Does Your Dog Have Fleas?
Fleas are common in the spring, but diagnosing your dog with these itchy pests isn't always straightforward. Here are five ways to inspect your dog for fleas, so you can act fast in the face of infestation.
1. Look for Behavioral Changes
In severe infestations, it's easy to spot fleas jumping and moving on and off your dog's body. In less obvious situations, you may notice that your dog is restless and is scratching, licking, or chewing more than normal on certain areas of the body. Shaking the head often and scratching at the ears is another indication of a possible flea infestation in your dog.
Read About: Itching and Scratching in Dogs
2. Check the Skin and Haircoat
To inspect your dog for fleas, turn him onto his back and check the best hiding areas. The armpits and groin are two areas that tend to be warm and protected, making them perfect for fleas. The ears are another hiding area for fleas; check for scratching, redness, blood, or dirt. The skin on the belly, groin, or base of the tail, meanwhile, may appear red and bumpy if your dog has fleas. Another tell-tale sign of fleas is hair loss and scabbing.
Read About: Skin Rash in Dogs
3. Use a Flea Comb
Buy a flea comb (a specially made comb with closely set teeth) and run it through the hair on your dog's back and legs. The comb's teeth are designed to catch and pull fleas out from under the haircoat, where they are hiding. Make sure you get close to the skin when running the comb through the hair so you have a greater chance of getting to where the fleas are hiding out. Have a bowl of soapy water on hand. Throw any live fleas in the water as you comb.
4. Check the Environment
Fleas don't just stay on your dog. They can also be found all through your house, and especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Closely examine your dog's feeding area, bedding, and favorite locations for signs of flea dirt (black specks), or for the fleas themselves. A method you can use to search for flea dirt in the house is to wear white socks and walk through areas frequented by your dog. Fleas and/or flea dirt may be picked up by the fibers of the socks and will stand out on the white background.
Read About: Non-Toxic Cleaning for Pets
5. Get a Veterinarian's Advice
If you can't find any signs of actual fleas on your dog or in your living environment, or if you have done the full flea eradication treatment on your dog and home, but your dog is still scratching excessively, it's time to ask your veterinarian for advice. He or she will help you determine the cause of your dog's discomfort and suggest treatment options.
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