How Do I Know If My Animal Has Fleas?

If you notice your dog scratching and biting, you may have a flea infestation. You may not know exactly how to treat it, but there are several preventative medications available for dogs. Fleas like warm, humid climates and contact with wild animals. Fortunately, fleas aren't as difficult to remove as they were in the past, and following a multistep flea treatment plan will keep them at bay.

You can see fleas by looking for black specks on the skin of your animal. Flea dirt is made up of digested blood and is easily distinguished from regular dirt. Flea dirt turns red when it is wet. Fleas live in the hair of animals and can cause a variety of health problems. Pet owners must be vigilant about treating fleas to ensure their pets' health and well-being.

The first symptom of flea infestation is intense itching. Because fleas are adapted to human skin, your dog may scratch itself a lot. The constant scratching can lead to damaged skin, red gums, and even fur loss. You should visit a veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. A flea allergy can also cause your dog to lose its coat. This is not a good sign because it could be an allergic reaction.

Another symptom of flea infestation is increased itching. You will notice itching in your animal. Fleas' bites are sharp and painful, and their salivary glands give off a substance that is irritating to your pet. You will also see "flea dirt" on your animal, which is the feces of the fleas. The dirt that is deposited is brownish-black and turns red under water.

If your animal is scratching at night, then it might have fleas. The longer fleas are on your pet, the higher your chances are of contracting a disease linked to fleas. And as fleas jump from host to host, the longer they stay on your animal, the more severe the infestation. In some cases, a dog may have fleas, but not yet have a sign of infestation.

While fleas are difficult to see, flea excrement is more visible. Flea dirt is a mixture of blood and poop. It looks like dirt on a comb, and it can be found on your animal's coat. Flea dirt can be found along the back toward the base of the tail. When your pet's gums turn pale, they probably have fleas.

Flea eggs are difficult to notice, but they are easy to spot when you notice your dog scratching and biting themselves constantly. Look for strange flecks on your animal's coat, especially the thin spots where the fur is thin. Flea feces are brown when wet, and they look like black pepper. It is important to note that flea dirt will also appear reddish when wet.

Adult fleas are tiny and brown. You can spot them with a naked eye, and you can even notice them in the hair with regular grooming. If you suspect your pet of having fleas, you should groom him or her on a white towel to look closer at the thin haired parts. If you see flea dirt, the fleas may be on the pet's clothes or shoes.

The smallest flea bites will resemble a small sting. They may become a red bruise on your animal's skin. Flea bites are most noticeable on the lower body, like the legs or ankles. Flea bites will often be accompanied by a red halo. Similarly, you can also find flea eggs in bedding and your dog's mattress.