Fleas on dogs can be a hassle. From dogs, they can spread to carpets and, depending on the dog's house-roaming habits, get into bedding as well. Understanding a few things about fleas can help rid your pet--and house--of any infestation.
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Prevention
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Flea infestations are best dealt with through prevention methods. Using flea yard sprays and canine flea medications during the summer months when fleas flourish is important to keep fleas from infesting the dog and your home.
Dangerous Effects
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Flea saliva is an allergen. Dogs can commonly get flea allergy dermatitis, which causes red patches and hair loss, or dogs can painfully infect themselves by scratching too much. Dogs can also become anemic from bite blood loss, which is considered by most state laws as animal neglect.
Solution Misconceptions
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Fleas, and especially flea eggs, can withstand the chemicals on a flea collar or in a dip. Stronger flea medications must be used to rid the dog of fleas, but puppies under three months should be treated with regular dish soap to prevent sensitive skin irritation.
Hiding Spots
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Flea eggs and larvae, the main causes of re-infestations, quickly relocate themselves in corners, nooks and crannies after falling off of a dog. Vacuuming all of these areas, and following up with a spray, is one more way to keep fleas from re-infesting a home or animal.
Flea Characteristics
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Fleas infest in large amounts. Pulling apart a section of hair on a flea-infested dog will reveal at least one or two fleas, dark-copper colored and about the size of a pin head. The fleas will be crawling rapidly and will have the ability to jump.
Geography
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Fleas are more common in the southern parts of the United States due to the warmer temperatures. Northern parts have outbreaks of fleas during the summer months.
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