Like worms or mites, fleas are among the unpopular parasites that like to make themselves comfortable on and around dogs or cats. The jumping insects not only cause severe itching but can also cause illness. Unfortunately, they are in season all year round. We give tips about fleas in dogs.
That is why fleas are dangerous for dogs
Fleas itch and are annoying – no question about it. In addition, fleas are considered to be carriers of tapeworms: If the dog swallows a flea while cleaning its coat, it can become infected with tapeworms. If many fleas suckle blood from their four-legged host for a long period of time, this can lead to anemia in the dog. Some dogs develop an itchy skin irritation called flea dermatitis after being bitten by a flea.
They are allergic to the saliva of the fleas and particularly suffer from an infestation. Signs of this can be redness, hair loss, and severe scratching or biting on the affected areas. The intense itching makes some dogs aggressive. A grass mite allergy can cause similar symptoms.
Recognize fleas in dogs
The parasites, which are only 3 mm in size, are unpopular. Nevertheless, your jumping talent deserves respect:
Fleas can jump from a standing position about a meter wide and 25 centimeters high.
An impressive achievement. It is possible to see individual specimens hopping on the four-legged friend. However, this is either a coincidence or the infestation is already well advanced. You can usually recognize fleas by the accompanying symptoms such as itching or after a specific search using flea droppings.
Not every scratching means that your four-legged friend is carrying uninvited guests. Perhaps your dog is irritated or scratching as a skipping act. Does your dog scratch noticeably often? Then grab a flea comb and do the flea test. To do this, place the dog on a damp white cloth or a slightly damp kitchen roll. Then comb the four-legged friend with the fine-toothed comb. If small brown-black balls fall out, rub them with a damp cloth or paper. If you turn red, it is flea poop.
If you recognize reddish-brown dots in the dog’s fur without crushing them, it may be grass mites.
Fleas: Can be transmitted from dog to human?
Rat flea, human flea, dog flea: the names indicate that, depending on the species, fleas prefer a certain host. There are thousands of different species of fleas, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they ignore other hosts. This is why dog fleas can be transmitted to humans. However, they only pass to humans when they live closely together and are highly infested. By the way, the most common flea found on dogs is the contagious cat flea.
Agent against fleas in dogs
Your four-legged friend has fleas – what should be done? First of all: keep calm. Only in rare cases and with low levels of infestation is it sufficient to treat the dog once with a flea preparation. For example, if the dog made the acquaintance of fleas on a hedgehog in the garden – and you discovered them straight away. You can choose between:
- Flea powder
- Flea spray
- Flea shampoo
Get advice from your vet and make sure you follow the instructions for use. This means that merely preventing fleas are not enough. Caution: If cats live in the house, only treat them with a product suitable for velvet paws.
Flea products for dogs can kill cats!
After a strong flea infestation, worming makes sense. Because fleas are considered to be carriers of cucumber tapeworms. If the dog cleans its fur and swallows an infected flea, the affected dog can develop worms.
Fighting Fleas in Dogs: A Flea-Free Environment
The biggest challenge with a flea infestation is not the fleas on the dog, but their eggs and larvae in carpets, cracks in the floor, or on the sofa.
Because a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day.
These fall out of the dog’s fur and spread throughout the apartment, where they can hatch after about a week. The larvae in turn crawl into dark places to pupate. They hatch after ten days at the earliest and jump onto their first host – preferably a dog or a cat. If there is no four-legged friend around, they like to make do with a person. Researchers estimate that when there is a flea infestation, only around 5 percent of the fleas are on the host. The rest are waiting in the area for their blood meal.
Seven tips for a flea-free environment
- If there is an acute flea infestation, wipe and vacuum the areas of the apartment where the dog is;
- After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag or its contents;
- Wash blankets, toy stuffed animals, and pillows at 60 degrees;
- An alternative to washing at high temperature is freezing at -18 degrees for at least 24 hours;
- Does your dog sleep in the bed? Then wash the bed linen daily at 60 degrees;
- Use special ambient sprays or powders after consulting your vet;
- If the infestation is severe, a nebulizer, a “fogger” against fleas, can be used;
- Be persistent: The treatment of the area after an acute flea infestation can take three months.
How to protect your dog from fleas
The natural environment of the flea is meadows, bushes, and shrubs. They multiply from an ambient temperature of 10 degrees and are therefore more common from spring. Unfortunately, the jumping insects are not only found in the wild: If the food supply is good, they like to live with their host in his four walls. Here – or in other buildings such as barns – they can reproduce optimally throughout the year.
This is why you should prevent: with flea collars or spot-ons. Talk to your veterinarian about which product is best for your dog. Home remedies for fleas can prevent, but not fight an acute flea infestation.
