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This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.
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Fleas are a common parasite that often causes itching and discomfort for dogs. Fleas are not only annoying and difficult to treat, but they are also a danger to dogs if left untreated. In most cases, you can tell your dog has fleas by observing its behavior, visually inspecting the dog’s coat, and looking for signs of fleas or flea droppings.
Steps
Check your dog for fleas
- Other signs that your dog has fleas are head shaking, hair loss, scabs, or hot spots on the skin. [2] X Research Source
- In some cases, dogs react strongly to flea saliva, causing the bitten area to become larger and more irritated. [4] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source
- You may also notice red spots on your skin from flea bites.
- Adult fleas are only about the size of a pencil’s tip. They are small, flat-bodied bugs that range in color from reddish brown to black.
- Keep in mind that fleas will run away when you part your dog’s fur to look for them, so it can be difficult to spot.
- Most fleas live in the surroundings of dogs, so you may have a hard time finding them on your dog’s coat if your dog has only moderate flea infestations.
- After each brush, check the comb for fleas and flea droppings, then dip the comb in a bowl of warm soapy water to clean it.
- Flea droppings look like tiny black particles, but they actually contain dried blood. You should see these particles gradually turn red as you dip the comb into the bowl of soapy water.
- If these particles are still black when added to the water, it is probably just normal soil.
- You can also put these particles on a damp cotton ball and watch for it to change color. If there’s a rusty red color around it, it’s a sign of flea droppings.
- Other signs of anemia include low body temperature and lethargy. [9] X Research Source
- Flea anemia is especially dangerous for puppies and small dogs.
Check your surroundings
- Check around your dog’s bed, food bowls, and any other places the dog likes to lie down.
- You may also see adult fleas in these areas.
- Perhaps you should put your dog in a kennel or sleep elsewhere overnight in case he drinks soapy water.
Flea treatment
- Common flea control options include: monthly nappies, dog bath oils, sprays, and powders.
- It is important to devise a plan that is specific to your dog and its surroundings, as there are some products that can be toxic to pets when used in combination.
- To prevent fleas from returning, you should wash your dog’s bedding at least once a week. [15] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Some flea killers come in aerosol form, and flea sprays or “bombs” will self-medicate once activated, giving you time to leave the house free of chemical exposure.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself when using chemicals, or call professional service to a disposal facility.
- You will have to temporarily leave the house during the flea treatment, so you need to have a plan to protect your dog and other pets. Usually you need to avoid going for 3-6 hours, but be sure to read the label to be on the safe side.
- Fleas prefer dark areas. A short lawn will expose fleas to sunlight and make it difficult for them to spread in your yard.
Advice
- Vacuum the house at least 1-2 times a week to reduce the risk of flea infestation. This can remove fleas, pupae, eggs and larvae from carpets and furniture.
Warning
- Wear a mask when spraying fleas, or call a pest control service to take care of them.
- Do not use flea products intended for cats to treat dogs.
Things you need
- Dog hair brush
- White bath towel
- Flea comb
- Soap water bowl
- Lamp
- Flea repellent
This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.
This article has been viewed 2,326 times.
Fleas are a common parasite that often causes itching and discomfort for dogs. Fleas are not only annoying and difficult to treat, but they are also a danger to dogs if left untreated. In most cases, you can tell your dog has fleas by observing its behavior, visually inspecting the dog’s coat, and looking for signs of fleas or flea droppings.
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