How to tell if your dog has fleas
There are over 2,000 various specimens of fleas in the world, each type looking for a warm and humid environment to settle on to raise their offspring.
Your dog is an ideal host for these fleas to make their home. A flea has long, powerful, legs and is able to jump from one area of soft fur to any other welcoming warm place in a couple of seconds. The cycle of a flea is amazing, they are able to lay eggs and have their babies within a very short period of time.
To keep a check on your pet, look at the warmest areas of his body. Your dog’s stomach, tails and ears are likely places for infestations.
- Top tips on how to recognise the signs of fleas:
- A dog that excessively scratching or biting his skin
- Small droppings on the floor covering, or in the dog bed or dog crate
- A dog can lose his hair or you may find scabs on his skin
- A dog may suddenly have rather pale gums instead of a normal healthy deep pink colour
It is important to note that dogs who live outdoors most of the time are more likely to suffer from an infestation of fleas. Some breeds of dogs are highly sensitive and an infestation of fleas can cause an allergic reaction.
A vet will advise you to choose a flea treatment product; these products vary, they can be obtained in a liquid form, a powder or a spray. It is important to read the instructions on the packaging as not all of the products are aimed at killing the adult fleas and the eggs.
