How to Tell If Your Dog Has Fleas

 

One of the easiest ways to tell if your dog has fleas is by examining their body. However, because fleas are so small and camouflage themselves so well — especially in dogs with dark hair or fur — they can be hard to spot. One way to help guide your search is to put a belt around your dog's waist. Generally speaking, the most common places you'll find fleas hiding is behind that belt near their rump and tail base.

You'll also want to look for other signs, such as flea dirt, a brownish-black mixture of flea excrement and dried blood. You may also notice flea eggs, which are transparent or white minuscule sacs, though these may be even harder to see than the fleas themselves.

Don't just search for fleas on your dog's body. Any bedding or fabric they spend time on, such as pillows, blankets or carpet may have fleas, flea eggs or flea dirt on them.

Flea Treatments for Dogs: Medication Types & Talking to Your Vet
If you think your dog might have a flea problem, contact your vet as soon as possible to figure out what type of treatment to use. Different types of treatments include oral or topical medications, shampoos and medicated collars. Flea treatments and medications work in a couple different ways: some that will kill the flea on contact and some that work when the flea tries to bite. They both have their effective applications, so make sure to ask your vet which one is right for your dog. These treatments don't usually require a prescription, but the most effective ones will still require you to speak with your vet. Also, be sure to ask your vet about possible side effects and drug interactions if your dog is taking other medications.

While flea treatments will kill adult fleas and weaken larvae, remember that fleas have various life cycles, so a one-time treatment won't solve a flea infestation. You'll need to continue the treatment as long as your veterinarian instructs, but it is advised to continue year-round treatment to ensure that eggs don't have the chance to hatch (and that no adults lay eggs), and mitigate any other health risks. Fleas on dogs can be a huge headache to deal with, but by using flea treatment for dogs and careful grooming habits you can help avoid a more serious infestation.

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