Q: How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Even if you can’t spot them with the naked eye, increased scratching or biting is a sure sign that fleas are around. These tiny critters cause pain, inflammation, and irritation when they bite, and their bites may appear as small red bumps on your pet's belly, groin area, underneath their legs, or the base of their tail. Hair loss and dry skin from scratching can also be an indication that your pet is suffering from fleas.

Question 1

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Accepted Answer

Even if you can&rsquo;t spot them with the naked eye, increased scratching or biting is a sure sign that fleas are around. These tiny critters cause pain, inflammation, and irritation when they bite, and their bites may appear as small red bumps on your pet's belly, groin area, underneath their legs, or the base of their tail. Hair loss and dry skin from scratching can also be an indication that your pet is suffering from fleas.

Question 2

Will bathing my pet get rid of fleas?

Accepted Answer

Bathing your pet is a good first step when you notice any fleas, however, you&rsquo;ll need to take some precautions when using soap or even flea shampoo. Bathing your pet, even with shampoo, will only drown adult fleas, and it does not prevent re-infestation.

A flea shampoo may also strip your dog's fur of natural oils, which further dries out the skin and makes them even itchier. It can also be very painful when soap comes into contact with open wounds that your pet has scratched, and it may even make the infection worse. Talk to your vet before using products on your pet; a bath won&rsquo;t solve your pet&rsquo;s flea problem, although it can be a good first step.

Question 3

Is a fine-tooth flea comb effective to remove fleas?

Accepted Answer

As with bathing, flea combs are a good additional step for getting rid of fleas, although they won&rsquo;t be the full solution to the problem. Flea combs are designed to trap fleas while allowing fur to pass through them, and dipping the comb in a light blend of dish soap and water can help prevent the fleas from jumping away as you brush.

Flea combs are also good for removing flea residue from your pet's fur (which looks like small black or brown specks). The neck and tail areas are where fleas tend to breed, but make sure to brush these areas gently, as they&rsquo;re pretty sensitive.

Question 4

Does apple cider vinegar kill fleas?

Accepted Answer

While apple cider vinegar repels fleas, it does not kill them. We don&rsquo;t recommend spraying your pup with apple cider vinegar, as it won&rsquo;t be effective for eradicating pests and will also be painful on any open wounds your dog may have from scratching.

Question 5

How do I get rid of fleas in my home?

Accepted Answer

When you notice fleas, either on your pets or in your home, it&rsquo;s time to get cleaning. Launder any machine-washable soft furnishings that your dog has come in contact with, including (but not limited to) pillow and cushion covers, blankets, and curtains. If the fabric is tumble dry-friendly, tumble it for 20 minutes on High or longer on a lower setting, as this will help kill larvae and adult fleas.

Vacuum your floors and furniture at least once a week to keep fleas at bay, and make sure to also occasionally steam-clean carpets or furnishings. Regularly wash your dog's bedding, pillows, and blankets, and keep in mind that most of the fleas in your home are in the form of eggs or larvae. They don&rsquo;t like light, so try to get in under furniture and around baseboards while cleaning. You can also opt to use a pet-friendly flea spray, which can be great for hard-to-reach areas.

Pet Health