Flea Infestation On Dog

If your dog has fleas they re most likely cat fleas.

Flea infestation on dog. Cynthia cox of the shalit glazer clinic at the mspca angell adoption center in boston mass and dr. This occurs because the animal becomes hypersensitive to the antigens in flea saliva. Signs of a flea infestation include. Remove fleas from your cat or dog.

Fleas are a dark copper color and about the size of the head of a pin. Fleas transmit tapeworms which are intestinal parasites. To remove fleas from your house and your pet completely it s vital to attack the infestation at all four stages of a flea s life. Every pet owner should be aware of the signs of a possible flea infestation.

Canine flea infestations the flea is a common problem for dogs as well as their owners. As if flea bites aren t bad enough some pets are flea allergic and develop severe itching with even trivial infestations of fleas. They dislike light so your best chance of spotting fleas on a dog is to look within furry areas and on the belly and inner thighs. You can also use a commercial flea dip.

It really only takes one bite from an infected flea to transmit tapeworms but in a flea infestation there is a much higher risk of a dog becoming infested with both fleas and tapeworms. The only way to stay ahead of a flea infestation is to practice flea prevention year round according to dr. Seeing fleas hopping on your drapery carpet or furniture seeing multiple dot like insects in your pet s fur seeing your pets scratch lick or bite their fur. These worms hatch from eggs that have been given to the dog via a flea bite.

Also key is to kill fleas living on your pet. Flea dirt can also signal that there are fleas on a dog. Flea infestations can be not only annoying for both dogs and cats and humans but also very dangerous. Problems caused by fleas may range from mild to severe itching and discomfort to skin problems and infections.

Not only do fleas cause discomfort for your pet but they will continue to lay eggs. Fleas don t grasp onto your pet s hair shaft so they will fall into the water and drown. Flea dirt looks like dark specks of pepper scattered on the skin s surface. These tiny blood sucking parasites irritate your dog and infest your home often before you realize that fleas have moved in.

If you and your dog are scratching your heads. Cathy lund of city kitty a feline only veterinary practice in providence r i. Bathe your dog or cat using a gentle shampoo or a citrus based dishwashing liquid. Furthermore fleas can transmit tapeworms and diseases to pets.

Bathing is unfortunately not enough to stop a flea infestation.