Fleas in Dogs

Overview and Facts

What is

• Fleas in Dogs: An Overview

Fleas are small parasitic insects, in the order Siphonaptera, which feed off of the blood of their host. All fleas live on the skin of their host animal, and there are different species of fleas which feed off of cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and humans (although if hungry, a flea of any species will feed off of any available host). Fleas are known for their ability to jump great distances and for their fast reproduction rates.




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Prevention

• Flea Prevention for Dogs and Cats
A flea infestation will not only irritate and aggravate your pet; these pesky parasites can also cause allergic reactions on your pet’s skin and perhaps expose your pet to internal parasites. Once a flea population has been established in a household, it can be a nightmare trying to completely eliminate them.

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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Fleas in Dogs

Symptoms of fleas in dogs are sometimes very obvious, for example, when fleas are seen on the dog, or they may be include symptoms of parasites which fleas carry or allergic skin conditions. In some cases, flea infestation is not always so obvious and it is possible for owners to miss flea infestations in their dogs.




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Types

• Cat Flea
The cat flea is the most common ectoparasite of both dogs and cats in the United States and has been found on over a dozen other animals.

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• Sticktight Flea
The sticktight flea is an occasional pest of dogs and cats, as well as of chickens and other birds.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treatment Options for Fleas in Dogs

Treatment options for fleas on dogs include topical prescription or over-the-counter treatments, prescription pills, and organic treatments which repel fleas and reduce the flea population in the dog’s home. The effectiveness of these treatments varies, and pet owners need to look at their own situation to find out which treatment option is best for them.




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• Treating Fleas in Dogs Organically

Organic treatment options for fleas on dogs include dietary supplements, applying essential oils on the dog’s fur, and eliminating the fleas from the dog’s environment. Pet owners who wish to use organic treatments for fleas on their dog need to realize that these treatment options require plenty of commitment and diligence.




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• Eliminating Fleas from Your Home

Methods used to eradicate fleas from your home depend on the severity of the infestation. Prescription topical treatments placed on the dog’s skin, professional pesticide services, and cleaning the dog’s environment may all be used to eradicate fleas.




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• Guidelines for Using Pesticides on Your Pet
Pesticide products can help alleviate their discomfort caused by insects and insect-like organisms, but pets caretakers need to take precautions.

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