You see your dog scratching itself, and you ponder the reason for the same. We want to inform you that dogs scratch their bodies because of itching caused due to allergies, flea bites, and sometimes even infections.
These problems need treatment, but it is different for each problem. In order to resolve the issue faced by your dog, you first need to know about its cause.
In this article, we will share the symptoms of flea infestation, how you can know if your dog has fleas, and finally, how to eliminate them.
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Symptoms of Flea Infestation
You can easily spot the signs of fleas on your dogs. Some of them are:
- Finding your dog scratching itself for most of the day
- The presence of scabs on your dog’s skin formed due to skin damage caused by itching
- Hair loss of your dog due to intense itching and biting
- Finding swellings and red spots on your dog’s skin
These symptoms are common for skin allergies and flea bites. Thus, it is best to examine your dog and its surroundings carefully for the presence of fleas to remove them.
Examination of Your Dog
Now that you have an idea that the itching might be due to fleas, you need to figure out if it is the reason for the discomfort of your dogs. For this, you have to understand how to spot fleas.
First of all, you need to inspect your dog’s skin carefully.
Inspecting Your Dog’s Skin
Spend some time with your furry friend and check if small reddish-brown bodies are present in your dog’s fur. These are nothing but fleas.
Pay attention while doing it because fleas are really small. They are smaller than the little ants!
It is easier to look for fleas in short-haired dogs. Use your fingers to feel their presence and swellings in furry dogs.
Using Comb
If you find it difficult to find fleas manually or if your dog has a lot of furs, you can use a fine-tooth comb to comb its hair.
You will find some reddish-brown flat bodies stuck in the tooth of the comb if there are fleas on your dog’s skin. It will not only help you to spot fleas but also in their removal from your dog.
Though it is not an effective method for the complete removal of fleas, it can help you and relieve your dog to a certain extent.
Finding Flea Dirt
Flea dirt is the excreta released by fleas. You can find them in your dog’s fur or anywhere near them.
Flea dirt is black in color. You might get confused between dirt and flea dirt. So, you can sprinkle a few drops of water on the black dirt found.
If its color turns reddish-brown, it is flea dirt. There are chances that fleas exist in your home if you find flea dirt.
Finding Flea Eggs
It is likely to find flea eggs in your home if your dog has fleas. The flea eggs are tiny white round structures.
You can find it near your dog’s bed, on carpets, under furniture, and even on your dog. So, look for these white eggs the next time you are cleaning your home or bathing your pets.
- You can know if there are fleas in your home if you get bit by them. Flea bites are usually not painful for humans but can cause allergic reactions.
- Another way to confirm the presence of fleas is to use a light trap. You can take soapy water in a bowl and keep it near a light source. Fleas will come near the light at night and fall in the bowl.
Treatment
Once you know that your dog has fleas, you need to wipe out their population as soon as possible. We have discussed here some of the most commonly used treatment techniques.
- Use natural flea repellents like essential oils and vinegar by preparing their solutions. Spray them after proper dilution.
- You can use flea repellent shampoo for bathing your dog. Use a comb later to remove dirt and dead bodies from your dog’s fur.
- Sprinkle finely powdered salt to kill fleas. Do not sprinkle it on your dogs.
- You can also use dish soap for bathing your dogs. It will kill fleas present on its body.
- Clean your home and your dog’s bed regularly to remove fleas.
- If possible, bathe your dog every time they come from outside after a walk. It will ensure that fleas do not get a chance to increase their population.
Final Words
Flea infestation is a serious problem and can cause health issues in your dogs. Do not ignore if your dog is itching and biting itself.
Contact a vet if the flea infestation and its symptoms are serious. Get in touch with the exterminators to get rid of fleas from your home.
We hope you got the desired information about spotting fleas on your dogs in this article. Thanks for reading!
