Pets are the source of joy for a lot of families, especially those with kids. The energetic and lovable animals play and spend a lot of time with you that you can’t get enough of them. However, they bring along an enemy that is difficult to find-fleas. Hiding in the long coats of hair are blood feeders that will cause discomfort to their host. It is vital to get as much information as you can about fleas to eliminate them from your household and keep your dogs safe from harm.
Identifying the Enemy
It is essential to know what you are going up against before coming up with solutions. Fleas are prevalent parasites that have over 2,000 different species in the world. The dog flea is one of the most common types, along with human flea and cat flea. The insect has three pairs of legs and has a small shape, but it does not have wings to help them fly. Fleas can be difficult to spot, especially since they move fast enough to avoid detection. For their survival, the parasites feed on the blood of most living organisms, including humans. However, you can spot them in hairier animals like cats, rats, and dogs. Once fleas attach to a host, they will feed, mate, and lay eggs to multiply their numbers. A flea bite is not that painful, but the after-effects will make your dogs feel uncomfortable and itchy. In some cases, the parasites come with traces of illnesses that could make your pet suffer. Fleas will not do your dog any good, so you have to eradicate them from the canine’s body.
Finding the Breeding Grounds
Dogs are not arriving in this world with fleas. Your pet will likely pick up the parasites from the environment, specifically in these areas:
- Public spaces with other animals– Dogs are friendly pets that will play or interact with other animals that might be flea-infested.
- Home– All kinds of pests can break into your home, including fleas. Flea eggs can also get stuck on your clothes and items, making you a carrier of the infestation. Once inside the house, the parasite can lay eggs and multiply.
- Pet establishments– Veterinarian offices, pet grooming establishments, and dog food stores will be full of animals that could have the infestation. One visit to these areas can give your dog a bunch of fleas.
All of these spots can give your dog a flea infestation. However, the areas are necessary for your pet to live a healthy and happy life. You can control the infestation by keeping the canine by your side, which is achievable through dog obedience training.
Protecting the Dog
Keeping your dog flea-free for its whole life is nothing short of a miracle. Most of the time, you will be doing your best to get rid of the parasite from their bodies. Try to pick the fleas off piece by piece and squish them to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. However, there is a high chance that you will find more of the parasites the next day. The best protection for your dog will be prevention, which is achievable if you do the following tasks:
- Wash all pet bedding and toys that can hide fleas
- Vacuum carpet areas to remove flea breeding grounds
- Use flea treatment and products that could help eliminate the infestation
- Wash your dog after playtime with other pets or walks in public spaces
- Regularly comb the hair of your dog after a shower to check for remnants of fleas
Consult your dog’s veterinarian to help you identify the necessary flea treatment products for your pet. The items will depend on the size and breed of the canine, which means that you must avoid buying the first thing you see on the market aisle.
Treating the Injured
If you notice your dogs are always scratching parts of their bodies, it could be a sign that they are feeling the itch caused by flea bites. It will be an uncomfortable feeling, but your pets will not express their pain to you, which is why you have to be active. Try to search for small red dots and small white eggs on your pet’s body. It will be challenging to find the bite marks on their hair, but you could identify the areas they are scratching excessively. Take your dog to the vet when you notice that it suffers from allergic reactions or feeling under the weather.
You will deal with fleas as long as you have a dog inside your home. But with enough knowledge, you can help prevent your beloved pet from suffering from an annoying parasite infestation.