Fleas on Dogs: What Dog Owners Need to Know

Fleas are more than an annoying nuisance. Fleas can also contribute to other health problems, including tapeworm infections and, in heavy infestations, anemia. If your dog is scratching, biting, or licking their skin more than usual, fleas could be the problem. These tiny parasites can cause significant itching and skin irritation, and some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis from flea bites. 

Knowing the signs of a flea infestation can help you catch the problem early and get your dog the treatment they need.

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Fleas?

The most obvious sign of fleas on dogs is excessive scratching, but that isn’t the only symptom. You may also notice your dog licking, chewing, or biting at their skin, particularly around the base of the tail, hindquarters, groin, or back legs. Hair loss, red or irritated skin, scabs, and hot spots can also indicate fleas. 

Look closely through your dog’s coat for flea dirt, tiny black or dark-brown specks. Flea dirt is actually digested blood left behind by fleas. A flea comb can help you find both fleas and flea dirt, particularly in areas where the coat is thinner.

Why Are Fleas a Problem for Dogs?

A few fleas can quickly become a much bigger problem. Fleas lay eggs that can fall from your dog’s coat into bedding, carpeting, furniture, and other areas where your pet spends time. The flea life cycle includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas, so removing the adult fleas from your dog doesn’t necessarily eliminate the infestation. 

Some dogs are especially sensitive to flea saliva and can develop intense itching from even a small number of bites. Persistent scratching can damage the skin and contribute to secondary infections. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms when a dog swallows an infected flea.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Fleas?

If you find fleas on your dog, talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate flea treatment and ongoing prevention. Veterinary-recommended flea preventatives can help kill fleas and reduce the chance of reinfestation.

You’ll also need to address the environment. Wash pet bedding, vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, and follow appropriate environmental flea-control measures. Fleas go through several life cycle stages, so an established infestation can take time to eliminate. Treating every pet in the household may also be necessary.

Grooming can be helpful, too. A professional groomer can inspect your dog’s coat, bathe your dog using appropriate grooming products, and remove loose debris and flea dirt. However, a grooming appointment should not be considered a substitute for veterinary flea treatment or household flea control.

What Can I Do to Keep My Dog Flea-Free?

The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent an infestation before it starts. We advise our clients to take four steps to keep their dogs flea-free:

1. Regularly check your dog’s skin and coat.
2. Maintain a consistent at-home grooming routine.
3. Use a flea preventative that your veterinarian recommends. 
4. Schedule routine grooming. Professional grooming is an opportunity to notice changes in your dog’s skin or coat that might otherwise go unnoticed.

If you’re in Ephrata, Denver, or Northern Lancaster County, PA, Ears, Nails & Puppy Dog Tails can help keep your dog’s coat clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. If you suspect your dog has fleas, let your groomer know before the appointment so appropriate precautions can be discussed.

Sources & Further Reading

• American Kennel Club. “External Dog Parasites.” AKC.
• American Kennel Club. “How to Get Rid of Fleas.” AKC
• Companion Animal Parasite Council. “Fleas.”