The dread of the summer and humid months is best known by pet owners, given how the very temperature, among other conditions, is much favorable for fleas infestation. Let us learn more about what fleas are, their symptoms, treatment, prevention, etc.
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What Are Fleas?
Fleas, generally speaking, are classified as insects, also called external parasites of mammals and birds. These bouncy, small, dark-brown parasites prefer pets over humans, especially dogs, on whose blood they feed on and reproduce, causing an infestation.
Though fleas don’t have wings to fly, they have strong hind legs, enabling them to jump from host to host. And, therefore all it would take for a full-blown flea infestation is a single flea finding its way onto your furry friend. They will hence bite your dog’s skin, feeding off their blood and causing irritation. However, the itching could turn severe for sensitive pets or those with flea allergies, with scratching and chewing as serious as to cause hair loss, inflammation, and secondary skin infections. Some pets are hypersensitive to flea saliva to the extent of a single flea causing itchiness all over their bodies.
How To Spot Fleas In Dogs?
Unlike symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs, fleas do not take months to show effect and are even easily visible to naked eyes, making the treatment easier and effective at an early stage. Well, we all know what a flea looks like; and, since they like shady and protected areas, your best bet at spotting one on your dog is by looking within the furriest and hidden places, including inner thighs, belly, etc.
Flea dirt alternatively can also signal a flea infestation. Flea dirt looks like flecks of pepper scattered across your dog’s skin, though for anyone unsure if it is flea dust, picking and placing some on a wet towel or paper is the way to go. Since flea dirt is nothing but flea feces, added with the fact that fleas thrive on a dog’s blood, the spreading of flecks like bloodstains is a sure indication.
Best Ways Of Treating Flea Infestations In Dogs
There are several ways to treat flea infestation in dogs ranging from home remedies to oral treatment, medications, etc. Let us have a look.
Oral And Topical Flea Control
Dog flea and tick pills, among other spot-on treatments for fleas and tick bites including injections, and liquid application, happen to be some of the quickest ways to get your dog rid of fleas. However, it is imperative to know that not all oral and topical flea control treatments are the same. One must consult a vet to pick the best oral treatment for their dog, depending on his individual needs.
Some treatments focus on getting rid of fleas only at an adult stage, while others target both adult and eggs, and even larvae fleas. Treatment that does not kill adult fleas mainly focuses on breaking the flea’s life cycle, eventually dissipating the entire population unless there is a constant source of new fleas for your dog.
Similarly, some treatments are inclusive of flea control and heartworm prevention, and you must avoid them without vet prescriptions. The same is the case for dogs with allergies and hypersensitivity, as their mode of treatment, frequency, and products are completely different, requiring extra caution. Although, that is not to say that over-the-counter medications and products are not available in the market or are not effective. Let us have a look at some common products available in the market.
Non-Prescribed Medication And Products To Treat Fleas In Dogs
Below is the list of flea control products you will readily come across at the vet store and their effectiveness in treating fleas.
Flea Combs –
Flea combs, though, can help you get rid of dog fleas at the time and do not present a permanent solution to the same or inhibit flea occurrence in any way. What’s more, since a flea can hop pretty fast, the chances of the comb catching one are only if the infestation is severe. Nevertheless, if you decide to check fleas on your dog using a comb, choose one with fine teeth to have a more precise application.
