Fleas are common dog parasites, which can cause itching and make them feel uncomfortable. They are not only annoying and difficult to get rid of: they are also dangerous for the animal's health if left untreated. In many cases you can recognize that he has contracted them by looking at his behavior, checking the coat when you brush it and examining the apartment for traces of these insects or their feces.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examining the Dog for Fleas
Step 1. Check to see if your dog is scratching or biting excessively
The bite of a flea is very irritating, so the first symptom is to see the dog scratching and biting more than normal.
Other behaviors that could signal the presence of these parasites include: shaking, alopecia, scabs or red spots on the skin
Step 2. Examine the dog's skin for small red bumps
Flea bites are smaller than those of other insects, so they are difficult to spot and you will need to observe carefully.
- Some dogs may have a stronger reaction to this parasite's saliva, causing a large, more severely irritated, red area to appear on the skin.
- You may notice small red spots on your skin as well, which could be due to a flea bite.
Step 3. Check the dog's coat for adult fleas
Work your way through the fur with your fingers until you see the skin of the animal. Fleas prefer to lurk at the base of the tail, on the abdomen and in the area behind the ears, but they could be found anywhere.
- Adult fleas are about the size of a pencil tip. They are very small, winged insects whose color varies from reddish brown to black.
- Remember that fleas will flee as soon as you open the fur with your fingers, making them difficult to spot.
- Most fleas also live in the environment around the dog, so it will be difficult to find them on him if the infestation is mild.
Step 4. Place your dog on a white towel and brush his fur
This way the fleas will flutter and jump down, so you can easily spot them by contrasting with the color of the cloth.
Step 5. Use a flea comb and soapy water to check for flea droppings on the coat
Place the comb on the dog's coat and apply gentle pressure until the teeth come into contact with the skin. At this point, pass it along your body, always maintaining contact.
- After each step, examine the comb for fleas or their droppings, then shake it in a bowl with soap and water to clean it.
- Flea droppings look like small black specks, but they actually contain clotted blood. If you shake them in a bowl with soapy water, you will see them slowly change color, turning from black to red.
- If the bits remain black, it's probably just dirt.
- You can also put them on a damp cotton ball and check if they change color. If a red halo forms around it, it means it's flea droppings.
Step 6. Check the dog's mouth to see if the gums are pale
Pearly colored mucous membranes could be a symptom of anemia, in other words the animal is losing too much blood due to the heavy flea infestation.
- Other symptoms are low body temperature and lethargy.
- Anemia due to flea infestation is very dangerous in puppies and small dogs.
Part 2 of 3: Controlling the Surrounding Environment
Step 1. Check for flea droppings in the dog's bed and eating area
If you see black spots where he sleeps, wipe them off with a damp white cloth or paper towel. If after a few minutes they turn red, then it is excrement of these parasites.
- Check around the kennel, in the area where he eats and wherever he spends a lot of time.
- You may also see adult fleas.
Step 2. Put on white socks and walk around the dog's bed
If there are fleas, or their droppings, they will get trapped, making it easier to spot them.
Step 3. Create a light trap with a bowl of water and a night light
Place a small bowl of soapy water on the floor near the dog's bed and turn on the night light. If there are fleas, they will be attracted to the glow and jump into the bowl, drowning.
It would be best for the dog to stay in a separate cage or area during the night so that he does not drink the soapy water
Part 3 of 3: Treating the Flea Infestation
Step 1. Contact your vet
He will also recommend a specific treatment for the home. You will need to treat all animals, including cats that live outside and inside.
- The most common treatment options are the monthly application of shampoo, spray or powder products to the dog's nape.
- It is important that the treatment plan is created specifically for your dog and the environment he lives in, as using some products in combination with others could be harmful.
Step 2. Try over-the-counter or natural products to kill fleas
The sprays and powders found in stores can be effective in eliminating fleas from the dog, from the bed and, in general, from the home. You can also prevent infestation by soaking the brush with which you comb the animal in a little lemon juice and wiping it on the fur.
Step 3. Clean the house completely
You will need to remove and wash all rugs, carpets, sheets and upholstery to get rid of all fleas and their eggs.
To prevent them from returning, wash your dog's bed once a week
Step 4. Spray your home with a flea killer if a massive infestation is present
These chemicals are extremely dangerous, so they should only be used if you can't get rid of these parasites in any other way.
- Some substances are found in the form of sprays that spread in the air, while other types of insecticide, once activated, release the substance automatically. This way you have time to leave the room before being exposed to chemicals.
- Wear a face mask to protect yourself while using these products, or have skilled professionals do the work.
- You will need to temporarily leave your home during the pest control, so plan what to do, even with your pets. This usually takes about 3-6 hours, but read the instructions on the product carefully to be sure.
Step 5. Mow the grass in your garden once a week to keep it low
It will help prevent fleas from coming and prevent them from jumping on your dog when he spends time outdoors.
Fleas prefer dark places. Mowing grass exposes them to sunlight, so you will discourage them from infesting your yard
Advice
Thoroughly clean the house at least 1-2 times a week to decrease the chance of your pets becoming infested with parasites. This will remove any fleas, cocoons, eggs and larvae from carpets, rugs and furniture
Warnings
- Never use specific flea products for cats on dogs.
- Wear a face mask when using sprays or nebulizers, or call a specialist company.
