“Heavens to Betsy!” you cry. “My dog has fleas!” If you don’t know how to tell if your dog has fleas, it’s time to get up-to-date on the latest flea treatments and techniques. Fleas are tiny parasites that live on pets, including dogs, cats and humans.
While they’re most commonly found in warm climates, they can survive for months with no food or water—even in cold weather! Flea bites cause red bumps on your dog’s skin (and sometimes yours), and may lead to anemia if left untreated.
Fortunately there are ways to protect your pup from this pesky pest, so read on for more information about treating and preventing them:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Examine your dog for excessive scratching or biting |
| 2. Check for flea dirt using a flea comb |
| 3. Look for redness, irritation, or hair loss on skin |
| 4. Assess visible fleas on your dog’s coat |
| 5. Consult your vet for the best treatment options |
Observe Your Dog’s Skin And Coat
Fleas are the most common cause of skin problems in dogs. These parasites can cause redness and itching, scabs, bald spots and hair loss. They can also result in sores or skin infections if left untreated.
If you notice any of these things on your dog’s skin, check their coat carefully for fleas as well.
It’s important to know how to eliminate those pesky fleas from your dog’s life. Our guide on How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Dog offers expert advice from veterinarians to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and flea-free
Take A Look At The Dog’s Head And Face
Take a look at the dog’s head and face. Fleas love to nestle in between fur, so be sure to check for signs of a flea infestation surrounding the dog’s ears, around the eyes and mouth, and within its fur.
Check your dog’s whiskers as well—if it has fleas on its whiskers (or if you notice that they are moving), it could mean that there are also fleas on your pet!
Look for tiny black specks floating in the air or settling onto surfaces such as furniture or carpeting after being disturbed by your pet or yourself.
These specks may seem like dirt at first glance but are actually dried blood from your dog due to irritated skin caused by an infestation of ticks or fleas (or both).
Proper treatment can make all the difference when dealing with fleas on your dog. Learn from our Vet Answer to effectively treat dogs for fleas and keep them comfortable in the long run
Look Into The Dog’s Ears
Now that you have a general idea of what fleas look like, you’re ready to search for them on your dog. Fleas are easy to spot in a few different places: the ears and fur.
The first place we’ll check is in the dog’s ears. In order to see if there are fleas in your pet’s ear canal, it will be necessary to use a flashlight or small light source so that you can peer inside the ear canal with ease.
If you see any black specks crawling around in there (which may look like dirt), then those may be adult flea eggs! However, don’t worry too much if you didn’t find anything—you may have just caught a moment when they weren’t active or visible yet
| Signs of Fleas | Flea Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Excessive scratching or biting | Shampoos |
| Flea dirt | Oral medications |
| Redness, irritation | Spot-on treatments |
| Hair loss | Flea collars |
| Visible fleas on coat | Consult your veterinarian |
Examine Your Dog’s Armpits And Rump Area
If you find flea dirt in the armpits and rump area, it’s a good indication that your dog has fleas. Flea dirt is made up of flea feces and dried blood. It’s black or dark brown in color, and it can be difficult to see on light colored fur.
However, if there is a lot of excess dander or dust in this part of your dog’s coat (like after he rolls around in grass), then flea dirt will stand out more clearly.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to deal with fleas on your dog, using Baking Soda is a simple and effective method. Discover how to use baking soda as a flea treatment for your furry friend.
Part The Fur On Your Dog’s Belly To Check For Fleas
You can also inspect your dog’s belly for fleas by parting the fur and looking for them or their eggs. This is where a flea comb comes in handy, as it allows you to comb through all of your dog’s fur without causing undue harm or discomfort.
A healthy dog won’t mind this at all, but if you notice that he becomes agitated when being brushed, consult your veterinarian about why this might be happening.
Examine Your Dog’s Feet And Genitals
Once you’ve examined the dog’s fur, it’s time to move on to the feet. Turn your dog upside down and gently press down on their belly until they’re standing on their hind legs.
Shuffle your hands along the underside of its paws. Check for fleas by looking for flea dirt, which is often found just below the toe pads (the skin between them). If you see any dirt in this area or anywhere else on a foot, it could mean that there are fleas present.
If you don’t see any signs of fleas or dirt during this first checkup, feel free to give yourself a pat on the back: Your dog doesn’t have any parasites!
But don’t get too excited yet; there are still more ways we can find out if our furry friend has been bitten by one of these nasty little insects
Puppies are more vulnerable to fleas but require gentle treatments. Learn how to safely and effectively tackle fleas on puppies with our easy-to-follow guide
Part Your Dog’s Tail To Check For Fleas
Look at the hair in your dog’s tail and look for small black specks that move when you shake the dog’s tail.
These are fleas, and they will be moving around on your dog’s fur if he has them. Fleas are very hard to see, so look closely at the area between his body and his tail (known as “the bridge”).
If you see fleas on your pup, there are several things you can do:
| Action | Indication |
|---|---|
| Part your dog’s tail | Expose skin and fur |
| Examine the area | Check for fleas/dirt |
| Use flea comb if needed | Remove fleas/flea dirt |
| Observe skin condition | Check irritation/allergy |
| Consult veterinarian | Advise on treatment |
Save Yourself From Flea Bites
Use a flea comb. This is your first line of defense against the pesky insects. While it can be tedious and time-consuming, running a flea comb through your dog’s fur every day will help you catch any fleas that might be lurking there before they bite you or your dog.
Spray with pesticides and topical treatments. If you find some adult fleas on your pet, it’s important to kill them right away with pesticides or topical treatments like Advantage or Frontline Plus if they are available in your area (some vets may even prescribe these). Adult fleas can lay up to 50 eggs at once, so killing them as soon as possible is key!
Use a collar that prevents infestation by administering an insecticide directly into their skin for up to eight months at a time — this way there won’t be any hatchlings following behind mommy & daddy
Live With Fleas In Your Home
If your dog is scratching and biting themselves, it may be because of fleas. If you see one or more of these signs, there’s a good chance that your pet has a flea infestation:
- You notice blood on their fur.
- They’re constantly itching or scratching themselves.
- They are very restless during the day and night, even if they normally sleep for most of it (this could indicate an allergy or parasite problem).
Fighting fleas on your dog doesn’t have to break the bank. Read our Home Remedy guide for cost-effective and practical solutions to keep your canine companion flea-free.
Pick Up After Your Pet Outside The House
It’s important to keep your dog’s area clean and tidy, both inside and outside the house.
- When you take your dog for walks, always pick up after them. This can be difficult with little dogs who like to run around a lot, but it’s one of the most important things you can do!
- If possible, let your dog sleep inside at night instead of outside on the floor (but make sure they’re comfortable with this first).
- Don’t let your dog eat food off the ground or sleep on hard surfaces (i.e., concrete).
Prevent Fleas With An Oral Medication
Flea medication is one of the easiest ways to prevent fleas from infesting your dog’s fur. Oral flea pills are a convenient way to keep your furry friend free from those pesky insects. You can get them at any pet store, or online—and they’re safe for dogs of all ages!
While you don’t have to worry about getting bitten by a human when you’ve got a flea problem, that doesn’t mean it’s not still annoying.
A good way to tell if your dog has fleas is by looking at his coat; if there are small brown spots on it that look like dirt or sand (or even darker stains), then chances are good he’s got some unwanted guests living under his skin!
Keep Up With Preventative Measures Year-Round
The fact of the matter is that fleas can be found year-round, which means that their presence should be taken seriously at all times. If you suspect your dog has fleas, it’s important to keep up with preventative measures year-round.
Fleas can live in carpets, rugs and furniture and can easily be brought into your home on people’s clothing or shoes.
Conclusion
No matter what time of year it is, it’s always important to keep up with flea prevention. Fleas can be dangerous to your dog’s health and comfort, not to mention how unpleasant they are for you!
The best way to keep them off your pet is by using topical or oral treatments several times a year.
You should also clean up after your pet outside the house so that there aren’t any fleas around for them to pick up in the first place.
Further Reading
Looking to learn more about how to identify and treat fleas on dogs? Here are some resources to explore:
Animal Hospital of Clemmons: How to Know if Your Dog or Cat Has Fleas: This article provides tips to identify flea infestations in both dogs and cats and discusses the importance of timely treatment.
Adams Pet Care: How to Know if Your Dog Has Fleas: Learn how to determine if your dog has fleas, review treatment options, and tips to prevent infestation.
Insider: Guide on Fleas on Dogs: This comprehensive guide covers everything from identifying fleas on dogs to treatment and prevention options for the future.
FAQs
How can I tell if my dog has fleas?
Look for signs like excessive scratching, redness or irritation on the skin, and any visible fleas on their coat. You can also use a flea comb to check for flea dirt or actual fleas.
What are the dangers of fleas on dogs?
Fleas can cause skin irritation, allergies, and hair loss. Moreover, they can transmit tapeworms and other diseases, which can negatively impact your dog’s overall health.
How do I treat my dog for fleas?
There are various treatment options for fleas on dogs, such as shampoos, oral medications, spot-on treatments, and collars. Consult your vet for the best treatment method for your dog.
Are there natural remedies to treat fleas on dogs?
Yes, there are natural remedies like using baking soda, vinegar, or essential oils. Always consult your veterinarian before trying any natural remedy to ensure it’s safe and effective for your dog.
Can I prevent fleas on my dog?
You can prevent fleas by maintaining proper hygiene, using flea prevention treatments, and regularly checking your pet and their environment for any signs of infestation. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can also help in preventing fleas on your dog.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
