Fleas can be a pesky problem for your dog. Not only are they an annoyance, fleas can also pose serious health risks to your pet. Fleas are tiny insects that feed off the blood of their hosts. Health problems associated with fleas include flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworm, and flea-bite anemia. Flea season generally runs from early spring until December, weather depending. Treating your dog early for fleas is key to prevent these creepy critters from taking up residence on your dog.
Examine Your Dog Regularly for Fleas
It is important to check your dog on a regular basis for signs of fleas, especially after they have been outdoors. If your dog is scratching excessively, it may be a sign of flea infestation, and the dog should be promptly examined.
Before examining your dog for fleas, put on a pair of rubber gloves. Fleas carry diseases that can also affect humans, and one bite is all it takes to potentially contract a flea-borne illness.
To check for fleas, part your dog's hair and look for flea bites. Small, swollen red bumps or sores indicate a strong likelihood of fleas. Look for small bits of brownish-red dust attached to your dog's fur, as this may be remnants of dried blood excreted by fleas.
A flea comb can also be helpful in determining the presence of fleas. Run a fine-toothed comb along the dog's back or belly. If the comb picks up small brown specks, this is known as flea-dirt, or flea feces, and is a sure sign that your dog has fleas.
Treatments for Fleas on Your Dog
- Flea shampoos: A flea shampoo is a good temporary solution when you first notice fleas on your dog. Flea baths leave behind a small amount of flea-killing chemical, and are generally only effective for a day or two.
- Flea collars: There are two different types of flea collars. One type releases a chemical that is toxic to fleas, and is intended to keep fleas away from the dog. The other type of flea collar secretes a toxin into the dog's skin and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This toxin is meant to poison fleas as they ingest the toxic chemicals from the dog's blood. There is some controversy as to the effectiveness and safety of flea collars, as they may be irritating to the dog's skin, as well as posing health risks due to the emission of toxic chemicals.
- Flea pills: Flea pills are taken orally and must be given on a regular basis to have an effect. Flea pills work in two ways: one, by destroying flea eggs, ending the life-cycle of fleas; and two, by releasing a chemical poisonous to fleas into the dog's bloodstream. Flea pills alone are not enough to completely control flea infestations of your dog, and work best when used with other flea-fighting methods.
- Flea Drops: Also referred to as "Spot-On" treatments, flea drops are applied between the dog's shoulder blades and are spread throughout the surface of the skin. Flea drops are oil-based and waterproof, so your dog can swim without it affecting the efficacy of the product.
Consult Your Vet Before Treating Your Dog for Fleas
All flea treatments have their benefits and risks, and not all treatments are suitable for every dog. Talk to your veterinarian to discuss flea treatment options and learn which method is most appropriate for you and your dog.
Sources:
- The Daily Puppy; "Flea Drops for Dogs"; King, Heather; April, 2011
- ASPCA; "Fleas"
- Pet Education; "Fleas: Life Cycle, Anatomy and Disease Transmission"; Drs. Foster and Smith
Tanya Martinenko - Tanya was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba; and spent many of her earlier years living in several different places, including New ...
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