How do I recognize if my dog has fleas?
The classic main symptom of flea infestation is itchiness. Of course, every four-legged friend scratches themselves from time to time, but if you notice that your furry companion is scratching much more often than usual, it could be a sign of fleas. Increased →itchiness can also have many other causes that you should clarify with your veterinarian.
A typical location for fleas is the back and the transition to the tail, but they can also appear all over the body. In addition to scratching, there may also be general restlessness or nervousness caused by the constant itching. Dull or scruffy fur is also common with a flea infestation. A reddened or inflamed skin is also among the symptoms. In severe infestations, 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 is often difficult to see fleas with the naked eye. However, there is a simple test that can help you detect flea infestations: the so-called flea comb test.
For this, you need a little water, white kitchen paper, and a flea comb. Alternatively, you can also use a discarded lice comb or a regular brush.
1. Thoroughly comb your pet's fur, especially on the back and at the base of the tail.
2. Tap the comb over the white cloth. If you identify small black crumbs, it could be flea feces.
3. Now moisten the paper with a little water and rub the black crumbs. Flea feces will turn red due to the absorbed and excreted blood.
4. If the paper turns reddish, that is a pretty clear sign that your furry friend has fleas, and you should promptly seek veterinary advice.
Treatment of fleas - dog and environment are important
If you and your veterinarian have determined that your furry friend has a flea infestation, you will work together to find a solution. There are various medications for treating fleas, and you can apply the products either as a tablet, spot-on, or spray.
Did you know that adult fleas make up only about 5% of the total number of parasites in a flea infestation? The largest share consists of flea eggs, which account for about 50%. Therefore, it is important to also treat the environment in addition to treating your four-legged friend to catch all developmental stages.
Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can survive in the environment for a long time and particularly like to hide in small niches and cracks, where they are further protected by dust. So you need to think about all the places (dog bed, sofa, carpet, maybe your bed, etc.) where your dog spends time. Wash all textiles that your furry friend has come into contact with at least at 60°C. Thoroughly vacuum your apartment or house multiple times, especially all corners and niches, as well as carpets, sofas, and the bed. There are many products against fleas available in stores, known as insecticides. Get professional advice and make sure that the product is effective against all developmental stages. This way, you and your furry friend can hopefully overcome the flea infestation quickly.
Preventing fleas with flea prophylaxis
Fleas are pesky little critters, and it is labor-intensive to get rid of them. Therefore, we recommend a good flea prophylaxis to prevent →flea and tick infestations. There are various products with different durations of action that you can use as a tablet, collar, spot-on, or spray. Talk to your veterinarian about the best solution for your furry friend.
Getting infested with fleas happens faster than you think. Your dog can either get infested by four-legged friends, during a walk, or when visiting a stable or shed. Especially flea pupae can survive in the environment for a long time. They are "activated" by ground vibrations, heat, or a high CO2 concentration produced by exhaled air. Then they look for the nearest host animal, which could also be your furry friend.
"Just" a small flea bite?
When a flea bites your four-legged friend, the skin is injured, and the flea secretes saliva and so-called anticoagulants. These are substances that prevent blood clotting and cause itchiness and skin inflammation. Scratching further intensifies the skin inflammations. Some dogs →react allergically to flea saliva and show severe symptoms even with a low flea infestation.
Moreover, fleas can transmit pathogens such as tapeworms or caliciviruses. Especially in puppies, a severe flea infestation can even lead to anemia. Puppies have a low blood volume, and if many fleas suck blood, it can lead to significant blood loss, which can be life-threatening for the little furry ones. Fleas also do not spare us humans, and these little creatures can be transmitted from your four-legged friend to you.
Flea infestations should therefore never be taken lightly!
