Here’s How To Tell If Your Dog Has Fleas

If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably all too familiar with the pesky problem of fleas. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites can cause discomfort and irritation to your furry friend and can quickly multiply and infest your home — fleas can even bite humans as well! While we try to stay on top of the medications, sometimes those tough little bugs can still get through from time to time.

But how do you really know if your dog has fleas? In this blog, we’ll cover the telltale signs of a flea infestation in your dog and what you can do to treat it and prevent it from happening in the future.

Signs Your Dog Has Fleas

Excessive Scratching and Biting

One of the most common signs that your dog may have fleas is excessive scratching and biting. Flea bites can cause intense itching and discomfort for dogs, and they may scratch and bite at their skin to try to alleviate the irritation. If you notice your dog scratching or biting at their skin more than usual, especially around the tail, back, neck and groin areas, it may be a sign of fleas.

Visible Fleas or Flea Dirt

Fleas are small, dark brown or black insects that are about 1-2 millimeters in size. They are quick and can move rapidly through your canine’s fur, making them difficult to spot. However, you may be able to see fleas on your dog’s skin or fur, especially if the infestation is severe.

Fleas are typically found in areas where your pup’s fur is thin, such as around the ears and belly. You may also notice small black specks on your dog’s skin or fur — this is flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea feces, and it looks like tiny black dots or specks that resemble ground black pepper. To check for flea dirt, you can use a fine-toothed comb to comb through your dog’s fur and see if you find any black specks that turn red when moistened with water. This is a sign that your furry friend has fleas.

Red and Irritated Skin

Flea bites can cause redness and irritation on your dog’s skin. If you notice redness and inflammation on your pup’s skin, especially around the areas where fleas commonly bite, it may be a sign of a flea infestation. Your pup’s skin may also be sensitive and may feel warm to the touch. In severe cases, flea bites can lead to open sores or hot spots, which can be extremely painful for your dog.

Hair Loss and Scabs

Flea bites can cause hair loss and scabs on your dog’s skin. If you notice patches of missing fur or scabs on your pup’s skin, especially in areas where fleas usually bite, it may be a sign of fleas. Hair loss and scabs can occur due to your dog’s excessive scratching and biting in an attempt to relieve the itching caused by flea bites.

Restlessness and Irritability

Flea bites can cause discomfort and distress for your dog, which can manifest as restlessness and irritability. If you notice your pup constantly moving, pacing or unable to settle, it may be a sign that they are being bothered by fleas. Your canine pal may also become more vocal in response to the discomfort from flea bites.

Pale Gums

In some severe cases of flea infestations, your dog may being to develop pale gums due to blood loss from the parasite’s bites. Although, this symptom can also mean something even more serious such as internal bleeding, anemia, shock, a blood clotting disorder or heart disease. If you notice pale gums, get your pup to the vet immediately.

Treating Your Dog

There are various flea treatments available for canines, including topical treatments, dog flea shampoo, oral medications, and flea collars. These treatments contain active ingredients that kill fleas at different stages of their life cycle, such as adult fleas, larvae and eggs. It’s important to choose a flea treatment that is appropriate for your dog’s age, weight, and health condition, and to follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian and the product.

Clean Your Home

Fleas can lay eggs in your home, so it’s crucial to thoroughly clean and vacuum your home to remove fleas and their eggs. Wash all bedding, carpets, and upholstery that your dog has come into contact with in hot water, and vacuum all areas of your home — including cracks and crevices. Use a vacuum with strong suction and dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside of your home immediately to prevent fleas from reinfesting your living space (it may also be a good idea to clean the canister).

Treat Your Yard

Fleas can also infest your yard, so treating your outdoor space is essential. Use a flea spray or granules specifically formulated for outdoor use, and follow the instructions on the product label. Focus on areas where your pup spends time, such as the backyard, patio and any shaded areas. Also, be sure to mow your lawn regularly and keep your yard clean and free of debris to reduce flea habitats.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

If you’re unsure about how to treat fleas or if your dog has a severe flea infestation, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment for your dog’s specific situation, taking into consideration their health condition, age and other important factors. They’ll also be able to rule out other potential conditions, such as mange, which would require a dog mange treatment.

Prevention

Regular use of flea prevention products can help prevent future flea infestations. Talk to your veterinarian about recommended flea prevention products for your dog, and use them as directed. These products can include monthly topical treatments, oral medications or flea collars that can help keep fleas at bay and protect your pup from future infestations. Plus, some products can even help prevent other pests such as heartworms and ticks!

Conclusion

Fleas are a common nuisance that can cause discomfort and health issues for your furry friend. It’s important to be vigilant and check for signs of fleas regularly, especially during flea season or if your pup has been in contact with other animals that may carry fleas. If you notice any of the signs above, such as excessive scratching and biting, visible fleas or flea dirt, red and irritated skin, hair loss and scabs, restlessness and irritability, or even pale gums and lethargy it’s crucial to take action promptly.