Fleas are parasites that can be very annoying to both you and your dog. If your dog seems itchy or is scratching more often, check for signs of a flea infestation, including eggs, bite marks, and droppings. Generally, you can remove fleas from your pet's body using topical grooming products such as shampoo and flea collars. However, before starting to take any action, first consult with your veterinarian and make sure you choose the right treatment in the appropriate dosage for your dog.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Fleas
Step 1. Look for tiny red spots, flea droppings, and nits on the dog's skin
One of the most obvious signs of a tick attack is the objects it leaves on the dog's body. Look closely at the dog's skin, looking for bite marks in the form of small red bumps. In addition, fleas also often leave "dirt" that looks like black grains of sand, as well as white eggs that look like small grains of rice.
- If your dog is allergic to flea bites, the reddened area will appear larger.
- If your dog's coat is dark, use a flea comb/tweezer to catch nits. After that, tap the comb on a white tissue to see if there is any dirt or eggs released.
Step 2. Pay attention to whether the dog is scratching a lot
Frequent scratching, licking, and biting his own skin are other signs of a flea infestation in dogs. Watch your dog's behavior to see if he's suddenly scratching, biting, or licking his skin more often than usual.
Step 3. Observe for irritation and scabs on the dog's skin
Scabs, bald patches, and inflammation can signal a number of skin problems, including lice. If you suspect fleas are the cause, take a look at the dog's fur and see if there is any irritation, bald patches, or scabs there.
If you manage to find any of the above symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian. Apart from being a sign of a flea infestation, this symptom may also indicate an infestation of mites, scabies, and other skin problems in dogs
Step 4. Use a flea comb
If you suspect your dog has fleas, purchase a flea comb available at most pet stores. Use this comb to check for fleas as well as anything left behind by fleas. A flea comb will make it easier for you to find lice as well as their eggs and droppings.
Step 5. Observe for fleas to jump
In the case of a severe flea infestation, you may be able to see the adult flea jumping on the dog's back as it moves. Immediately take the dog to the vet for treatment.
The severity of the flea attack is also determined by the dog. So don't panic. The veterinarian will tell you how severe the infestation is on your dog and provide appropriate treatment
Part 2 of 3: Treating Flea Attacks
Step 1. Consult a veterinarian
Before using any home treatment, first consult with your veterinarian to make sure you are using the right product for your dog. Different dog body sizes require different doses. In addition, the puppy's body size may be too small for certain medications. Call your vet, or make an appointment to make sure you choose the right flea treatment product for your dog's specific needs.
Step 2. Use an anti-lice shampoo
Anti-flea shampoo is a product that kills fleas on dogs quickly. However, this is the first treatment option and the effects will only last for about 1 week. For that, take your dog to the vet so you can get more permanent oral care. Read the shampoo package to make sure you are taking the right dose and applying it to the right areas of the dog's body. Repeat this treatment according to the directions on the shampoo package or as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Overuse of topical flea products can be irritating and harmful to dogs. So, be careful. Make sure to use it in the right amount according to your dog's age and size.
- Use a flea comb to comb through your dog's hair once it's dry and to help remove any remaining flea eggs.
- If used properly, anti-flea shampoo should leave only a small amount of residue on your dog's coat. However, make sure to rinse thoroughly when you're done.
Step 3. Apply flea and mite repellent to the dog's fur
Medications you use to prevent ticks and mites in dogs can also be used to kill fleas. However, the effects of this treatment will appear gradually so it will be more effective when combined with a fast-acting treatment such as an anti-lice shampoo.
- Topical treatments such as Advantage and flea necklaces can also help with lice infestations.
- Unfortunately, flea necklaces only affect adult lice. So, you still need another remedy that can deal with the eggs and young lice that are still left after using an anti-lice shampoo.
Step 4. Ask your doctor for a prescription for stubborn ticks
If your dog has a severe flea infestation that makes him very uncomfortable or if the problem is difficult to deal with, make an appointment with your vet. Your veterinarian will prescribe medication that will treat stubborn fleas and make your dog feel more comfortable during the treatment period.
Be sure to always follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully when it comes to the use of medications, especially in terms of dosage, timing and frequency of administration, as well as possible side effects
Step 5. Clean the house immediately to prevent the infestation from returning
Machine wash bedding, blankets, clothing and fabric dog toys using a dog-safe detergent, in the "sanitize" cycle option if you have one in your washing machine. Clean plastic dog bowls and toys with hot water and dish soap. To remove fleas from floors or carpets, place a flea collar in a vacuum cleaner bag, then vacuum all areas where dogs frequent. Discard the contents of the vacuum cleaner bag frequently.
Remove fleas from your environment immediately after their attack to remove eggs and adult fleas that have fallen or have escaped
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Nail Bites in the Future
Step 1. Use a flea and mite repellent product
This product is available in tablet, topical, and collar form at most pet stores. Choose a method that is suitable for your dog and use it regularly. Apply topical products or give medication tablets as directed by your veterinarian or the directions on the package. Similarly, flea necklaces should also be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 2. Use a flea comb to comb the dog's hair
Combing your dog's coat with a flea comb on a regular basis can help repel fleas before they spread. Use this comb once a week to help repel fleas before they have a chance to lay eggs and lodge in your dog's body.
Step 3. Wash pet equipment once a week
Keep fleas away from dogs by washing bedding, blankets, toys, and clothing such as sweaters once a week. Use hot water and a dog-safe detergent to wash cloth utensils. Also use the "sanitize" cycle option if available in your washing machine. Wash the dog's dishes and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap.
Step 4. Keep the house clean
To keep fleas away from your dog, you should also keep fleas away from your home. Vacuum the areas your dog visits regularly with a tool, and use a flea spray or flea trap around the house. This is especially important if your dog has had a flea infestation.
- The right solution for your home is largely determined by the surrounding environment in particular. If your dog has had repeated flea infestations, choose a product such as a flea bomb that can help get rid of a lot of fleas quickly.
- Flea traps are suitable for use as a security at home if the infestation of fleas there has been controlled.
Step 5. Isolate pets that are infested with fleas
Prevent the spread of fleas from one pet to another by keeping them separate. One way is to put dogs that have mild flea infestations in a closed room so that other animals can't get close to them. If your dog has a more severe flea infestation, consider taking the other pet to a friend's house or pet care center until the flea infestation is resolved.
- Don't let this separation be seen as punishment by the dog. Make sure your dog gets plenty of food and clean water as well as equipment like blankets, bedding, and toys. Also, spend a fair amount of time with him every day. The point is to prevent the spread of fleas, not ignore the dog or make him feel guilty.
- Always wash your hands and change your clothes after every interaction with a pet with fleas before touching another pet.
