Почему собака чешется, если нет блох – что делать, как и чем лечить

Почему собака чешется, если нет блох, существует несколько причин. Необходимо тщательно осмотреть питомца либо сразу обратиться за помощью к специалистам. Также следует проверить спальное место животного. Если на теле блохи не обнаружены, это еще не факт, что их нет.

Поиски блох

Заразиться может любая комнатная собачка, даже та, что не покидает пределы квартиры. Принести в дом блоху способен человек на одежде, обуви, сам того не подозревая. Насекомое подыскивает укромное место, отыскивает жертву, старается держаться вблизи нее.

На заметку!

Блохи на теле у собак не живут, они запрыгивают туда, когда проголодаются. Размножаются паразиты вне тела хозяина. Если в квартире их немного, сразу обнаружить не получится. Насекомые чрезвычайно подвижные, маленького размера, прячутся в укромных местах.

Необходимо обратить внимание на следы укусов на теле собаки. Блохи больно кусаются, оставляют небольшие красные пятна с запекшейся кровью по центру. Постоянное чесание приводит к дополнительным царапинам, ссадинам. При отсутствии должного внимания в ранки после блошиных укусов попадает вторичная инфекция.

Необходимо осмотреть спальное место питомца, туалет, емкость с водой, едой. Личинки блох – маленькие червячки грязно-белого цвета. Питаются отходами, чешуйками кожи, экскрементами, гнилью.

Даже если прямых доказательств нет, что появились блохи у собак, нужно постирать коврик при высокой температуре, помыть полы в доме водой с добавлением уксуса, нашатырного спирта. Вблизи спального места капнуть несколько капель эфирного масла на выбор – розмарина, лаванды, мяты, цитрусовых, полыни.

Причины зуда

Причины зуда у собак

Если собака чешется, но блох нет, следует проанализировать события прошлых дней. Причин зуда может быть несколько:

• развитие инфекционных заболеваний;
• наличие эктопаразитов;
• аллергия разной этимологии.

В большинстве случаев зуд провоцирует именно аллергия. Ситуация усложняется множеством провокаторов. В одних случаях неприятная симптоматика проходит самостоятельно в течение нескольких дней, в других – требуется специальная комплексная терапия.

Собака сильно чешется при разных заболеваниях, не связанных с кожным покровом. На ранней стадии заболевания зуд сопровождает:

• лимфосаркому у собак пожилого возраста;
• рак молочной железы;
• грибок;
• воспаление уха;
• глистные инвазии.

Важно!

Если этимология зуда неясна, необходимо обратиться за помощью к специалисту. Диагностирование болезней на ранней стадии существенно облегчает процесс лечения, ускоряет выздоровление.

Аллергия

Аллергия у собак

Определить наличие аллергической реакции можно по внешним признакам. На коже появляются красные пятна, сыпь, воспаления, отечность. На запущенной стадии выпадает шерсть, появляются дополнительные царапины, ссадины, расчесы. После присоединения вторичной инфекции образуются язвочки, мокнущие ранки, нагноения.

Причин аллергии много. Для прояснения ситуации необходимо вспомнить события прошлых 14 дней. Спровоцировать аллергическую реакцию способны:

• Медикаменты. Особенно при повторном либо длительном применении. Часто собака чешется после капель от блох. Легкие признаки аллергии исчезают самостоятельно за несколько дней либо требуется специальное лечение.
• Продукты. Нужно обратить внимание на новые блюда, что предлагались питомцу либо переизбыток чего-то обычного для него: собачий корм.
• Глисты. Одним из признаков присутствия паразитов в организме является аллергическая реакция на коже в сопровождении сильного зуда. Нужно обратить внимание на дополнительную симптоматику – отсутствие аппетита либо зверские запросы в еде, рвота, нарушение стула, беспокойный сон.
• Ткань, средства гигиены. Спровоцировать сильную аллергию способен новый коврик, одежда для собачки. Также следует обратить внимание на новый шампунь, любое косметическое средство для пса, что было испытано недавно. Зудеть кожа может после антибактериальных салфеток, туалетной воды.

Как лечить собаку, зависит от причины появления аллергической реакции, сложности симптоматики, масштабов поражения. В тяжелых случаях назначают противоаллергические средства наружного применения – крем, мазь, гель, а также антигистаминные препараты для приема внутрь. Дозировку, длительность терапии подбирает ветеринарный врач.

Эктопаразиты

Собака часто чешется при наличии эктопаразитов

Собака часто чешется не только от блох. Провокаторами сильного зуда могут быть клещи разного рода, другие кровососущие насекомые, даже комары. Собака все время чешется при:

• демодекозе;
• чесоточном зудне;
• власоедах, вшах;
• иксодидозе;
• тромбикулидозе;
• ушной чесотке;
• хейлетиеллезе.

Власоеды, вши – мелкие кровососущие насекомые. Имеют продолговатое тело, длиной до 5 мм, полупрозрачный хитиновый покров. Проживают в шерсти животного, откладывают яйца на волосинках, ближе к корням. Выглядят, как перхоть. Питаются личинки, взрослые особи кровью животного. После укусов остаются пятна, сопровождающиеся сильным зудом. Чем лечить, проблем нет. Применяют специальные аэрозоли, растворы, спреи, шампуни.

Хейлетиеллез еще называют блуждающей перхотью. Провоцируют заболевание мелкие клещи. Локализуются в поясничном отделе. Часто болеют молодые собаки. Основным симптомом является наличие перхоти на шерсти разного размера. Для терапии назначают средства наружного действия.

Чесоточный зудень локализуется в области живота, локтей, ушных раковин, паховых складках. По внешним признакам напоминает заражение власоедами. Укусы паразитов провоцируют сильный зуд. Особенно страдают щенки. Внешние симптомы – язвочки, корочки на теле, шерсть, сбитая в котуны. Лечение осуществляют наружными антипаразитарными средствами.

Демодекоз, тромбикулид, иксодидоз провоцируют личинки клещей. Вид паразитов определяют по местам локализации. Поражают область вокруг глаз, анального отверстия, живот, уши, губы. Самостоятельно определить разновидность паразита невозможно, необходимо показать питомца специалисту.

На заметку!

Провоцировать сильный зуд могут глисты – острицы, аскариды, многие другие. Для лечения глистной инвазии применяют препараты в форме таблеток, внешние симптомы аллергии проходят самостоятельно.

Атопический дерматит

Атопический дерматит у собак

Ситуация схожа с проявлением аллергической реакции. Вся сложность заключается в том, что невозможно определить провокаторов точно, имеются лишь предположения. Появление атопического дерматита связано с нарушением работы нервной системы, иммунной.

Отзывы

Шпиц чешется постоянно. Сдавали все анализы, регулярно посещаем ветеринара. Исключили все продукты, способные спровоцировать аллергию. Пили антигистаминные препараты. Ситуация повторяется каждый месяц, кожа гладкая, без всякой сыпи. Чешет регулярно живот, грызет кончик хвоста. Специалисты пришли к выводу – атопический дерматит, но как лечить, толком не знают. У знакомой так пекинес чешется.

Ирина, Москва

Мопс чешется уже 3 месяца. Диета строгая, шампуни все на натуральных травах, химии в его жизни нет. Кормами всякими не кормим, все натуральное. Корочки на мордочке, в ушах, запах неприятный. Специалисты не могут причину найти, руками разводят. Говорят, атопический дерматит так проявляется.

Алина, Санкт-Петербург

Зуд может появляться вследствие заболеваний внутренних органов – сердца, печени, при нарушении работы щитовидной железы. Если ситуация неясна, повторяется несколько раз, нужно обращаться к опытному специалисту, проходить комплексное обследование.

90000 Does my dog ​​have allergies? A veterinarian explains, by Dr. Bonenberger 90001 90002 90003 90004 90002 Is your dog constantly licking and scratching? If so, you’re not alone. Many dogs lick and scratch as result of itching (also called pruritis). The itching may be minimal or extreme, and can even cause injury. 90004 90002 Itching is a characteristic of many possible skin conditions and, treating an itch effectively requires determining the underlying cause. This is not a road you want to go down alone.Finding the cause of an itch requires testing, and help from your veterinarian. 90004 90002 What might make my dog ​​itchy? 90010 It is important to remember that itching is not a disease, or a cause of disease, but rather the result of a disease process. Effectively treating itching requires treating its cause. If your dog is frequently itchy, you may first suspect a problem with fleas. It’s a common assumption, but fleas are far from the only cause of skin irritations and itches. That said, your dog should absolutely be on year-round flea and tick preventative.90004 90002 The most common broad causes of itching are: 90004 90002 Some diseases only start to itch when a dog develops secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Whatever the cause, it’s understandable that intense itching is a serious source of distress for your dog. 90004 90002 90017 Dog allergies 90010 Exposure to allergens may occur any number of ways: 90019 90004 90021 90022 Inhalation 90023 90022 Topical exposure 90023 90022 Ingestion 90023 90028 90002 All may result in a cascade of inflammatory chemicals from cells in the skin.A dog may show allergic signs like itching when his immune systems begins to recognize everyday substances (allergens) as dangerous. Allergic conditions will also be considered by your veterinarian and efforts made to identify the causative agent, as well as attempt to block the allergic reactions. 90004 90002 Atopic or allergic dermatitis is associated with inhaled or even topical materials that enter the body and trigger an excessive release of inflammatory secretions that result in itch. 90004 90002 Interpreting allergy tests requires experience and you may even need a specialist.90004 90002 There are recent developments in the treatment of allergies and allergic reaction. Ask your veterinarian what can be done. 90004 90002 Diagnosing an itchy dog ​​90010 90017 Determining the cause begins with your veterinarian taking a detailed medical and chronological history: 90019 90004 90021 90022 What have you seen and when did you first see it? 90023 90022 How has it progressed? 90023 90022 Are other pets affected? Are you? 90023 90022 Next is a thorough physical examination, focusing on- but not limited to- the skin.Parasites and infectious conditions should be considered. They are relatively common, and generally respond to appropriate treatments very well. They may or may not be the main cause of itching. 90023 90028 90002 Dry skin can also cause itching, but it is almost never the only reason your dog itches. A thorough physical exam by your veterinarian can help uncover the underlying cause of your dog’s discomfort. 90004 90002 Because some metabolic and systemic illnesses can cause itching, blood tests may be advised to evaluate the health of organ systems other than the skin.90004 90002 One important thing to remember is that while you may be annoyed by your dog’s itch, they are genuinely suffering and need to be diagnosed and treated without delay. 90004 90002 90059 If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. 90060 90004.90000 How to Remove A Tick from A Dog: Parasites And Your Pooch 90001 90002 There is hardly anything more distressing to a dog owner than to see a blood-sucking parasite attached to his beloved pup. Unfortunately, ticks and fleas are a fairly common problem in warm-blooded mammals, especially in warmer climates, and dogs that have been bitten by these small parasites can suffer from a variety of illnesses if left untreated. 90003 90002 Prevention is key for flea and tick control, though many effective treatments are available-both over the counter and prescription.This article will discuss how to remove a tick from your dog, flea and tick prevention and treatment for Fido, how to recognize signs that your dog may be affected by these pests, and how to recognize serious illnesses caused by these tiny creatures. 90003 90006 How to tell if your dog has ticks or fleas 90007 90002 Fortunately, both fleas and ticks are visible to the human eye. Unfortunately, they are rather small and often go unnoticed, especially on dogs that have thick, dark coats that can camouflage these bloodsuckers.Familiarize yourself with the below symptoms that your pup may display if he has ticks or fleas: 90003 90010 Ticks 90011 90002 Dogs that have been bitten by a tick may act totally normal and be unaware that it is even there. When ticks first attach to the skin, they are very small (about the size of a pin head), but will gradually become engorged and can even reach the size of a grape. If you notice any variations in your dog’s coat, like small bumps under the fur, be sure to check for ticks. These creatures are typically dark brown or black, have eight legs, and will most likely be firmly attached to the dog’s skin.90003 90002 90015 90015 90003 90002 If your dog is infested with ticks, it will probably be noticeable (especially if your pup has a short coat). Dogs that have several ticks may lose their appetite, act lethargic, or even seem depressed, so if you notice your pup’s behavior has changed, be sure to perform a check. You should also consider reading up on tick collars, how they work, and which one would be best for your dog. 90003 90010 Fleas 90011 90002 The telltale sign of a flea infestation on a dog is excessive scratching and licking, particularly in areas where fleas are most likely to camp out: the belly, head, armpits, groin, and the base of the tail.However, be warned that not every dog ​​with fleas scratches: only dogs that are allergic to flea saliva will experience a reaction. But if you notice your dog scratching more than usual, developing «hot spots» (which are moist, red sores), losing hair in patches, or general irritability or restlessness, take a look at your dog’s skin. 90003 90002 Fleas hide underneath the fur and often leave behind «flea dirt» on the skin, which is actually not dirt but rather flea feces. To determine if the black specs on your dog’s skin is flea dirt as opposed to regular dirt, wipe a little onto a paper towel and add a little water.Flea feces are nothing more than digested blood, so if the water turns the «dirt» a red / brown color, it is probably from fleas. 90003 90002 Fleas hardly ever appear solo on a dog. Usually there are many, and the congregation makes them easier to spot. Fleas have extraordinarily long hind legs for jumping, so you may notice the fleas leaping all over your dog’s fur. Keep in mind that every female flea will eventually lay eggs on your dog, and the eggs laid on a dog in around your home can easily total into the thousands! Since a flea’s life cycle from an egg to embryo to adult can happen in few short weeks, be sure to read on to find out how to nip this problem in the bud! 90003 90006 Prevention techniques 90007 90002 If your dog already has fleas or ticks, be sure that he is completely free from them before you start any preventative measures, otherwise you’ll just be taking two steps forward and one step back.There are many popular methods to aid your pup, but the best flea and tick treatment for dogs is prevention of these parasites. Prevention options can include oral medication (both prescription and over the counter), topical creams and oils, and collars. 90003 90002 There are also many steps you can take to clean your dog’s environment-both indoors and outdoors-from these pests: 90003 90034 90035 90036 Prescription pills 90037. Since it is imperative that dogs be on a monthly regimen of heartworm prevention, many owners opt to choose a brand of medication that also prevents flea eggs from hatching, thus breaking the life cycle of the flea.There are also many standalone prescriptions that are taken alongside of heartworm pills that kill different types of ticks and fleas. Most of these prescriptions work by inhibiting the growth the egg, or simply by killing the adult parasite. 90038 90035 90036 Topical medication. 90037 These oil-type medicines do not require a prescription and are administered once a month by placing an applicator in between your dog’s shoulder blades. The medicine is dispersed through your dog’s coat and works by killing the larvae and egg of fleas (and sometimes ticks).Different medications do different things: some only kill eggs, some only kill the adult, while others are for only fleas and not ticks. Be sure to read the label in its entirely (including the warnings about the age and size of your dog) before purchase. 90038 90035 90036 Flea and tick collars. 90037 These simple collars use many of the same active ingredients as topical and oral flea and tick medications, but can stay active for up to seven months! These collars are popular choices if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has a long coat, which makes parasites harder to see.Most collars are water resistant and work by continually releasing the medication that kills ticks, fleas, and their larvae. 90038 90035 90036 Holistic options 90037. If you are hesitant to use chemical treatments on your dog (which can have severe side effects), try rubbing citrus juice on your dog’s fur. This natural repellent is safe and will make your pet’s coat smell great! There are also essential oils like rose geranium oil, which can be applied directly to your dog’s collar to repel ticks.And since fleas can not hold onto your dog’s actual fur, they will quickly drown if put into water, so throw Rover in the tub and give him a good scrub! 90038 90051 90002 If you’d like to learn more about keeping these pests off your dog, you should definitely read our article on flea and tick control. 90003 90006 Treatments 90007 90010 Treating your dog 90011 90002 If your dog already has fleas and ticks on his body, your first priority should be removing them quickly and effectively (be sure to read below for detailed instructions on removing ticks).For fleas, removing the adults can be as simple as giving your dog a warm bath. The fleas will quickly drown, and then you can use a topical medication to kill off any remaining eggs or larvae. 90003 90002 90003 90002 90063 90063 90003 90002 Be sure to examine your dog’s skin frequently to be sure no fleas remain. Additionally, try using a flea comb that will aid in removing fleas. These combs have very fine teeth that will drag fleas out of your pup’s fur. For a severe infestation, however, you may need to visit a professional groomer.90003 90002 While you may incur an extra fee for a flea bath or extensive tick removal, they will have the necessary tools, medicated shampoos, and special combs and brush to get your pup feeling his best. Of course, if your dog has a severe infestation of either ticks or fleas, a trip to a licensed veterinarian is in order. He or she can best advise you to the best treatment options depending on the severity of your dog’s case, and will also examine your dog for signs of infection or illness. 90003 90010 Treating your home and yard 90011 90002 If you dog has fleas or ticks on his body, rest assured that they are probably in your home as well.Follow the below recommendations to keep your home free from parasites. 90003 90034 90035 90036 Wash pet’s bedding once a week 90037. Fleas and ticks can be active year round depending on what part of the country you live in, but in most areas, springtime is the season when dogs are affected the worst. Be sure to wash your bed’s bedding at least once a week. 90038 90035 90036 Vacuum often. 90037 Fleas are notorious for jumping yards at a time, and they can easily find their way into your carpets and drapes.In fact, some estimate that the fleas you find on your dog are only a fraction of the population-with the rest living in the rugs, carpets, and upholstery of your home! 90082 Vacuum often and change out carpet bags frequently, especially if your dog has had fleas recently. You can also purchase specially formulated sprays that kill fleas and ticks for up to 2 weeks at a time. Of course, if you have young children, be weary of using chemicals in your home. 90038 90035 90036 Keep the backyard mowed 90037.If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, be sure that your backyard is not hospital to ticks and fleas. Ticks generally camp out of the ends of long grass, waiting to be picked up by animals that walk past. Keep grass short and bushes trimmed enough that ticks will go looking for a better stakeout elsewhere. Also, make checking Fido for ticks a habit when he comes indoors so he does not spread parasites into your home. 90038 90035 90036 Treat your yard 90037. If your dog has recently been infested with ticks and fleas, look into yard spray that attaches to your garden hose that is then sprayed on your patio and grass.Keep in mind that these sprays are not formulated for animal use, so be sure to let the solution dry before you let your dog outside. 90038 90035 90036 Check yourself and family members. 90037 While ticks and fleas prefer dogs to people, (and they are more easily concealed on our furry friends), they can certainly make their homes on humans as well. If you have a large number of these parasites on your pup, be sure to check your scalp, behind the ears, and even between your toes! 90038 90051 90006 How to remove a tick? 90007 90002 In the past, veterinarians and other medical professionals advised people to do a number of different things to effectively remove ticks.However, methods such as placing a lit match on the tick, painting it with fingernail polish, or submerging it in some other substance are not very effective. The most important aspect is to remove the 90100 entire 90101 tick (including the head). 90003 90002 Go ahead and invest in a pair of quality tweezers or a special tick-removing tool just for this use, and also be sure to have some latex gloves on hand. Ticks can transmit disease very easily, and it is important to protect yourself as well as your furry friend.To begin, locate the tick (s), and spread your dog’s fur apart with one hand so the entire body is exposed. 90003 90002 90106 90106 90003 90002 Now, with the other hand, place the tweezers around the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible, and gently, but firmly, pull the tick straight out. Be careful not to pull it away to the side, as this may cause breakage and leave the tick’s head (and mouthparts) underneath your dog’s skin. Ticks are fairly difficult to kill, so just throwing it in the trash will not do.Flush it down the toilet, or better yet, keep it in a jar filled with rubbing alcohol. Your vet may need to test it for disease if your dog falls ill, and having the culprit will make the process much easier. 90003 90006 Illnesses caused by fleas and ticks 90007 90002 Not only are bloodsucking parasites like ticks and fleas severely discomforting to your dog, they can cause serious diseases as well. Both of these creatures feed off of blood, and resulting infections, if left untreated, can lead to severe health problems.Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms s so you can be sure to recognize these illnesses in your dog: 90003 90034 90035 90036 Lyme disease 90037. This serious disease not only affects canines, but humans as well. Typically transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is a bacteria that is transmitted to the host when the tick bites into the skin. Although most prevalent in the northeastern area of ​​the United States, Lyme disease is also found in the south and Midwest. 90082 Symptoms can sometimes not appear until several months after your dog has been bitten, but telltale signs of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and general lethargy.Your vet can test for the disease, and treatment with antibiotics is usually very successful. Luckily, transmission only occurs after the tick has been attached to the host after at least 48 hours, so if you find and remove the tick quickly, your dog should be safe. If you’d like to learn more about this disease and what to look for, first read our article on lyme disease in dogs. 90038 90035 90036 Fleabite anemia. 90037 This serious condition occurs when your dog has so many fleabites that he has lost a significant amount of blood.Anemia can be fatal, and unfortunately many owners are unaware that fleas ever infested their dog because some dogs never scratch or bite themselves (if they are not allergic to the flea saliva). Young and elderly dogs are most susceptible, but seek veterinarian care at once if you suspect your dog has this condition. 90082 Symptoms include pale gums and lethargy. Treatment is key and can include iron supplements, or in severe cases, a blood transfusion. 90038 90035 90036 Flea-allergy dermatitis 90037.Although not as severe as Lyme Disease or Fleabite Anemia, dermatitis caused by fleas is the most common dermatology problem of dogs in the U.S. and can lead to infection in your dog. Dogs with flea-allergy dermatitis are allergic to the saliva of a flea, and they are left in serious discomfort from scratching and biting themselves for relief. If left untreated, dermatitis can lead to hair loss, hot spots, and even neurotic behavior. 90082 Your vet can prescribe medicated shampoos, steroids, and antihistamines to calm your dog’s skin, and then you can begin a regimen of flea prevention.90038 90035 90036 Tapeworms 90037 are caused when a dog ingests an infected flea, which is fairly common in dogs that lick and bite themselves for relief from fleabites. Tapeworms can grow up to 28 inches long and live in the dog’s intestines: feeding and growing. Untreated tapeworms can cause your dog to become seriously ill and lose weight even though he is eating normally. 90082 Prevention of fleas on your dog is key for inhibiting tapeworms, although there are many prescription drugs that can treat tapeworms.These de-worming medicines come in shot and pill form and works by dissolving the worms. 90038 90051 90002 Ticks and fleas are unwelcome guests in our home, and certainly on our pets. And even though these parasites are most common in warm weather, it is vital to do prevention year-round. 90003 90002 90140 90140 90003 90002 Keeping your dog indoors is the best way to prevent him from becoming infested, and performing daily checks of his coat and fur during warm weather is the easiest (and cheapest) way to keep him happy and healthy.Canines can develop serious illnesses and discomfort from fleas and ticks, and it is our responsibility as pet owners to take flea and tick prevention for dogs seriously and use preventative measures to ward off these dangerous parasites. 90003.90000 Home Remedies for Dogs With Fleas 90001 90002 A nasty little parasite lies in wait for your dog just outside your door: the flea. It just takes a few fleas to begin a vicious cycle of infestation. These tiny creatures with six legs and no wings can leap tall dogs in a single bound. Scientists have identified nearly 2,000 species of fleas, but ironically, it’s 90003 Ctenocephalides felis 90004 — the cat flea — that gives dogs the most grief. 90005 90002 Fleas can be more than just irritating.Besides the usual itching and scratching, some dogs are extra-sensitive to flea saliva. One bite may be enough to bring on the unbearable itching of 90007 flea-allergy dermatitis 90008 (90007 FAD 90008). The raw skin is also more vulnerable to bacterial infections, and your dog may get 90007 hot spots 90008 — areas of moist infection that spread and can be difficult to control. Puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems can become anemic or even die. Fleas are also carriers for intestinal parasites like tapeworms.If you do suspect that your dog has fleas, it’s important to get rid of the infestation as soon as possible. 90005 90002 There are over-the-counter products available to treat your dog, but they’re not as effective as the products prescribed by your veterinarian. Prescription medications are more expensive at first, but they’re safer and work faster; some claim to rid your dog of fleas in less than a day. These products generally work to repel and kill adult fleas as well as flea eggs.Some also repel and kill other parasites like ticks and even prevent heartworm infestations. You could also try natural flea repellents, such as those made with cedar oil. Talk to your vet about which product is right for your dog. 90005 90002 No matter what you decide to use, be sure to follow the directions exactly. In this case, more is not better. All flea-control products are poison and can harm your dog if not used properly. If your dog begins to drool heavily or shake after applying a flea control product, get him to the vet immediately.Also, you should never use flea-control products designed for dogs on cats, or vice versa. If you have other pets in the household, all of them must be treated for fleas at the same time using the appropriate medication. 90005 90002 Read on to find out why treating your dog is only the first step to getting rid of fleas. 90005 .90000 How to Check Your Dog For Fleas at Home 90001 90002 Last updated on 90003 May 25, 2019 90004 By Puppy Leaks 6 Comments 90005 90006 90002 Has your dog been itching more than usual? Do you suspect your dog might have fleas but you’re not sure what to look for? If so you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to check your dog for fleas at home. 90005 90009 Do You Think Your Dog Have Fleas? 90010 90002 Every time I see my dog ​​itching I can not help but ask myself the dreaded question; does my dog ​​have fleas? Luckily most of the time it’s just some regular itching, not itching caused by fleas.But every time I see her itching more than usual I do a quick inspection for fleas just to make sure. 90005 90002 It’s one simple way I can ensure I’ll catch a flea (or tick) problem early. Routinely checking your dogs skin and fur is one of the easiest ways to catch a flea infestation early, before it gets out of control. 90005 90002 The great thing about doing home checks on your pet is that it’s easy to add right into your regular grooming routine. Checking your dogs skin and coat regularly can also help you catch other potential changes or concerns right away.90005 90009 Catching Fleas Early Makes Treatment Easier 90010 90002 The earlier you catch a flea infestation the better. Fleas multiply extremely quickly — catching them early before the population grows is key. 90005 90002 Fleas also cause a lot of discomfort for dogs, and the longer an infestation goes on the likelier it is that they’ll end up suffering from flea related health conditions and diseases. 90005 90002 If you live in a multi pet home checking each pet individually is recommended, even if they’re not itching.Fleas jump from host to host regularly; if you’ve got them on one pet chances are your others have them as well. 90005 90009 What Do Fleas on a Dog Look Like? 90010 90027 90002 Close up of an adult flea 90005 90002 When it comes to checking your dog for fleas the first thing you need to know is how to identify them. Adult fleas are small, flat bodied insects that appear in various colors from reddish brown to black. Fleas are extremely small ranging in size from only 1/16 to 1/8 (1 — 2.5 mm) of an inch long.90005 90002 They’re wingless, though they’re known for their extraordinary ability to jump large distances thanks to their 6 long legs. These long legs and speed are what makes fleas so troublesome to our pets; they’re able to evade your dogs teeth and claws. 90005 90002 Depending on your dog’s coat length and color fleas can be hard to find with the naked eye. Darker, thicker fur can make finding fleas on your dog tricky. And because they move quickly and jump around they’re not always easy to spot.90005 90002 Because fleas are hard to find you can rely on the presence of flea dirt to determine whether or not your dog has fleas. Flea dirt is actually flea poop, and it appears as specks of dirt on your dogs skin. If those specks turn a reddish brown color when they get wet you know you’re dealing with flea dirt. 90005 90009 3 Simple Ways to Check Your Dog For Fleas at Home 90010 90002 Being able to catch a flea problem early will save you a lot of hassle. Left untreated fleas can turn into a heavy infestation, and that makes management more difficult.90005 90002 And remember that when the weather heats up our dogs are even more susceptible to getting fleas, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. So if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors checking fleas should be part of your daily routine. Once your used to checking for fleas it’s a really quick and simple process. 90005 90002 How do you know if your dog has fleas? If your dog is itching more than normal it’s a good idea to look them over for any signs of fleas. Here’s 3 simple methods you can use to check for yourself.90005 90009 90047 1. Check Your Dog for Fleas With the White Towel Test 90048 90010 90002 The best way to check for fleas (especially if your dog has dark or thick fur) is by using a white towel or sheet. To test my dog ​​Laika I have her lay on her side on a white towel while I brush her. If I see any specks of dirt or dark spots falling off onto the sheet I know I’ve got a problem. 90005 90002 Adult fleas are easy to identify on a white sheet. If there’s a lot of specks falling off of your dog you might be dealing with «flea dirt.»Flea dirt is a mix of blood and flea poop, and they look like small specks of dirt. If you dampen those specks and they turn reddish brown you can be fairly certain that they came from fleas. 90005 90002 Here’s a great video that covers using a flea comb and a white towel. 90005 90002 90057 90058 90005 90009 90047 2. Do a Visual Check for Fleas on Your Dog 90062 90048 90010 90002 Adult fleas are small (1/16 — 1/8 inch) and they move fast. If your dog does not have a heavy flea infestation you probably will not even notice them unless you’re actively looking.And again, your dogs coat color and thickness can make visual checks for fleas a challenge. If you’ve ever tried to do a visual check on a black dog with thick fur I’m sure you know how difficult a visual test alone can be. 90005 90002 To perform a visual check have your dog lay on his side or back and start with his abdomen. If you spot any dark spots that look like dirt you’re likely looking at flea poop. Adult flea feces appear as specks of dirt on your dog that resemble black pepper. 90005 90002 If you find what you suspect to be flea dirt on your dog grab a damp paper towel.Rub the towel over the specks to see if they change color. Flea feces turn reddish-brown when they get wet. 90005 90071 90002 With a complete life cycle ranging anywhere from 16 days to 21 months, depending on environmental conditions, fleas are most commonly found on a dog’s abdomen, the base of the tail and the head. — Pet MD 90005 90074 90009 90047 3. How to Use a Flea Comb on Your Dog 90062 90048 90010 90002 If you live in a region where your dog is at risk for getting fleas I recommend getting yourself a flea comb.Do not bother trying to pick off fleas individually when you can buy an inexpensive item that does a much better job. We use this flea comb that has a double row of teeth. It costs less than 5 dollars and it works great on my dog ​​with medium length hair. 90005 90002 Because the fleas get trapped between the rows of teeth make sure you have a bowl of hot water nearby to dunk it in after each swipe. You can try killing them yourself by squashing them, but they can jump pretty far so they have a tendency to escape.Dunking them in hot water is the easiest and most effective way to make sure you get them before they have a chance to jump away. 90005 90009 What to Do If You Find Fleas on Your Dog? 90010 90002 When you find yourself facing a flea infestation it can feel overwhelming. There are so many medications and treatments available it’s hard to know where to start. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of how to manage fleas that I’d recommend checking out: 90005 90002 If you have a puppy and find fleas I suggest taking them to the vet for treatment.It does not take long for fleas to cause anemia in young dogs, and left untreated it can be fatal. 90005 90009 What If Your Dog Itches But It’s Not Fleas? 90010 90002 You might not be able to catch all flea infestations yourself. There are numerous other conditions and reactions that could be causing your dog to itch. I recommend a trip to your veterinarian to figure out what’s causing all that itching and scratching. 90005 90002 Regardless of the diagnosis an itchy pet is uncomfortable; a trip to your vet will help ease their discomfort and find the root of the problem.90005 90071 90002 Suspected infestation can be readily confirmed by means of veterinary diagnosis involving the animal’s medical history, a physical examination, and possible skin testing. — Cornell University 90005 90074 90100 Recommended Reading & Resources 90101 90002 90103 Disclosure: I am not a veterinarian. The purpose of this article is to teach you how to check your dogs skin and fur at home by adding it into your regular grooming schedule. If you have any health concerns about your dog the first thing I recommend is a trip to the vet.90104 90005 90106 90002 Please share with your friends. 90005 .