Fleas on Dogs – Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of fleas on dogs is necessary before you can administer treatment. Some or all of the following symptoms may appear.
Signs and Indicators
The major signs are excessive scratching. Some dogs like to scratch, but if there are fleas, reddish lumps will appear on the scratched areas. In more severe cases, ulcers and skin lesions will manifest.
If there are only fleas, the scratching will be mild. As the itching gets worse, the dog will start to bite the affected areas. Areas that are usually affected are the tail and the inside of the thighs. Flea dirt (flea excrement) will also be visible.
Checking the Dog for Fleas
Check the dog’s fur. You will find some fleas there. They are usually 2 to 8 mm long. The color is mahogany. There are three pairs of legs. If you look at the flea at the side, it will be flat.
Even if there are no fleas yet, the presence of flea dirt will indicate newborn fleas, eggs or larvae are there. To verify the presence of flea dirt, get a comb and run it through the dog’s fur. Comb the hindquarters and the neck.
Gather the dark colored bits that fall off their coat. Flea dirt look like black specks. Place these bits on a wet towel. If it turns red, it is flea dirt.
Flea Treatment
After you have determined the symptoms of fleas on dogs, treatment is the next step. There are several flea control products being sold today. These treatments vary, but most have to be applied over a specific period (i.e., every month).
Even when the fleas have disappeared, the treatment should be continued. This will prevent a recurrence of the infestation. Spot-on treatments are popular, but there are also flea powders, shampoos, flea collars and flea dips.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than any cure. Don’t wait for the symptoms to appear; take steps to prevent the fleas from appearing. Give the dog regular baths. Wash their toys and bedding. You should also feed the dog nutritious food. Dogs and puppies with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to fleas, mites and other pests.
As a responsible pet owner, it is essential you know what the symptoms of fleas on dogs are. Without knowing what the symptoms are, dealing with the ailment will be difficult. Hence, an understanding of the symptoms will be necessary.
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