Fleas are one of the most common pests in the world. They are drawn to the blood of mammals, infesting the coats of pets, wild animals and even taking a bite at us. This means that we need to be on the look out for signs of infestation and dog fleas symptoms.
What signs should pet owners be looking for and when should we be worried?
- Scratching, biting at skin and irritation.
- Small red bumps and rashes on skin.
- Hair loss.
- Look for droppings, specks of dried blood on skin.
- Flea eggs on dog or dog area.
The American Kennel Club is keen for dog owners to learn more about dog fleas symptoms and signs of infestation for the health and well-being of our pets. It is important that all owners of all breed types keep an eye out for these symptoms and other sign of infestation while grooming them. The most common signs are scratching, biting at skin and irritation. Some may also exhibit hair loss. They advise to not only check the skin for small red bumps and rashes, but to also look for droppings, specks of dried blood and the fleas themselves. A fine flea comb should help to remove any bugs and dirt.
It can be easy to overlook the issue of fleas as something that just happens with out pets. While it is true that fleas can be common pests, there is no reason to shrug it off as a normal part of pet ownership. Not only are there unpleasant side effects for your dog, this infestation could lead to bigger health problems. As Pets.webmd.com delightfully put it, fleas can consume 15 time their weight in blood, which means rapid blood loss. Dogs can also be allergic to flea saliva, resulting in flea allergy dermatitis. Any ingested flea, eaten through biting at the skin, can also transmit tapeworms.
Prevention is always better than the cure.
If your pet shows signs of flea infestation – whether that means a bite of signs of life in their fur – it is important to start on them on an appropriate flea treatment. The sooner you start the course, the sooner they will be free of these annoying bites and other flea symptoms. Over at the The Pet God, we believe that it is also important to invest in a strong prevention method too. You can’t simply treat the existing fleas and hope that they never return. If your pooch encounters an infested dog at the dog park or crosses paths with an infected wild animal then you could be back where you started. The best approach is to fit your pet with a strong reliable flea collar for on-going protection. Why not check out our seresto flea collar review for more information.
Dog fleas symptoms are irritating, upsetting and should be avoided at all costs.
Remember the incessant itching and swelling of an insect bite and the problem that come from scratching at it too much. Now think about how it feels for your dog. Dogs shouldn’t have to put up with these itches and infestations, especially when their natural instincts to bite and scratch can lead to bigger issues. Do your pets a favour by checking them regularly for signs of infestation, checking irritations and providing them with a flea collar or other helpful preventative measures.
