Has your dog been itching more than usual? Do you suspect your dog might have fleas but you’re not sure what to look for? If so you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a few simple ways to check your dog for fleas at home.
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how to tell if dog has fleas or just dry skin
As well as itching, red pimples or bumps on your pet’s groin, belly, under the legs, or at the base of their tail may be a sign that your pet has fleas. Hair loss and dry skin due to scratching may also be a sign of fleas on your dog or cat.
What are fleas?
Fleas are an external parasite that depend upon a host animal for their survival. Once fleas find your pet, the adult fleas will reproduce and thrive on your dog, and in your home, until you break their lifecycle.
What signs of flea infestation should I look for?
Dogs and cats that are allergic to the protein in flea saliva, will itch or scratch as soon as a flea bites their skin. A single flea bite can cause pets to scratch excessively and become agitated.
As well as itching, red pimples or bumps on your pets groin, belly, under the legs, or at the base of their tail may be a sign that your pet has fleas. Hair loss and dry skin due to scratching may also be a sign of fleas on your dog or cat.
Leaving fleas untreated can lead to lesions and infection, or even develop into more severe diseases.
How to Tell If A Dog Has Fleas?
The first thing to look for when trying to determine a dog’s condition is specific signs and symptoms that determine if what is troubling the dog is fleas specifically.
Signs that your dog has fleas
Signs and symptoms that a dog has fleas include:
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How do I know if my dog has fleas? If you notice your dog scratching, shaking her head, biting herself, and then scratching some more, you may wonder. This behavior can certainly indicate that she has the itchy bugs, but how do you know for sure? A closer inspection of your dogs skin is all it takes to know if your dog has fleas.
Do You Think Your Dog Have Fleas?
Every time I see my dog itching I can’t help but ask myself the dreaded question; does my dog have fleas? Luckily most of the time it’s just some regular itching, not itching caused by fleas. But every time I see her itching more than usual I do a quick inspection for fleas just to make sure.
It’s one simple way I can ensure I’ll catch a flea (or tick) problem early. Routinely checking your dogs skin and fur is one of the easiest ways to catch a flea infestation early, before it gets out of control.
The great thing about doing home checks on your pet is that it’s easy to add right into your regular grooming routine. Checking your dogs skin and coat regularly can also help you catch other potential changes or concerns right away.