How to Know if Your Dog is Suffering from a Flea Infestation

Flea infestations are common in dogs and other pets. The infestations are often caused by the cat flea, which, contrary to its name, will infest dogs and cats. The cat flea can also bite humans and other small animals within the household. Infestations can be difficult to treat because female fleas lay 20 to 25 eggs daily and the eggs can fall off your pet and hatch on floors, bedding and sofas. This makes it important to know early on if your dog is suffering from a flea infestation. This makes it easier to treat.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pay close attention to your dog throughout the day to see if it is scratching more than normal. The scratching may be in the form of biting and will be primarily over the lower back, tail, and butt. While you may not see your dog scratch or bite, you may begin to notice skin irritation or hair loss from the constant scratching and biting.

    • 2

      Check for flea dirt and fleas on your pet. Flea dirt is the term given to the blood-containing feces that adult fleas leave behind. Flea dirt looks similar to actual dirt in that it is small specks and black. You may find the dirt on your pet's bedding and other parts of the house. Fleas are bigger than the specks of dirt, but not by much.

    • 3

      Take your dog to a veterinarian. Since fleas can cause anemia and tapeworms in dogs, it is important for your dog to be evaluated by a veterinarian. A veterinarian can also determine whether fleas are to blame for your dog's symptoms, or if another skin problem such as allergies are to blame. Your veterinarian also will be able to help you create a treatment plan and give you helpful advice on treating your pet and home to be rid of all the fleas.