Fleas are parasites that bite and feed on the blood of dogs, cats and other animals. Fleas prefer to hang out in warm and humid places on dogs such as around their ears, between their toes, in their fur, around the neck, rear and belly area. They can also be present in your pet’s bedding or other areas where it lives and sleeps.
Fleas like to hide amongst fur therefore brushing your dog regularly is important because it helps dislodge fleas from the longer areas of fur. Flea collars may be effective but they may need to be supplemented with another form of flea control like a topical treatment or a flea shampoo which can help kill adult fleas as well as eggs or larvae. Remember to clean any sleeping or resting areas frequently to reduce chances of reinfestation.
Fleas can be a major annoyance for any pet, and especially for dogs. If your pup is scratching more than usual, you may need to consider the possibility of fleas being the cause. Fleas are small parasitic bugs that feed off the blood of their hosts and multiply quickly if not controlled.
Flea infestations can result in a number of health problems for your dog, including skin irritations, flea allergies and anemia. Left untreated, fleas can also spread tapeworms or cause fur loss or infection. It’s important to act quickly if you suspect your pup has picked up some unwanted guests!
The first step in controlling fleas on your pet is to understand where they like to hang out so you can start looking for signs of an infestation. The most common areas include around the ears and neck, as well as between the paw pads and in the groin area.
Fleas like to hang out in areas of the dog where fur is sparse and there’s a high concentration of blood vessels just beneath the skin. This includes around the ears, near seresto for dogs the eyes, and on the back of their hind legs.
Fleas also love areas where they can easily hide. They usually like to stick to places that are warmer and more humid, which are typically found around joints, such as in your dog’s armpits or groin area.
Since fleas can speedily move through hair follicles, they can be found on any part of your pup’s body- including between toes and along their tail. Be sure to check all parts of your fur baby when conducting a flea exam!
One of the most obvious signs that your dog may have fleas is excessive itching or scratching. If you notice your pup biting, licking, or scratching more than usual, it could be an indication of fleas. You can also look for small black specks along their coat or near their ears. These are usually flea droppings, which can be identified by a simple comb through the fur.
You may also find tiny, red bumps on your dog’s skin where they’ve been bitten by fleas. Flea bites are often quite itchy and annoying to dogs and If left untreated, they can become infected. Your pup may even start to show signs of anemia due to an infestation since fleas love to feed on the blood of animals like dogs!
If you discover fleas on your dog, don’t panic! The first thing you’ll want to do is speak with your veterinarian to find out what type of flea prevention and treatment they recommend. Depending on the severity of the infestation, your vet may recommend special shampoos or topical treatments as well as oral medications such as Comfortis, Trifexis, or Capstar.
You’ll also want to treat the living environment too, since adult fleas can remain dormant inside furniture or carpets until they sense a new host. Vacuum all carpeting and furniture frequently and change or wash pet bedding regularly. You might also need to use an insecticide spray in your home to help eradicate any existing eggs or larvae. Finally, be sure to stay up-to-date with regular flea preventatives by speaking with your vet about the best course of action for your pup’s specific needs.
Keeping your dog free from fleas starts with prevention. The easiest way is to keep your dog groomed regularly. Ensure that you brush their coat often and talk to your vet about any appropriate shampoos that can be used on your pet. You should also consider having them wear a flea collar, which will help repel fleas and other parasites.
If you choose to rely on topical or oral medications, make sure you are following the directions carefully and administering them according to the frequency recommended by a veterinarian. Also, don’t forget about regular vacuuming of furniture and carpets because these areas can harbor fleas. Doing so can help effectively reduce flea populations in the environment. Finally, avoid walking your dog through tall grassy areas where fleas are likely present, since they can simply jump onto them while they walk along!