Flea on Dog: Found a Flea on My Dog, Now What?

Flea on Dog: Found a Flea on My Dog, Now What? – Warm weather offers our pets with lots of opportunities to get outside and play. Nevertheless, with great temperatures come increased exposure to fleas and ticks. Whereas areas that experience colder months get a much-needed reprieve from flea season, warm, humid states like Florida battle fleas year-round.

If your dog is scratching itself more than usual, it could be a sign that they are suffering from fleas. Do not panic. Although annoying, fleas are fairly common and easy to treat. In this blog post, we’ll walk you thru how to check your dog for fleas, as well as how to rid your furry friend from those aggravating pests.

How to Check for Fleas on Your Dog

It is important to catch fleas early on before they begin to multiply. To find these critters, you must know what to search for. The commonest symptom of fleas? Excessive itching accompanied by red bumps on your pet’s belly, groin, beneath their legs, and the base of their tail. Additionally, you could begin to notice that your pet is experiencing dry skin and hair loss, which may indicate that you are coping with a flea issue.

Can you see fleas on dogs? Adult fleas are small and move quick, making them hard to find. If your dog has dark fur or a thick coat, it may be even more challenging. Since fleas are tough to spot, try searching for flea dirt instead. Flea dirt is actually flea feces that look like tiny dark specs on your dog’s skin. When wet, these specs will turn a reddish-brown color, indicating fleas.

Where do fleas hide on dogs? Since fleas are challenging to see, you are probably wondering where to look on your dog. Typical flea hangouts comprise your dog’s neck and shoulder blades as well as its tail and back legs. Since fleas like hiding in warm crevices, it is also a good idea to wash your bedding and check your couches if you suspect you are coping with an infestation.

Kinds of Fleas on Dogs

Worldwide, there are over 2,000 species of fleas, with over 300 of them occupying North America. The commonest species of fleas that affect household pets are Ctenocephalides felis, otherwise known as the domestic cat flea.

However the name may be misleading. This little flea does not just nibble on cats. It is also the commonest flea you will find on dogs. One other flea to look out for is Ctenocephalides canis, a.k.a. the common dog flea. Just like the common cat flea, the common dog flea does not just impact dogs, however it also makes a house on cats, wild animals, and livestock.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on My Dog

The very first thing you ought to do if you notice fleas on your dog, is give them a bath. Warm water and mild soap might help get the fleas off your pet’s skin and fur. One other simple solution to rid your dog of fleas is brushing them with a flea comb. Flea combs help trap fleas whereas also elimination flea dirt and eggs.

Bear in mind, dog flea bites on humans are not uncommon. If you notice that a flea has bitten you, wash the bite instantly and try over-the-counter anti-itch cream and antihistamines.

How to Prevent Fleas on Dogs

To fight fleas most effectively, prevent them from bothering your pet altogether. You may do this by talking with your vet about year-round flea control products. One of the common flea prevention products is a flea collar.

Do flea collars work on dogs? Yes! Flea collars aren’t only efficient at fighting fleas, however they are a cost-effective way to do so. For those of us who are forgetful, flea collars are a great alternative to month-to-month preventative medication. Just slip the collar on your pup, and they are protected for up to 6 months with no need to pay for month-to-month treatments.

If you do find a flea, do not worry. They could be frustrating, however they are easy to treat. When fleas become a frequent issue in your home, it is a good idea to contact your vet to learn more about preventative treatment options. If you are in this situation now, reach out today! We can talk through the finest way to do away with fleas for good.