Checking a dog for fleas can be a time-consuming but very helpful process to rid your dog of the parasite, especially during warmer months of the year. While removing the fleas from your dog is a good step toward eradicating the pest, other steps must be taken in order to prevent and control fleas, including medications, topicals, shampoos, collars or dips. Controlling fleas in the environment is also necessary to prevent a re-infestation. Dogs with flea bite hypersensitivity will need other treatment to address their allergies.
Things You'll Need
- Flea comb with 32 teeth per inch
- Detergent water
Instructions
Check Dogs for Fleas
Comb all areas of the dog's body every day to check for fleas. Pull the fleas from the dog's coat. Check the abdomen, base of the tail, and head of the dog first, as most fleas live on these areas.
While using the flea comb, check for flea excrement, which will be reddish-black in color. This will confirm that fleas are present.
After finding fleas, place them in detergent water to kill them.