Written by nDir on January 5, 2023

<strong>Fighting Fleas On Dogs</strong>

Having a dog as a pet is a very fun and exciting experience. But as fun as this may seem, owning a dog comes with responsibilities. You have to actually take care of them. Give them the nutrition they need, love, care, and attention, and bathe them. Basically, giving them emotional and physical support. Just like how humans are vulnerable to a lot of things, dogs also have their own enemies. Dog fleas are one of the issues that most fur parents face. It is also one of the concerns that most people belittle. As harmless as they seem, these insects can actually pose great harm to your fur baby. They may carry diseases like Flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, anemia, bartonellosis, Flea-borne typhus, and Plague. 

Fleas are wingless parasites that feed on the blood of their host. Their host can be animals like raccoons, cats, and dogs, or they can be humans. In this article, we will talk about the signs of fleas in your dogs and how to counter them.

Signs that your dog is infested with fleas

Intense scratching

If you notice that your dog is scratching itself more intensely than usual, check them. If a dog is infested with fleas, then it will definitely feel itchiness because of the flea bites. So if they begin to scratch more,  especially if it is in a certain area, like at the base of the tail, neck, or behind the ear, then there is a good chance that they may be infested with fleas. 

Hair loss

Fleas can also cause hair loss in pets, especially if the infestation is left untreated. Patches of missing fur or thinning of your dog’s hair are some of the signs that your dog is already infested with fleas.

Red, inflamed skin

Fleas can cause the skin to become red and inflamed, especially if your pet is allergic to flea bites. If you notice red, bumpy skin on your pet, examine its skin, for it could be a sign that it has fleas.

Tapeworm

Fleas can also transmit tapeworms to pets, which can cause weight loss and abdominal pain. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, bring them to the vet for a checkup, it’s better to be sure. 

If you notice any of these signs of fleas in your pet, it’s important to take action right away to get rid of them. Fleas can cause a variety of problems for your pet, including itching, skin irritation, and even disease. But just as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure; here is a short list of things that you can do to prevent or mitigate this issue,

1. Bathe your dog

Grooming is a very important aspect to remember if you want to keep your pet healthy and clean. Bathing your dog regularly can greatly help keep them free from fleas. If they are already infested with fleas, then definitely give them a flea bath immediately. This can help to kill any fleas that are currently on their body. Use a shampoo or soap that is designed to kill fleas, and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Treat your home

Keeping your house clean is just as important as keeping your dog clean. Cleaning your house regularly helps get rid of any fleas that might be hiding there. Use a flea spray or powder to treat your carpets, furniture, and bedding. 

3. Protect your dog from future infestations

To prevent your dog from getting fleas again in the future, it’s important to use flea prevention products regularly. You can also try to limit your dog’s exposure to areas where fleas might be present, such as grassy fields or wooded areas. Make it a habit that every time they come home from outside, check their skin and fur and give them a bath if they are dirty, especially if they come from places where fleas may live.