{"id":11787,"date":"2022-10-21T08:05:52","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T07:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11787"},"modified":"2023-02-10T16:32:38","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:32:38","slug":"how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-fleas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-fleas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Know If Your Dog Has Fleas: Here\u2019s How to Treat It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re googling <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to know if a dog has fleas<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you might be in trouble. But don\u2019t worry\u2014we can help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s not always easy to tell, but there are a few things to look for. In this article, we&#8217;ll walk you through how to recognize if your dog has fleas\u2014and what to do about it if it does.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-fleas'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Know If Your Dog Has Fleas<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a dog owner, it&#8217;s important to be aware of the signs that your dog may have fleas. Fleas are tiny but persistent pests that can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog. Some of the most common signs that your dog has fleas include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant itching and scratching,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biting or nibbling at the skin,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaking or tilting the head,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red bumps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or pimples on the skin,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry, flaky skin,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice any of these signs, you must act immediately. Fleas can quickly become a severe problem if they&#8217;re not dealt with promptly. There are a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/best-flea-treatment-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">variety of effective flea treatment options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available, so talk to your veterinarian about the best course of action for your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-do-fleas-look-like-on-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Do Fleas Look Like on Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fleas are small, brown insects that feed on the blood of animals. They can be a nuisance for you and your dog, and cause health problems if left untreated. But <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to tell if your dog has fleas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To detect these parasites, pay close attention to where your dog is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scratching<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or biting the most. Look for small, brown <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on your dog&#8217;s fur. If you see any, part the fur and look for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flea dirt<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014small, dark pellets that are actually flea feces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fleas are most commonly found in areas where the skin is warm and thin, such as the groin, armpits, and around the neck. This is because they need to be close to the skin in order to feed. If you think your dog has skin fleas, it&#8217;s essential to take them to the vet for treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-on-your-dog'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After noticing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs that your dog has fleas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it&#8217;s time to take action. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin fleas on dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a nuisance and can make your dog uncomfortable and even sick. Getting rid of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flea bites<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scabs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on your dog starts with identifying the problem and then taking appropriate measures to eliminate them. Here are some of the options available to you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flea comb<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is an excellent choice if you only have a few fleas on your dog. Using a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flea comb<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can physically remove the fleas from your dog&#8217;s fur with regular <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flea shampoo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many different types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flea shampoo<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available on the market. Read the label carefully to find one appropriate for your dog&#8217;s age, skin type, and breed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flea collars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These collars infused with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pyriproxyfen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> release small amounts of chemicals that help to kill fleas and other pests. Again, choose one that is appropriate for your dog&#8217;s needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flea powder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a fine powder that you sprinkle on your dog&#8217;s fur. It helps kill fleas and can help prevent them from returning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flea spray<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a convenient option if you have multiple dogs. Flea sprays can be used on dogs and furniture, making it easy to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat fleas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oral treatment<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are oral treatments available that help kill fleas from the inside. These are usually given once a month and effectively prevent and treat a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flea infestation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Set a light trap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Fleas are attracted to light, so setting up a light trap is a great way to catch them. Get a small bowl and place it near where your dog sleeps. Then put a light over the bowl. The fleas will be attracted to the light and jump into the bowl, where they will drown.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before jumping in on a method, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speak with a veterinarian<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They can help you to choose the best option for your dog based on their individual needs, as using just any pesticide containing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methoprene<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can sometimes be harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the infestation is severe, they may also recommend other options, such as prescription medication. With a little effort, you can get rid of fleas on your dog and keep them comfortable and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='frequently-asked-questions'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>What should I do if <\/b><b>my dog has fleas<\/b><b>?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of flea treatments on the market, both over-the-counter and prescription. The most common are topical applications that are put directly on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irritated<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> skin. There are also oral medications, but a veterinarian must approve and prescribe them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can you see dog fleas?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but they are tiny and difficult to see. The easiest way to tell if your dog has fleas is to look for their droppings. Flea droppings are black and look like tiny pepper grains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can I get fleas from my dog<\/b><b>?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can get fleas from your dog. In fact, that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s imperative to start with treatment as soon as you notice any sign of fleas on your dog\u2014scratching, licking, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">biting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at their skin, or unusual hair loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='key-takeaways'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to know if a dog has fleas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your pet is scratching or biting more than usual, there\u2019s a good chance it has fleas. While you may be tempted to try and tackle the problem yourself with store-bought treatments, it\u2019s always best to consult your veterinarian first. They can help you choose the proper treatment for your pup and make sure that any medications or products you use are safe for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sources<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thekennelclub.org.uk\/health-and-dog-care\/health\/health-and-care\/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues\/fleas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Kennel Club\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adamspetcare.com\/expert-care-tips\/flea-and-tick-pest-education\/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-has-fleas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adams<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/guides\/pets\/fleas-on-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider Inc<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/drphillipsanimalhospital.com\/2021\/03\/06\/7-signs-your-dog-has-fleas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Phillips Animal Hospital<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/what-do-fleas-look-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PetMD<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re googling how to know if a dog has fleas, you might be in trouble. But don\u2019t worry\u2014we can help. It&#8217;s not always easy to tell, but there are a few things to look for. In this article, we&#8217;ll walk you through how to recognize if your dog has fleas\u2014and what to do about [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-fleas\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from How to Know If Your Dog Has Fleas: Here\u2019s How to Treat It<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":11788,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11787"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11787\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}