Fleas are pesky little creatures that can cause a lot of discomfort for your furry friend. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot them, especially if your pooch has thicker fur. However, flea bites can lead to severe allergic reactions and even skin infections, so it’s essential to identify the problem early on. If you’re wondering how to know if your dog has fleas, here’s everything you need to know.
Check for Flea Dirt
One of the foremost steps for verifying whether your dog is infested with fleas is examining them for traces of flea dirt. Flea dirt, contrary to what the name suggests, is not dirt but rather the faecal matter of fleas, which manifests as tiny, dark specks on your dog’s skin or coat.
To effectively check your dog for flea dirt, begin by spreading your dog’s fur, focusing particularly on areas such as the lower back, tail, abdomen, and behind the ears where fleas are typically more prevalent. Look out for any black or brown spots, which could potentially be flea dirt.
Look for Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that are difficult to spot, even on hairless dogs, let alone those with thicker fur. However, if you spot a flea on your dog’s skin or fur, it’s almost confirmed that your pooch has a flea infestation. These parasites are agile and can jump pretty high, so you might have to look a bit more closely. Check around the ears, under the belly, and around the hind legs, as these are common areas where fleas like to hide.
Check for Scratching
Flea bites can be incredibly itchy, leading your dog to scratch excessively. If you notice your furry friend scratching more than usual, it could be due to flea bites. Check the affected areas for any redness or irritation, as these are typical signs of flea bites.
Look for Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a severe allergic reaction that some dogs experience from flea bites. It causes intense itching and can lead to infection if left untreated. If you notice your dog is biting, licking, or scratching a particular area more than usual, it’s worth checking for FAD. You may notice redness, hair loss, and scabs in that specific area.
Use a Flea Comb
If you’re struggling to spot fleas or flea dirt, try using a flea comb. This is a fine-toothed comb that can catch fleas, flea dirt, and eggs. First, wet your dog’s fur, then run the comb through their coat. If fleas are present, you should be able to spot them on the comb.
Contact Willis Pest Control
At Willis Pest Control we are specialists in providing expert pest control solutions across Birmingham and the Midlands. For help in dealing with pests, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert Willis Pest Control team, give us a call on 0121 588 5258 or 07305 518033.
