5 Signs That Your Dog Needs Flea Treatment

Was your dog stung by bees? Similar to humans, dogs can feel discomfort and pain when insects prey on them. A bee sting is one thing, but one of the top enemies of your furry best friend is fleas.

These little critters thrive during warm weather and feed on the blood of your pup. Worse, they also bite humans, which poses a significant problem if you have kids.

You can choose from several flea treatments on the market today. Most cures are applied topically, so you can just put them on during or after bathing your fur baby. Companies like Fleamail even have a monthly home delivery subscription service to ensure that your dog gets continuous treatment to keep fleas at bay.

If you want to know for sure that your dog needs flea treatment, here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Constant Scratching

A primary indication that your dog has been infected with fleas is that they keep on scratching themselves. Abnormal and constant scratching is a sign that something’s bothering them. If you see your pup with this problem, you should have them treated to get rid of fleas if that is the problem.

Aside from developing anemia due to flea bites, your dog can also become infected from the wounds that they inflict on themselves. Flea control is one of the best things you can do to keep your pet healthy, so you should invest in the right treatment for them.

Some tips to prevent your dog from getting flea bites:

— Avoid Flea-Infested Areas: While you can’t stop your pup from mingling with other animals, you can help them avoid this bug issue by not going to areas that are known to be flea-infested. For instance, you can talk with other pet owners and listen to their
experiences about a certain park or pet store where their fur babies may have contracted the pests.

— Clean Your Home: If your dog has gone through initial treatment, you should wash your beddings and vacuum the floors to get rid of flea eggs and larvae that might have jumped or fallen from your pet when they scratched an itch. This way, you reduce the chances that they’ll get infected again.

— Treat Your Dog Regularly: Flea treatment isn’t just a one-time deal. You must continue with the medication to ensure that all pests are killed and that no bugs will live on your dog’s skin again.

— Consult Your Veterinarian: Talk with your pet’s doctor about possible flea treatments and anti-pest shampoo that you can use for your pet. You must also ask for routines or practices that they recommend to avoid having the flea problem again.

2. Red Bumps on the Skin

One tell-tale sign of flea infestation is red bumps on the skin. Often, these inflammations are a result of the flea bites, while other times, it can be the consequence of your dog’s scratching and nibbling.

These symptoms appear on various parts of your pup’s body, like their groin, belly, under the legs, and near the tail or butt.

Scratching these bumps can lead to dry skin. Worse, your dog can get self-inflicted wounds, which can turn to lesions and result in an infection.

3. Presence of Black Specks

Another way to tell if your dog has fleas is to look for unusual black or reddish-brown specks on their body. If you find this type of “dirt,” it may be flea waste that’s made of digested blood.

The presence of these black specks indicates that fleas may still be present on your dog or in your home. If so, your pet still isn’t safe from getting bitten.

One way to tell the difference between regular dirt and the kind that comes from these bugs is to wet them with water then wipe the surface using a plain white paper towel. If the grime appears to have a reddish color, then it’s highly likely that it’s flea dirt.

4. Hair Loss

Alopecia or hair loss can be caused by flea bites due to the reaction of your dog’s skin to the chemicals that these pests expel when they bite your dog. It can also be a result of the physical tugging or scratching that your pup does.

5. Pale Gums

You should also check the color of your dog’s gums. Paleness can be an indicator of anemia, which can be a direct result of flea infestation. This is why you must treat your pet for fleas immediately.

Conclusion

Flea bites are uncomfortable and painful for your dogs. You’ll know if there’s an infestation if your pet keeps on scratching themselves or if you notice red bumps on their skin. Black specks (also known as flea dirt), hair loss, and pale gums, are also indicators of a flea problem.