as much thick fur to look through. Fleas like to hang out in the groin and “arm pit” areas on pets since they are warm and protected there. You will usually find larger amounts of flea dirt in those areas.

Next will be the itching. Fleas feed by biting and sucking the animal’s blood. This causes the dog to itch and scratch where they've been bit.

Some animals even develop allergic reactions to the flea saliva. This can result in excessively itchy spots that become open sores which are known as a hot spot.

If the fleas go untreated you will eventually be able to see the fleas themselves, usually this means you have a severe case of fleas. Fleas are tiny and fast they are hard to see in the hair coat but often in more severe cases you will see them moving in the coat and around the face. Also they are easier to see on lighter colored dogs.

What to do if your dog has fleas

It is important to take action at the first sign of fleas. If it remains unattended the dog could ingest fleas while scratching and end up with internal tapeworms, or they could end up with severe skin issues due to scratching. It is best to consult your vet to come up with a plan of action it could be as simple as a flea collar, or using an over the counter treatment, to a prescription treatment of flea baths and tablets that will get rid of the external fleas as well as any internal parasites they may of caused. It may even be recommended that you treat your house and yard to avoid re-infestation. There are commercial sprays that can be used as well as natural homemade remedies that work well. You just have to decide what works best for you and your dog.

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association – External Parasites

Pet MD – Does my dog have fleas?

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Comments (7)

Said this on 23/03/2019 At 11:34 am

My dog had in my home.  But i don't understant, how did the dog suffer from by fleas. But  While i have understood, i have taken some steps. 

Thank You

Jeanne 

Said this on 04/11/2018 At 12:51 pm

I took my dog to a canine park and a month later I noticed he is infested with fleas, I want to try flea collar, Is that ok?

Said this on 15/05/2018 At 03:53 pm

we took our dog to a dog park and a month later I noticed she is infested with fleas, I want to try shampoo, Is that ok?

Said this on 25/01/2018 At 05:52 am

Great info about dog flea. I have a question to you that is it harmfull to dog body or not .can dog fleas live on humans clothes? 

Said this on 12/07/2017 At 09:12 pm

That's an interesting article. I have recently adopted a cute little puppy and one of my friends has warned me about fleas. She also said that these can also attack the human skin

Pet Lover
Said this on 08/07/2017 At 05:00 pm

That's an interesting article. I have recently adopted a cute little puppy and one of my friends has warned me about fleas. She also said that these can also attack the human skin. I am not sure, how true is that but as a new owner of dog, I am bit scared. But your article has given me a bit relief. Now I know that how to find out whether my dog has fleas or not and what should I need to do.

Other than this, I am also giving my dog regular shower. Does its count to protect my dog from fleas and other insects like this? What products would you suggest me for my dog grooming which can also protects his skin from fleas? I am totally new in this and still learning.

Said this on 03/01/2017 At 05:52 pm

Interesting article, I would love to point out a few things thou.

Some people believe that fleas can be drowned in the water while bathing your dog, and this is simply not true because fleas can survive for a long period of time even if submerged underneath the water. 

Also, I wouldn't recommend giving your dog the oral anti-flea pills. They carry a lot of dangers and before doing that I advise you to look into it first and only then make your decision.

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