Fleas are stereotypically a big health problem for dogs. Many pet owners notice their dogs repeatedly scratching and itching and wonder if their furry friend may have fleas. If you see evidence of fleas, it is important to take your dog to the vet for immediate treatment. But how do you find signs of fleas in the first place? Where should you look? The Atlanta dog sitters at Critter Sitters have some tips that may help you find out whether your dog has fleas or just a bad itch.
Signs of Fleas in Dogs
When a dog gets fleas, it’s often not just the dog. Fleas can jump cross-species, meaning that if you have multiple dogs – or even children and other adults in your house – you could all be at risk to catch fleas, too. Because of this, it is important to be proactive and check your dog for fleas at the first signs.
It’s important to know what signs and symptoms of fleas to look for. Obvious signs include frequent itching and scratching. On top of itching, your dog may also lick and chew and their body and fur. Of course, your dog could be itchy because they need a bath or have a rash or dry skin, so this isn’t a fool-proof sign, but it can definitely tip you off to investigate further.
If you are suspicious your pet has fleas, the next step is to do a visual check for fleas. First, you want to look through your dog’s fur. Fleas can usually be seen by the naked eye. In very severe infestations, you may even be able to see fleas jumping on your dog’s fur without having to look too hard. Fleas like to be in warm, covered area. That means your pet’s groin and armpits are some of their favorite places. Get your dog to lie on its back to help open up their legs to check their groin and armpits.
Fleas itch so much because they bite. Fleas and ticks eat blood they get through their bites, so areas with flea infestations may also have small bloody spots on your dog’s skin. This is a clear sign that your dog probably has fleas. While small black specks of dirt may be easily confused for fleas, spots of blood are usually a good confirmation that fleas are the culprit. To make sure that a speck of dirt is a flea and not just dirt, catch the speck on a white tissue or paper towel and smush it. If blood comes out, it’s probably a flea.
Your dog can spread fleas, so also check their bedding, favorite spots, and yourself for fleas. Other pets and children are also vulnerable, so you may be able to find fleas in other places to help you confirm your pet’s issue.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Dogs
One of the best ways to avoid problems with fleas is to prevent them in the first place. There are many over the counter and prescription options for flea and tick prevention. Especially with older dogs, who are more vulnerable to illness, it’s important to avoid fleas to help prevent other diseases they carry. Talk to your vet about what options are best for your dog. Some pet medications are administered once every couple of months and help protect your dog with little effort.
If it’s too late for prevention, it’s important to talk to a vet about how to get rid of the fleas. Because infestations can be quite bad, especially in dogs with thick or matted fur, your pet’s flea infestation may need aggressive treatment. Your vet may prescribe or administer certain shampoos and reagents to try to wash off or kill off the fleas, but you may be able to take other steps at home like brushing or washing your dog to help get rid of fleas.
If the fleas have spread, you may need to take extra precautions to fight the infestation. Washing or replacing your dog’s bedding, soft toys, and other infested items can help prevent your dog from catching fleas again. If you or your kids are showing signs that you might have caught your pet’s fleas, talk to your doctor. Like lice, fleas can sometimes be hard to get rid of and you may need your own shampoos or treatments.
To get the fleas out of your carpet or house, you may need to do a lot of cleaning. Make sure to vacuum often and empty the filter/throw out the bag frequently. Mop any other surfaces, vacuum furniture, wash blankets and other items in hot water, and consider trying sprays and other treatments. In some cases, you may need to have your house fogged or fumigated to stop a nasty infestation.
Avoid Catching Fleas from a Kennel with In-Home Dog Sitting
If you are afraid your dog might catch fleas at a kennel, try in-home pet sitting. The Atlanta pet sitters at Critter sitters watch your dogs or cats right in your home, which can cut down on the chance of your dog catching fleas from a doggy daycare or kennel when you’re at work or out of town. Our pet sitters can also administer medicine, like flea and tick medication, to help keep your pet protected. To set up an appointment or start scheduling pet sitting, call Critter Sitters today at 404-793-6178.
