How Will Fleas Effect My Dog?

Parasites are “freeloaders” that live in or on another creature. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. Although fleas are more likely to be a problem during warm weather months, they can also cause problems during cooler seasons due to their ability to continue their life cycle indoors

How Will Fleas Effect My Dog?

You will probably first notice the effects of fleas when your dog repeatedly scratches and chews. On occasion you may actually see tiny brown fleas moving quickly through your dog’s hair coat. Your dog’s constant scratching may lead to visible
patches of hair loss and reddened, irritated skin. Fleas may also cause skin allergies and can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms, to your dog.

How do I check my dog for fleas?

Although your dog may be infested with fleas, they are not always easy to find. One of the best methods for checking your dog for fleas is to look for flea dirt (actually flea feces) in your dog’s hair coat.

To check for flea dirt, briskly comb or rub a section of the hair on your dog’s back while your dog is sitting or lying on a white piece of paper. If your dog has fleas, black flecks that look like dirt (as a result, we use the term “flea dirt”) will fall onto the paper. If you transfer these black flecks to a damp piece of paper, in a short time they will appear red or rust-colored (see Figure 1). The red color results because blood sucked from your dog is passed in the flea’s waste matter. If the dirt specks
do not turn red, then they are probably “regular” dirt.

How do I prevent my dog from getting fleas?

Indoors
To control fleas, you must stop them from reproducing. Carpets, pet bedding, furniture, and other indoor areas where your dog spends much time will contain the highest number of developing fleas (see video above). Frequent vacuuming of these areas (throw the vacuum cleaner bag away afterwards) and frequent washing of your dog’s bedding can greatly reduce

the number of developing fleas inside your home.

Outdoors
Fleas also develop in shady, protected outdoor areas. These outdoor spots can easily be identified as the places where your dog likes to rest and relax. Remember, if your dog does not feel comfortable spending time in a particular area, then neither will fleas. Dogs and fleas typically like

the same locations.

Steps to Take
Both indoor and outdoor areas can be sprayed with insecticides to eliminate fleas, if necessary. Treatment of your home or yard is best performed by a trained pest control expert. Consult with your veterinarian or groomer as to which flea products will break the flea life cycle in the environment. Most flea problems can be managed by treating and preventing fleas on your pet. It is important to keep in mind that flea problems may be different from pet to pet or between households, and each problem may require a special method of control.