Fleas are fairly common parasites and can make dogs feel itchy and uncomfortable. Besides being annoying and difficult to get rid of, fleas are also dangerous for dogs if left alone. Usually, you can tell if your pet has fleas by watching their behavior, doing a visual inspection of combing and grooming their fur, and examining their surroundings for signs of fleas.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Checking for Fleas on Dogs
Step 1. Pay attention to whether your dog is scratching himself too much or chewing something
Flea bites are so itchy that the first sign of lice that can be seen is generally the habit of scratching or chewing more often than usual.
Other behavioral signs include head shaking, hair loss, scabs, and red spots on the dog's skin
Step 2. Check for small red bumps on the dog's skin
Flea bites are usually smaller than other insect bites. This means that tick bite marks may be harder to find. You need to examine the dog's body more closely.
- Some dogs show a more "terrific" reaction to flea saliva. This saliva causes redness of the skin in larger areas and more serious irritation.
- You may also notice red spots on the skin itself which may indicate a tick bite.
Step 3. Check for adult fleas on the dog's fur
Use your fingers to brush aside the dog's hair so you can see the skin and look for signs of adult fleas. Fleas tend to like the base of the tail, belly, and the area behind the ears. However, overall fleas can still be found anywhere on the dog's body.
- An adult louse is about the size of a pencil point. These insects are small and fat, and reddish brown to black in color.
- Keep in mind that fleas can move away from your fingers when you look for them in your dog's fur, making these insects difficult to find.
- Most fleas live in the environment around dogs so their presence in the dog's fur is difficult to find if the flea disorder experienced is mild.
Step 4. Tell the dog to stand on a white towel and brush its fur
Combing can disturb the fleas on the dog. If fleas jump off your dog's body, you can easily see them on the white towel.
Step 5. Use a flea comb and soapy water to check for flea dirt on the dog's fur
Place the comb against the dog's fur, then press gently until the comb hits the skin. Carefully comb through the fur, making sure that the comb stays against the skin with each stroke of the comb.
- After one pull, check for lice or dirt on the comb, then dip the comb in a bowl of warm, soapy water to clean it.
- Flea droppings look like tiny black spots that actually contain dried blood. If you dip a flea comb in soapy water, the spots will slowly turn red again.
- If the spots remain black after being submerged in the water, there's a good chance they're just regular dirt.
- You can also place the spots on a moistened cotton swab and observe the change in color. If a dark red shadow forms around the spot, it's a sign that it's tick droppings.
Step 6. Examine the dog's mouth to see if his gums appear pale
Pale gums are an indication of anemia. This disorder indicates that the dog has a lack of blood due to fleas.
- Other signs of anemia include a drop in body temperature and lethargy.
- Anemia caused by tick bites is dangerous, especially in puppies and small dog species.
Part 2 of 3: Checking the Environment
Step 1. Check for flea droppings on the dog's bedding and feeding area
If you see small black spots on your dog's bed, wipe it off immediately with a white cloth or paper towel that has been soaked in water. If the spot turns red after a few minutes, it's fleas.
- Check beds, dining areas, and rooms that your dog frequents.
- You can also find adult fleas in these areas.
Step 2. Put on white socks and walk around the dog bed
If they are present, the lice and their droppings will stick to the socks so you can see them easily.
Step 3. Create a light trap using a bowl of water and a lamp
Place a small bowl of soapy water on the floor near the dog bed and shine a light on the bowl. If there are fleas in the area, the swarms will move towards the light and jump into the soapy water until they drown.
You can put your dog in a kennel or separate room overnight to prevent him from drinking the soapy water
Part 3 of 3: Treating Fleas on Dogs
Step 1. Call your vet if your dog has fleas
Your veterinarian can suggest specific treatments, depending on home conditions. You may also need to get rid of fleas on all pets, including cats (both indoor and outdoor).
- Some of the common flea control options include monthly treatments given to the dog's neck, as well as anti-flea shampoos, sprays, and powders.
- It is important that you plan your treatment according to your dog's condition and the environment you live in because the use of certain products in combination with other products can produce toxins that are harmful to dogs.
Step 2. Use an over-the-counter or natural flea remedy to get rid of fleas on dogs
Anti-flea sprays or powders are products that can effectively get rid of fleas on dogs, their beds, and the rest of the house. You can also repel and prevent fleas from returning to your dog's body by dipping a dog comb in lemon juice before brushing the coat.
Step 3. Clean the house thoroughly
You'll need to suck up dirt from carpets, bedding and upholstery using a vacuum cleaner, then wash all equipment thoroughly to get rid of fleas and eggs.
To keep the fleas from returning, wash your dog's bedding at least once a week
Step 4. Spray or fume the house with a flea repellent for more serious flea infestations
This chemical is so dangerous that it should only be used if you can't get rid of fleas using other methods.
- Some products are sold in the form of an aerosol spray, while insecticide bombs or foggers can release their own poison when ignited. With a product like this, you can leave the room so you don't get exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself when using an anti-flea or call a professional exterminator to come to your home.
- You will need to evacuate family members and pets during the extermination process so make plans for other dogs and pets. Evacuations usually last for 3-6 hours, but read product labels carefully to ensure proper evacuation duration.
Step 5. Cut the grass in the garden once a week to keep it short
Mowing the lawn helps prevent fleas from jumping onto your dog when he is outdoors.
Fleas love dark places. By mowing the grass, the fleas will be exposed to sunlight so they are reluctant to enter and live in your yard
Tips
Clean the house using a vacuum cleaner at least 1-2 times a week to reduce the possibility of pests in pets. This cleaning process can also remove fleas, cocoons, eggs, and insect larvae from carpets and furniture
Warning
- Wear a face mask to protect yourself when you use a flea spray or fogger. You can also contact a professional pest extermination service to come to your house.
- Do not use cat flea products on dogs.
