The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. Show
Most pet parents have witnessed their dog excessively scratching one day, and then realize their dog is also chewing and biting its skin. What’s the likely cause? Fleas. Fleas are small, dark brown or black insects that survive by feeding on mammals causing many a sleepless night for pets and pet parents alike. The good news is that fleas can be prevented and effectively killed once discovered on your dog. How To Tell If Your Dog Has FleasFleas are most active during the warm months but they are very efficient and can thrive year-round. Fleas can contribute to the onset of secondary skin infections and the transmission of multiple diseases and parasites. Itching, scratching, and biting the skin are often the first telltale signs that your dog has fleas and warrant further looking into, as would hair loss, scooting, “hot spots,” and a copper- or rust-colored coat. Symptoms of Fleas on DogsOther than changes in your dog’s behavior (excessive scratching, licking, and chewing) that may prompt you to check your dog for fleas, the most common signs of fleas are related to the skin. Your dog may have hair loss or “hair barbering” (when the hair is chewed off leaving stiff or rough ends), changes in its coat color due to chronic licking or chewing, crusts, scales, redness, and “hot spots” (moist, ulcerative, and often inflamed lesions that appear suddenly). Areas near the lower back, tail, inner thighs, and groin are generally the most affected. Also, when bitten, dogs may be allergic to the flea saliva and may develop a reaction known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Fleas can also transmit diseases caused by the Bartonella bacteria, as well as parasites such as tapeworms, and even diseases that humans can contract such as murine typhus. Keep in mind that fleas ingest their host’s blood when they bite, which can also lead to anemia (iron deficiency). Is It Dry Skin or Fleas?When your dog has dry skin, you may see scales and flakes that are stationary and white, akin to dandruff in people. Dry skin is also seen in patches. Fleas, on the other hand, are dark brown or black, crawl around, and can be seen in your dog’s fur one at a time, or in multiples. How To Check Dogs for FleasIf your dog shows the signs and symptoms noted above, it’s critical to examine it further for fleas. Areas that should be examined first are the lower back, tail head, and the back of thighs and groin. Also, your dog’s crate, bedding, and toys should be checked for fleas. When conducting a flea check, follow these steps to look for fleas in your dog’s fur:
What Do Fleas on Dogs Look Like?The flea life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa (in a cocoon), and adult. The entire flea life cycle is about three weeks but varies depending on the environment. Flea eggs are microscopic, white, and oval-shaped. Adult fleas, on the other hand, can easily be seen with the naked eye, and are dark brown or black, and can crawl or jump. Flea dirt looks like black specks on the skin and fur of your dog. Treatment for Fleas on DogsFollow these three strategies to treat fleas on your dog:
Prevention of Fleas on DogsPreventing fleas on your dog is extremely simple, and flea prevention products are easily accessible and inexpensive. There are many products on the market, and each acts differently in killing and/or repelling fleas and each has a different application process. Partner with your vet to find the most suitable product for you and your dog’s lifestyle. Oral products such as Bravecto, Capstar, and Comfortis act within hours after being given, while topical products such as Frontline, Revolution, and Advantage take a little longer. And because fleas can thrive in almost every type of environment, vets recommend giving your dog year-round protection and doing frequent, thorough flea checks on your dog. What Do Fleas Look Like on Dogs FAQSAre dog fleas visible to the naked eye? Yes! Fleas are small, dark brown or black insects that are visible to the naked eye. What kills fleas on dogs instantly? There are many products such as Advantage, Capstar, and Comfortis (among others) that quickly kill flea larval and/or adult stages rapidly, some as quickly as 30 minutes. Can I get fleas from my dog? Fleas generally won’t leave their host unless groomed off or physically removed, and they most often prefer your dog (or other pets) to you. With severe infestations, however, fleas can certainly jump on you and bite. Featured Image: iStock.com/Sladic
Sandra Dombrovsky / EyeEmGetty Images
Are you wondering how to get rid of mites on dogs? Mites are tiny creatures — usually around a millimetre long — that burrow deep into your dog's skin causing irritation and inflammation. Mite infections in dogs can be incredibly contagious, with the eggs of the mites often transferring to other dogs. There are three common mites that are known for infecting dogs: Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites and ear mites. Demodex mites will result in hair loss, while Sarcoptes mites can also be transmitted to humans. "Most mite infestations affecting dogs can be diagnosed by direct identification under the microscope after skin scrapes or hair plucks," Marc Abraham, a Brighton-based vet, writes for the Kennel Club. "Unfortunately these don't always reveal the offending creatures, so your vet may start treatment before any positive identification. These days with effective new drugs, anti-parasitic shampoos, dips and spot-ons, it usually means a much quicker response time but occasionally multiple treatments taking up to six months are necessary." Take a look at everything you need to know about mites on dogs, including how to know if your dog has mites and how to get rid of them. How do I know if my dog has mites?Some of the symptoms you dog may have mites include:
How do you get rid of mites on a dog?While mites on dogs can be irritable for our pups, the good news is that most mite infestations can be treated with a simple anti-parasitic wash. Some shampoos — which you'll find in local pet stores and online — can help cure your dog of mites. Always check with your vet first if you're unsure.
Can humans get mites from dogs?The most common type of mite on dogs is the sarcoptic mite (mange), which is also called canine scabies. Humans can catch sarcoptic mange from dogs, but the skin irritation won't last long as the mites cannot complete their life cycle in human skin. "If your dog is suspected to have sarcoptic mange, you should keep them off of furniture that you share, wash their bedding and avoid very close contact, particularly with children," advise the Blue Cross. "You should avoid close contact with other dogs outside the home until the infection has cleared. All other dogs in the home should be treated for sarcoptic mange if one dog has it, even if they don't show symptoms." Read more:
What do mites look like on a dog's skin?Mites look like small spider-like creatures, with are estimated to only be 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long. To the naked eye, they may look like tiny black dots on the skin, so you can only really see them under a microscope. They have a world-wide distribution, often being transferred from one dog to another. Some burrow themselves into the skin of dogs, while others live in their hair follicles.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io |