Do you suspect your dog might have fleas? Do you know what to do about it if they do? Spotting fleas on your dog can sometimes be tricky, and if you find signs of fleas, it’s important to know what to do next.
In this article, you’ll find information about how to spot fleas on your dog. You’ll also find several tips and tricks to make it easier to treat for fleas after you confirm they are a problem for your pet. Read through this information to get a good idea of how to respond if fleas infest your pet. If you have any questions, call Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Holmdel, NJ at (732) 671-3110.
How to Spot Fleas on a Dog
Watch your dog’s behavior
Are they scratching more often than normal? Do you find them chewing on their skin in an attempt to soothe their itching? These are all signs they might have fleas.
Check your dog’s snout and ears
These parts of your dog’s body have less fur than the rest, so it may be easier to see fleas on these areas. You might see them hopping or crawling around on these parts of your dog’s body.
Part your dog’s hair and look closely at their skin
This is one of the best ways to check for fleas. Make sure you check several different parts of your dog’s body to ensure you have the best possible chance at finding signs of fleas.
Brush your dog
Use a fine comb or brush and look at the hair that is caught in the brush as you do so. You may see fleas caught there as well.
How to Treat Fleas on a Dog
Clean all bedding
This is the first step in getting rid of fleas, but it’s also a great habit to keep up with when you want to reduce the risk of fleas in your home too. By washing your dog’s bedding often, you can get rid of flea eggs that might be hiding there.
Vacuum your carpets
Vacuuming your carpets has a similar effect as cleaning your dog’s bedding. By doing this, you can remove the risk of fleas falling off your dog, laying eggs, and hatching in the carpet. This also helps cut down on the risk of an endless flea cycle.
Trim your lawn
Although this piece of advice is best for ticks, it can also help improve your flea situation. Keeping your lawn neat and tidy makes it harder for fleas to be tracked in from the outdoors. This also reduces the risk of your dog picking up fleas while they’re out in the yard.
Give your dog a flea bath
Flea baths are a great way to tackle mild to moderate flea problems. You can find medicated or all-natural flea shampoo at any pet store. Just make sure you choose something that is safe for your dog, and don’t use human shampoo. Additionally, don’t get it in your dog’s eyes or ears.
Brush your dog well
Use a fine comb or brush to thoroughly brush your dog after they have dried. This will help get rid of any residual flea eggs or flea dirt that was missed during their bath, and it will also give you a good idea of whether or not the bath took care of the problem.
Consider a non-chemical flea collar
These collars are usually made up of citronella, although they may have other ingredients as well. They are all-natural and safe for use on most dogs (although not usually on puppies). Follow the instructions on the collar you choose to ensure you are using it correctly.
Consider over-the-counter flea medication
Although topical flea medication isn’t right for every dog, it can help a lot when dealing with a serious flea problem. You may be able to only give your dog this medicine during the warmer months of the year, or they might need it year-round, depending on where you live.
Consider a groomer
Groomers have access to more tools than you might be able to find at a pet store. By taking your dog to a groomer and letting them know that they have fleas, you can make sure they get the best possible treatment for the problem.
If all else fails, and if you have trouble solving your flea problem any other way, you can speak to your veterinarian for more suggestions and information. Your vet may prescribe a heavy-duty oral flea medication for your dog to help clear up the problem before it gets even more out of hand.
Some dogs may not be good candidates for this medication, however. If your dog cannot take this medicine for any reason, your vet will talk with you about other solutions you might want to try instead. Follow the vet’s advice to get rid of fleas on your pet for good. Call us today at (732) 671-3110.