How do I know if my dog has fleas?
The classic main symptom of a flea infestation is itching. Of course, every dog scratches themselves from time to time, but if you notice that your furry friend is scratching much more often than usual, this could be a sign of fleas. Increased →itching can also have many other causes that you should have checked by your veterinarian.
A typical location for fleas is the back and the base of the tail, but they can also appear all over the body. In addition to scratching, general restlessness or nervousness can occur, caused by the constant itching. Dull or scruffy coat is also common with a flea infestation. Red or inflamed skin is another symptom. In severe cases, hair loss and thickening of the skin may also occur.
Detecting fleas with the flea comb test
In the dense fur of our four-legged friends, it's often hard to spot fleas with the naked eye. However, there is a simple test that can help you identify a flea infestation: the so-called flea comb test.
For this you need a little water, white kitchen paper, and a flea comb. Alternatively, you can use a discarded lice comb or a regular brush.
Comb the fur of your dog thoroughly, especially on the back and at the base of the tail.
Then tap the comb out over the white paper. If you spot small black specks, this could be flea dirt.
Now moisten the paper with a little water and rub the black specks. Flea dirt will turn red due to the blood that has been ingested and excreted again.
If the paper turns reddish, this is a pretty clear sign that your furry friend has fleas and you should seek veterinary advice quickly.
Treating fleas – dog and environment are important
If you and your veterinarian have detected a flea infestation in your dog, you will find a solution together. There are various medications for treating fleas, and you can use the products either as a tablet, spot-on, or spray.
Did you know that adult fleas only make up about 5% of the total number of parasites in a flea infestation? The largest share is flea eggs at about 50%. So it's important, in addition to treating your dog, to also treat the environment as well, to catch all developmental stages.
The eggs, larvae, and pupae of fleas can survive in the environment for a long time and especially like to hide in small crevices and cracks, where they are further protected by dust. So you need to think about all the places your dog spends time (dog bed, sofa, carpet, maybe your bed, etc.) your dog uses. Wash all textiles your furry friend has been in contact with, preferably at 60°C. Vacuum your apartment or house thoroughly several times, especially all corners and crevices as well as carpets, sofas, and the bed. There are many products against fleas available in specialist stores, so-called insecticides. Get professional advice and make sure the product is effective against all developmental stages. With this, you and your furry friend will hopefully overcome the flea infestation quickly.
Prevent fleas with flea prevention
Fleas are annoying little critters and it takes effort to get rid of them. That's why we recommend a good flea prevention, to →prevent flea and tick infestations from occurring. There are various products with different durations of action, which you can use as a tablet, collar, spot-on, or spray. Talk to your veterinarian about the best solution for your furry friend.
Catching fleas happens faster than you think. Your dog can catch them from four-legged friends or while walking or visiting a stable or shed. Flea pupae in particular can survive in the environment for a long time. They are "activated" by vibrations, warmth, or a high CO2 concentration from exhaled air. Then they look for the nearest host animal, which could be your furry friend."Just" a small flea bite?
When a flea bites your dog, the skin is injured and the flea releases saliva and so-called anticoagulants. These are substances that
prevent blood clotting and cause itching and skin inflammation as well. Scratching further worsens the skin inflammation. Some dogs →are allergic to flea saliva and show severe symptoms even with a minor flea infestation.
In addition, fleas can transmit pathogens such as tapeworms or caliciviruses, to your dog. Especially in puppies, a severe flea infestation can even lead to anemia. Puppies have a low blood volume, and if many fleas suck blood, this can lead to significant blood loss, which can be life-threatening for the little ones. Fleas also don't stop at humans, and the little critters can be transmitted from your dog to you.
So flea infestations should definitely not be taken lightly!