Do you remember the time when there is a rash on your back, and you can’t get to it? It most certainly annoys you and keeps you frustrated till the itchiness is at ease. Well, your pet can also get frustrated with a similar condition caused by fleas or ticks. If your pet has a flea or tick infestation, it will cause a pile of problems to the happy life of your pet.
For instance, the blood-sucking parasite, i.e., fleas, can irritate your pet and spread through your home. Therefore, you need to be prepared to identify the first sign of an infestation of these nasty little bugs. There are various ways to check your pets for fleas and be a master of them to get rid of them immediately. Here are some best practices to check your pets like dogs or cats for fleas.
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Be On A Hunt For Visible Signs
The most apparent sign of flea infiltration in your dog or cat is the excessively itchy skin and limitless scratching, and the need to ease the itchy feeling. It is a common practice where all pets scratch every now and then. However, excessive or continuous scratches that your pet experiences are a sign of concern. When you notice that the itchiness is out of control, it is evident that one needs to examine the pet’s body for fleas. Similarly, another sign of flea infiltration is when your pet licks their skin or uses their paw to scratch and nibble more than usual.
Furthermore, if you are unsure or can’t detect any visible signs of fleas or ticks, you can be on the lookout for flea dirt. One can quickly identify flea dirt as it is the result of adult fleas excreting blood. Therefore, one can easily spot the coagulated blood at the surface of your pet’s body. An easy method involves using a white napkin (paper material) and rubbing the pet’s hair or fur.
There is also an alternative method where the use of a flea comb will come in handy. One can detect the residual flea dirt on the flea comb by combing the pet’s fur, especially in target areas like the ventral side of your pet.
Every living creature reproduces, and so do the nasty fleas. They leave behind eggs which can be detected by looking for white specks. Therefore, one should be on the lookout for specks of black, red, or white colors as identifying them can help discard the fleas and the next generation it leaves behind.
Keeping An Eye Out For Vanishing Fur
Pets tend to lose patches of their fur coat due to seasonal variation from cold to warm temperatures. However, in many cases, the missing patches of fur coats can be attributed to the effects of fleas and the pet’s physical response in hopes of getting rid of it.
For example, excessive scratches due to itchiness cause your dog or cat to lose patches of hair as the follicles waken due to mechanical stress. Areas of fur loss patches commonly occur near the tail region or the neck making an easy indication of fleas or ticks. There are few incidences where the loss of fur can be due to the presence of parasites that destroy the hair follicles, hindering the growth of fur.
Pets Behavioral Insight
There is a common saying that a happy pet is a healthy pet. That means that a pet is enthusiastic and mischievous when they are healthy. However, the presence of underlying medical conditions or the presence of fleas can make your pet feel exhausted and lethargic. As a result, they will not respond well to your playtime or may have some signs of disinterest in activities that would make them happy.
However, your pet’s behavior deviating entirely from its mundane behavior cannot be solely attributed to the presence of fleas or ticks. There can be another condition, and you should take your pet to the vet immediately to get a diagnosis.
Cross-Referencing For The Presence Of Ticks
Last method to help you find fleas of ticks is making use of your magical fingers. Ticks or fleas strongly hold to the hair follicles and create bumps or lumps in the hair follicle. Therefore, when you feel your pet’s hair with your fingers and notice such lumps, it clearly indicates a flea infestation. The target area to begin your flea hunt with your fingers includes the ear, face, belly, and limbs.
Conclusion
Now that you have found a way to detect the presence of fleas in your pet, it is time to get rid of it. You can get rid of fleas, prevent their reoccurrence, and provide your pet with good hygiene habits. These habits include frequent baths, vacuuming your home, and getting rid of cloth material that comes in contact with your pet, like blankets or napkins. Furthermore, you can use a flea comb and be on a frequent lookout using the methods mentioned above and get rid of fleas early. This is how you will help your pet have a relaxed and happy life.
