My Dog Has Fleas

It is very crucial that you spot fleas on dogs as early as possible. Left unattended, these parasites will multiply at a rapid rate. They won’t just go all over the dog, but all over furniture, appliances and people.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

The most obvious sign is when the dog starts scratching excessively. They will also bite at their tail or the inner part of the thighs. When the infestation starts to spread, the dog will lose its hair, get skin lesions and have reddish marks all over the body.

Flea Dirt

Flea dirt is composed of flea feces and dried blood. They are a rusty brown in color and resemble typical dirt. But if you add a couple of drops on water on it, the dirt will dissolve and leave reddish marks.

Sometimes you may need to smudge the dirt to see the red marks. Those red marks are the dried blood and evidence the parasites are on the animal.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

There are several treatments available including shampoos, spot-on treatments, dog collars and more. The flea shampoos are easy to use. This can be very effective especially when the flea cycle is still in the early stage.

Others like to use the flea comb instead. As the name suggests, you comb the dog’s fur and the parasites will get stuck between the comb’s teeth. You can kill off the pests by immersing the comb in water. The comb and shampoo can be used together. First you comb the fleas away and then give the animal its bath.

Spot-on Treatments

These medications consist of liquid drops. It is applied on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades. These are now very popular because they are easy to use. Like other medications, these have to be applied on a regular basis to keep the parasites away.

The frequency of application differs per product. Follow the instructions as indicated in the package. In some cases the spot-on treatment works even if applied only a couple of times. But if your pet loves the outdoors, it is better to apply the treatment regularly.

About Powders, Sprays and Flea Bombs

These are also capable of eliminating these pests. However, make sure the ingredients are safe for your pet. Ask your vet if they can recommend any sprays or flea bombs. Do not use the product if you are uncertain of its contents.

Using Eucalyptus Oil to Eliminate Fleas

Mix 10 to 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with water. Use this to spray your dog. This can be effective because fleas do not like its smell. Be careful not to use too much oil; dogs will get irritated by it.
You can also add the eucalyptus oil when washing the pet’s bed. This will keep those pests away too.

There are many ways to get rid of fleas on dogs. Just make sure you vacuum the house and yard too. Cleaning your environment will create an inhospitable setting for these parasites.

Fleas in House