Best Flea Treatments for Dogs

Nothing brings down your dog’s happy-go-lucky fun like a flea infestation. Our hearts go out to our furry friends when we see them suffering from the irritating bites of these pesky insects. Not only are our pets suffering, but our homes are in danger of becoming infested as well. Read on to learn more about fleas and how you can try to prevent them.

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals. We most commonly see fleas infesting pets like cats and dogs, but they will latch onto any warm-blooded being they can find to feed.

Once an adult flea finds a host, such as your beloved family dog, they will begin to feed. Shortly after they start feeding, they will begin to mate and produce eggs. A female flea can produce as many of 40 to 50 eggs a day and more than 2,000 in her lifetime. This is how a small problem can become such a huge issue so fast.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will spin themselves into a cocoon and develop first into pupae and then a full-grown adult. The cycle continues quickly, as a flea can develop into an adult in just 21 days. From here, they will either continue living on the same host or move onto a new one.

Since these insects are so tiny, it may be hard to recognize an infestation right away. You may not see it until it has grown significantly.

The first thing to look for is the obvious sign of your dog itching more than usual. The bites from fleas often cause allergic reactions in your pets. A single bite can become very itchy, and the itching will soon cause red, sore spots on your dog’s skin.

If you notice this intense itching, it’s time to take a closer look. Depending on the amount of fur your dog has, it may be hard to actually see the fleas. Be sure to check the good hiding places, like the underbelly and groin areas. It’s helpful to check anywhere that the fur is thinner.

You can also check for what is referred to as “flea dirt.” Flea dirt is just another way to say flea feces. Flea feces is basically just dried, digested blood. You may be able to see these flakes on your dog’s skin. To test if they are in fact feces, you can add a drop of water to your sample. If you see a brown ring around the flake, you know it’s flea feces.

A larger infestation will start to show signs on the people living in your home as well—you may see bites or fleas on you and your family members.

The first thing you should do when you realize you have an infestation is treat your pet. The host is where the fleas are living and reproducing; a female flea is more likely to lay her eggs on its host than anywhere in your home. Treat your dog, and then move onto the next step: treating your home.

Even if you treat the pet that is hosting the fleas, your job is not complete. You will need to treat your home to ensure the problem is 100% gone. There are many home products you can use to kill fleas. Foggers and spray are great for both indoors and outdoors. Vacuums and steamers are also great tools to kill fleas.

Once you have treated your pets and your home, it is important to maintain a clean household on a regular basis. Vacuum and clean your pet’s bedding, blankets, and food dishes regularly. Consider using regular treatments like collars and monthly ointments for prevention.

You may also want to regularly treat your yard, especially if you let your dog out frequently.