Flea bites are the top cause of the itchiness and scratching associated withskin allergies in dogs . In some cases , flea morsel on dogs can escalate into serious ( or evenfatal)health problems . Given that fleas can cause so much damage , learn to name them and their bites is authoritative .
locate dog flea bites ( and the real flea themselves ) is n’t always straightforward , which is why we ask veterinarians to help . We ’ve also provide tips on treating flea pungency and preventing plague , so your pup does n’t have to meet needlessly . If you suspect your dog has fleas or exhibits any unusual symptoms , contact your veterinarian .
What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Dogs?
Flea bites on dogsgenerally see like miniature set up red DoT . They ’re sometimes mistaken for bed germ bites and mosquito bite , though flea bite are unremarkably a bit smaller . An supersensitive reaction – marked by excessive scrape and chewing – can cause the bite to become inflamed .
Even if you know what domestic dog flea bites look like , they ’re not always the easiest affair to situate , peculiarly on pups with denser fur . “ Often flea bites go unnoticed on the skin unless a severe infestation is present , ” says Dr. Audrey Weaver , a married person doctor who works atHeart + Pawin their Glen Mills , Pennsylvania location .
It ’s usually easy to detect the presence of flea dirt , dark brown particles ( made of flea fecal matter ) that resemble coffee bean ground , impart Dr. Jerry Klein , primary veterinary policeman for theAmerican Kennel Club , base in New York City . Flea dirt is “ seen when the hair of an infected fauna is parted , often near the base of the tail , near the skull , or on the groin or inside the hind limb . ”
Types of Fleas on Dogs
Of the estimated2,500 species of fleasworldwide , only a fewimpact North American dogs . Veterinarians say that most detent flea bites , no matter of the species , look similar .
The follow type of flea are some to watch for in the United States , with the cat flea being the most coarse and far-flung by far .
Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
If your veterinarian diagnose your dog with flea bites , it belike originated from the cat flea , the most prevalent flea mintage in the United States . The cat flea is a host for disease that can also betransmitted to humans . These includeRickettsia typhi , the bacterium that causes typhus , and theBartonella henselaebacteria , which is responsible for open thebartonella infection .
Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
Thedog flealooks a muckle like the cat flea , except that it ’s not as far-flung . This does n’t stand for it ca n’t cause hurt , though , as the dog flea serves as a host to parasitictapeworms .
Poultry Sticktight Flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea)
Thepoultry sticktight fleais primarily a jeopardy for dog who ’ve had contact lens with infested backyard poultry . While this coinage does n’t transmit disease , plague can lead to a junior-grade infection .
Oriental Rat Flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
Though theOriental rat fleamay make its living by feasting on rodents , it ’ll attach itself to dog if needed . This type of flea carries Yersinia pestis , the bacterium creditworthy for the plague .
Symptoms of Flea Bites on Dogs
Fleas bite on dogs can cause a identification number of agonizingsymptomslike itching , redness , and scratching , not to mention infections and medical issues . Because some of these issues can be serious , it ’s crucial to contact your vet right away if your dog is exhibit any unusual symptom .
Itchiness and Scratching
“ Some pets may have a flea allergy , which means that when the flea bites the positron emission tomography , the saliva of the flea triggers an allergic reaction in the favourite ’s body , ” enjoin Dr. Weaver . One of the effect of this , she says , is itchiness , which veterinarians refer to as pruritus . Aflea bite allergyis , in fact , theleading causal agent of itchinessand expunge in dogs .
Hives, Wounds, and Hair Loss
When your pup is allergic , flea bite can also result in symptoms like hives , swell , severe redness , and significanthair loss , says Dr. Weaver . overweening scratching , licking , and manduction can exasperate this .
Red Bumps
Flea bites on a dog appear as tiny , parent reddish spots . They can become inflamed from undue scratching and jaw .
Flea Dirt
Where there ’s fleas and dog flea bites , there ’s bind to be flea dirt , which is the combination of flea faecal matter and the host ’s blood . In fact , it ’s in reality wanton to locate flea dirt than literal flea bites .
Flea-Borne Infection
Flea bites seldom lead in live on hurt , says Dr. Klein . “ However , flea bite can be dangerous because they may spread diseases that can be serious and , in some cases , even fatal . ”
One of these diseases is thebartonella infection , which can make febrility , nosebleeds , and heart job in dogs . pup who take infect fleas take chances acquiringtapeworms , with symptoms that include vomiting anddiarrhea .
Anemia
Fleas are voracious parasites , so an infestation can get the type of stock loss that lead toanemia , which Dr. Klein says is “ extremely dangerous in very minor or untried pup . ” Symptoms of anemia includepale mucilage , increased fatigue duty , and appetite loss .
How to Treat Flea Bites on Dogs
If you suspect your dog has fleas , start by touch your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment . The actual flea bites on dog rarely require intervention , say Dr. Klein , “ unless they become septic or if the animal is experiencing an allergic reaction calledflea bite dermatitis . ”
Veterinarians will typically start bytreatingthe flea outbreak itself , crafting a plan that incorporate killing adult flea on the dog , ridding the home surroundings of flea , and forbid future infestation .
They will generally prescribemedication in the variety of prescription medicine veterinary insecticides , most of which offer both bar and handling benefit . These medicament are useable in a change of formulations , including :
Prescription flea products should sour cursorily and effectively . “ Most prescription flea product will begin killing fleas in one to four time of day , ” explain Dr. Weaver . “ The itch and rubor typically begins dissolve as the flea burden reduce . For pets that have wounds triggered by the pet biting / chewing at the skin , healing fourth dimension varies for each deary but can range from 5 to 21 mean solar day , sometimes longer calculate on rigourousness . ”
If your pet is know any symptoms and conditions associated with flea chomp , like anaemia or flea allergy dermatitis , your veterinarian will also address them in the process . For good example , flea allergic reaction dermatitis is typically treated with antihistamines and antibiotics , according to Dr. Klein .
The home must also be handle and cleaned , says Dr. Weaver . “ This includes bedding , carpeting or carpeting , and mattress if the pet sleeps in the bed with the pet parent . ”
Home Remedies for Flea Bites on Dogs
There really are n’t any dependable home remediation for flea insect bite on hound , veterinarians say . “ All medical intervention for bloodsucking conditions to an animal should be determined by a veterinary surgeon , ” recommend Dr. Klein .
Some OTC treatments can really be hazardous to your dog as well . With topical ointment , for example , “ the pet may lick the area and ingest the ointment which has the potential of being toxic , ” Dr. Klein adds .
Bathing your firedog Canis familiaris with a soothe , medicated shampoo , however , is one way to supply temporary stand-in from flea , says Dr. Weaver . It ’s significant to opt ashampoo specifically forge for dogsand be cognizant that some can interfere with topical tick and flea medicines .
How to Prevent Flea Bites on Dogs
Flea and flea bite prevention are authoritative to the wellness of all pawl , regardless of geographic location . Though flea are more predominant in affectionate and humid realm like the Southeast and Southern Plains , they can be find anywhere in the United States , even in cooler temperatures .
It ’s much easier to prevent flea bites and infestation than it is to have to treat your blackguard and fume an entire habitation . fortuitously , manage flea is straightforward . Veterinarians are always available to guide you in choosing the respectable flea prevention and handling mensuration for your dog , and they agree that the easy and most efficacious elbow room to avoid flea infestation is with year - round flea medicament .
There are numerous flea preventive formulation useable that oblige officious lifestyles . These admit topicals , chews ( given every one to three months ) , and collars . Many of these also offer protection againstticks , roundworms , hookworms , or other plague .
Other Practices to Help Prevent Flea Bites on Dogs
Check your dog for fleas . Regularly sift through your andiron ’s fur with aflea combto search for fleas , flea grease , orflea eggs . Another option is to engage a professional pet groomer to do it .
Practice good housework . Vacuum rugs and carpets at least every other day . And since flea egg are adept at hiding in crack and nooks , make it a habit to mop and sweep the floors . It ’s also essential to cleanse bedding ( both yours and your dog ’s ) with max and piss to aid control flea infestations .
Do n’t forget about the backyard . If your outside area attracts wild animals , consider sum up argue or placing netting on plants as a deterrence .
Bathe your andiron . Veterinarians say open your dogregular bathscan assistance . An append welfare is that you get to spend quality bonding time with your pup .
