How to Tell if Your Dog Has Fleas

As pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our beloved dogs. However, even with the utmost care and hygiene, pesky fleas can find their way onto our furry friends. These tiny insects can cause discomfort and irritation for our pups, so it's important to know the telltale signs of a flea infestation. In this blog, Doggy Styles Dayspa discusses several indicators that your dog might have fleas and offer some helpful tips to combat these unwanted pests.

1. Excessive Scratching and Chewing: If you notice your dog scratching or biting their skin more than usual, it could be a sign of fleas. These irritating creatures cause intense itching, leading your pup to constantly scratch in an attempt to find relief. Pay attention to any excessive licking, chewing, or nibbling, as these behaviours can damage your dog's coat and skin over time.

2. Visible Signs on Your Dog's Coat: Fleas leave behind some visible evidence of their presence. Take a closer look at your dog's fur, particularly around the neck, tail base, and belly area. You might spot small black specks, commonly referred to as "flea dirt." These tiny specks are actually flea faeces, which contain digested blood from your dog. To check if it is flea dirt, simply dab a moistened white paper towel on the specks - if it turns red or brown, it indicates the presence of fleas.

3. Unusual Hair Loss or Skin Inflammation: Fleas can cause skin irritation and inflammation, leading to hair loss in certain areas. Keep an eye out for patches of missing fur, redness, or any signs of inflammation on your dog's skin. Excessive scratching and biting can worsen these symptoms and create hot spots, which are painful, inflamed areas requiring immediate veterinary attention.

4. Visible Fleas or Flea Bites on Your Dog: Sometimes, you may actually spot live fleas crawling on your dog's coat. These tiny, fast-moving insects are reddish-brown and about the size of a pinhead. Another indicator of fleas is finding red, raised bumps or small scabs on your dog's skin. These are typically flea bites and can often be found on your dog's lower belly, groin, or armpit areas.

5. Behavioural Changes: Fleas can affect your dog's behaviour as well. If your energetic pup suddenly becomes lethargic, irritable, or loses interest in activities they usually love, it could be due to a flea infestation. Fleas drain your dog's energy and can cause discomfort, leading to changes in behaviour and mood.

What to do if you suspect a flea infestation:

1. Check and Treat Your Dog: Doggy Styles Dayspa offers comprehensive flea treatments for your dog from the comfort of your home. We use an anti itch flea concentrate made from natural pyrethrium which effectively kills fleas, lice and ticks. If your dog had an aggressive infestation of fleas or has developed secondary side effects it would be worth consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best flea treatment for your furry friend. Your vet may recommend topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars to eradicate the fleas and prevent future infestations. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them for optimal effectiveness.

2. Treat Your Home: Fleas can also infest your dog's living environment, including your home. Wash your dog's bedding regularly in hot water and vacuum your carpets and furniture thoroughly. Consider using a flea spray or powder recommended by your veterinarian to eliminate any remaining fleas and their eggs. Doggy Styles Dayspa work closely with Bellamy's Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control in Redlands who offer specific flea treatments as part of their pest control services.

3. Maintain Good Hygiene Practices: Regular grooming is essential for keeping your dog's coat clean and flea-free. Brushing your dog's fur not only helps remove any fleas or flea dirt, but it also promotes healthy skin and reduces the likelihood of infestations.

Preventing and addressing flea infestations is crucial for your dog's overall health and well-being. By staying vigilant and recognizing the signs of fleas early on, you can ensure that your furry friend stays comfortable, itch-free, and happy. Remember, a healthy pup is a happy pup!

About the Author:

Leita Culpeper is the creative mind behind Doggy Styles Dayspa, Doggy Hampers, and Doggy Eco. With six years of experience in the pet industry, she's mastered the art of pet care through her grooming business and pet gift hamper company.

Fascinated by animal psychology, Leita shares her expertise through her YouTube channel, Doggy Lifestyles, where she interviews top experts in dog training, nutrition, and lifestyle trends. Doggy Lifestyles has become the go-to resource for pet owners seeking to enhance their furry companions' quality of life. With Leita's passion and dedication, Doggy Styles Dayspa, Doggy Hampers, and Doggy Eco epitomize excellence in the pet industry, fostering stronger bonds between pets and their humans.